If you haven't heard about Finnegan's story, it started back at the end of September 2021. Finn was a breeder dog and therefore a flight risk. Unfortunately, he got away from his foster in Canton near the end of September and was on the run. He was very scared and skittish so we all knew it would be difficult to catch him.
From the beginning, the amazing group of people from Animal Institute's Lost Pet Recovery Team were on the case trying to catch him. They worked tirelessly everyday to get him back to safety. He certainly didn't make it easy as he has been one of the most challenging cases they have ever worked on. They NEVER gave up on him which is a testament to the incredible work they do.
Finn was first located in mid-November which is when the Lost Pet Recovery Team set up the first trap. Unfortunately, as scared as he was, they only got one third of the trap built and he disappeared from the area.
Not long after this first sighting, he was spotted again about 2 miles away from his previous location which happened to be near the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Again, the process of building the trap began with the help of a wonderful couple nearby who was of great assistance to the LPRT. Within a couple of weeks, the trap was completed and armed; but unfortunately, Finn never returned.
Third time is a charm! At the end of January there was a sighting of a golden in Woodstock, 8 miles from the last sighting. Could this be Finn? Sure enough, it was him. Watching this poor boy endure sub-freezing temperatures and horrible weather just broke our hearts. Watching his every move on camera we would cycle through silent applause, sighs of relief, and moments of triumph as he was shepharded ever closer to his capture. The trap was armed just before dark on Tuesday, February 15th. Members of the LPRT anxiously waited out of sight nearby, while others watched remotely from home. Two AGA volunteers were on standby, ready to take possession of Finnegan if he were to be captured. It was a night of excruciating excitement, one that required meticulous planning, and the cooperation of all the local residents.
It was 11:23 pm before Finnegan appeared. He circled the outside of the trap, went to the door, walked away, went back to the door, and circled the trap again. This was not unusual for him, as he was building up the courage to go inside. At 12.42 am, over an hour later, Finnegan finally entered the trap, walked to the back, and triggered the door, which slammed shut!
After almost 5 months of evading capture, Finnegan was safe! The team, the rescue group, the street residents, and all the people who Finnegan brought together over the months cheered and applauded!
Here’s to Finnegan and his new - indoor - life!
AGA would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the amazing people of The Animal Institute's Lost Pet Recovery Team and all the people who helped in any way with this recovery. Without you,
we don't know if Finnegan would have ever been found. The dedication, perseverance and pride (and NEVER giving up) is remarkable with this group. Lost Pet Recovery Team spent almost 5 months, everyday working on this case. This is an all volunteer run organization and if you feel so inclined to thank them (as many of us have) please donate to their cause in Finn's name.
