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Meet Finn.

When HEART Rescue Coordinator needed a foster home for a 2 year old Bedlington named Finian, she contacted BTCA members Trish and Jeff Barr of California. Trish and Jeff already had a wonderful forever home in mind for Finn. Charlie Metz, along with this his African Grey parrot, Merlin, had originally applied to adopt a Bedlington a few years prior. But a family crisis had intervened. When Finn came into rescue, everyone knew Charlie and Merlin would be the perfect adoptive family!
Of course Merlin would have to agree to the adoption, because African Grey parrots can sometimes be destructive when confronted with new situations. Charlie began to discuss adding a new member to the family with Merlin who seemed to take it all in. Merlin is very intelligent! And when Finn arrived, Merlin never lost a feather or lashed out during the transition. Merlin has even decided to share his peanuts with Finn and even glides down from his perch to land on Finn's head! Charlie says Finn's reaction is like "really?" Merlin enjoys imitating Finn's favorite squeaky toy and Charlie's training whistle.
Finn has adapted beautifully to his new home. All three love to relax on the sofa together and watch television. At bedtime, Merlin goes to his cage while Finn sleeps on the bed with Charlie - like most adored, comfort loving Bedlingtons do! Finn new home has a dog-proof balcony and large semi-fenced yard where he and Charlie play several times a day. Depending on Charlie's work schedule as a hair stylist, they also take walks each day. Charlie finds walking with Finn very de-stressing and has lost 16 pounds! Sometimes Charlie takes Finn to the hair salon where Finn is a gracious greeter. He sits, shakes paws, and even high fives the clients! Charlie says Finn is the best urbanite dog there could be!
Charlie and Finn have taken several obedience classes together. Charlie admits that this was more for him than for Finn who already knew how to sit, stay, and lie down. The obedience classes helped Charlie learn to become the 'alpha' dog in the family.
In the future, Charlie hopes to participate in therapy dog training so he and Finn can volunteer at retirement homes, hospitals, and libraries. Charlie says Finn is so sweet and gentle he would be a great therapy dog.