In our family Finnegan, our 7 year old Australian Shepherd, is considered another child. Both Hayley and Derek refer to Finnegan as their brother. He is such an important part of our family. Growing up I never had a dog, I had a cat Oreo (guess what colors she was?) and Oreo basically hid in the basement for most of my younger years. When I married Rob we both knew that we wanted to have a family and first one on that list was a dog.

First time I met Finnegan
The moment I met Finnegan I knew he was the one. He was the largest in his liter and the only red merle. Originally named Bubba I just knew that he would end up being my first baby. Finnegan has warmed my heart at the darkest of times, licked away my tears at moments of sadness and has been right by my side during the most wonderful and amazing moments in my family’s life.

Finnegan meets Derek for the first time
I knew it would be love at first sight for Finnegan when he met Derek but I was still very cautious as he got used to having a little baby in the house. Finnegan took to the roll of older brother immediately. He would come running when Derek cried and pace until we were able to sooth him. Finnegan would lay beside the bassinet, the swing, the carseat. No matter where Derek was, Finnegan was beside him.

Finnegan LOVES Derek

Not surprised when we saw how much Derek loved Finnegan

Teaching Derek to Ride a Bike
Then I became pregnant again. Just like with my first pregnancy, Finnegan was very protective of me. He was always by my side and loved to lay his head on my belly and sniff my belly! I swear he knew he was getting a baby sister!

My sidekick when I was pregnant
The moment Hayley came into this world she had two brothers that were ready to take on their rolls of protecting her. Both have catered to her and treated her like a princess from the moment she arrived home.

Proud Derek holding Hayley while Finnegan falls head over heels for her
Hayley and Finnegan are quite the pair!! He lets her do ANYTHING she wants and she is obsessed with taking care of him, dressing him up and kissing him!

Finnegan loves kissing

Finnegan Advocates for Vaccines like his siblings and momma!

Finnegan like to play dress up

And Finnegan even lets Hayley make him a princess

Finnegan in his Cape

Finnegan is always part of the family team

Derek and Finnegan make a great brother/brother team

Finnegan Plays Hide and Seek

Finnegan and the kids Play Fetch

Finnegan loves chewing sticks
One of the best decision that Rob and I made for our family was to make Finnegan part of it!! Hayley and Derek both love having a dog. They are obsessed and both have shown interest in being an “animal doctor” when they grow up. If you are considering a pet for your family I highly recommend getting a dog!!
Since we are such a dog loving family it’s obvious that when we try to find some shows and movies for family nights we are always looking for ones with pets, especially puppies!!! If your kids are like mine they will love all the Air Bud movies on Netflix!! This month on Netflix is my favorite because they are highlighting show and movies for your family featuring your favorite furry friends!
Four-Legged Stars to Stream on NetflixFor your little kids: |
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For your big kids: |
1. The Adventures of Puss in Boots
2. Annie 3. Step Dogs 4. Jumanji 5. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 6. Air Bud 7. Monkey Trouble |
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And for teens and parents: |
So wonderful to see how much love you share with Finnegan. He is a very special and handsome dog 🙂
Those photos are too precious!
Such sweet pictures!!
Thanks Lindsey!! Your boys would LOVE a dog 😉
Ahh you were right. These pictures definitely make me want to have a dog for the kids. Some day! My husband grew up with a black lab and his memory continues in the stuffed black labs we have for the girls. It’s fun hearing stories about him. Not sure I can do a lab though…. I need a chill dog hahah
Hilary you should get a lab!!! They are so sweet and fabulous with kids!!! You would learn to love the crazy too!!