April Patient of the Month: Finnbar Morrissey

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Blog

Client Name: Kathryn Morrissey
Patient Name:
Finnbar

Brief History of Pet

After my first westie was diagnosed with terminal cancer on October 31st, 2012, I knew that I wanted another dog. I couldn’t face coming home and not having a dog there to greet me. Therefore, I put a deposit down on a westie puppy with a westie breeder downstate. My first westie died on January 5th, 2013, and I picked up Finnbar on February 11th, 2013. The name Finnbar means “Fair-haired One” in Gaelic.

“Finnbar has been a long-time favorite of the VSMR team. Mr. Floppy’s ear was always ready and excited to work as long as his bag of treats was close in hand. As his therapist, I can honestly say working with Finnbar was always a pleasure, and watching how much he has improved over the last year has been great.”
Carla Ortega, Rehabilitation Technician

Why VSMR?

He tore his ACL and had to have surgery in April of 2021. I liked the comprehensive services offered by VSMRHG. I thought it had everything that Finny would need to get well and back to his old self. I was right.

Favorite Motivator

Finnbar is a true chow hound, and even though he has a sensitive stomach, he will do anything for his special kibble.

How VSMR has helped Finbarr

After Finny’s stitches came out, he started at VSMRHG. He was evaluated and started therapy. In only eight weeks or so, he was running again. In the fall, he had a setback, and we went back and restarted rehab. Again, he recovered wonderfully. He can now jump up on the couch like he used to and run after the rabbits. He is his old self.
Non-Profit Organization

At VSMR, we ask the owners of our Patient of the Month to choose a non-profit to be featured and donated to. Finbarr’s owner has chosen PAWS of Tinley Park, a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the protection of domestic animals and the prevention of animal cruelty in the surrounding communities.

Additional Information

I remember one time in 2017 or 2018 when I came home from running some errands, I looked in the family room wherein Finny was gated. Finny came running up to the gate and then ran back by the sofa. I looked to where he had run and there was my pet cockatiel sitting on one of his toys. She had gotten out of her cage. If only I had thought to take a picture of the expression on his face when he looked at me, it was as if to say “What is she doing on my toy? Are you seeing this?” I ran in and grabbed her and stuck her back in her cage. Good dog that he is, he had not touched her or harmed her.