Finn was rescued by @maedayrescue along with 3 other pups and their mom from a parking lot in Tarzana.

He was, to us, less of a dog and more of an earnest orphan boy. He was sweet, watchful, and affectionate, but also rambunctious, independent, and opinionated.

We never learned his breed, but we suspect he was largely Lhasa Apso, who the Tibetan monks had guard their holy temples. His favorite things were balls and string cheese, and his least favorite things were children and water.

Finn was whip smart and learned 15+ tricks in his short life, including "sit," "stay," "down," "bang," "roll over," "spin," "touch," "speak," "shake," "sit pretty," "find it," "leave it," and more.

He also learned things we never meant for him to. "Where's your mom" and "where's your dad" would send him searching for either one of us. "Go see who it is" would heave him howling toward the door.

He would ask for pets by propping himself up on your knees and then petting himself, pawing at his own face. He would ask for back scratches by sitting in front of you with his back turned, then pushing backwards happily into your fingernails.

He would go upside-down for belly-rubs, and then - if you stopped - go somehow further upside-down, making himself irresistible. He would ask to play ball by dropping it repeatedly at your feet ad infinitum.

His long hair was the talk of the neighborhood. When we dyed his tail rainbow colors for pride, he earned the local nickname "rainbow dog."

When he ran - at a top speed pretty impressive for 13 pounds - his hair would be one step behind him, creating a sort of antigravity effect.

When he was bathed by the wonderful team at @jessrona Grooming, he would suddenly look as small and fragile as he really was.

I'll miss the "ka-thunk, ka-thunk, ka-thunk" of him coming down the stairs. I'll miss the way he unfolded his entire body to pee, like a ballerina. I'll miss the way he'd howl at sirens as if they were long lost family.

I'll miss him sunbathing on the deck in the morning, wearing squinty eyes and a deadpan expression.

And I'll miss his holy presence in our lives. Dog backwards and all that. Love you forever, little man.

@samreich So sorry for your loss, Sam. Finn was a ray of sunshine, the goodest boy.

@samreich Remember watching Finn on Game Changer and thinking he was SUCH a smart boy. So sorry to hear this 🥺

@samreich so sorry for your loss

@samreich I'm so sorry, Sam. Sending you all the good vibes.

@samreich 💔 Sorry for your loss, Sam.

@samreich Much love to you and Elaine.💗 Finn was a good boy. May he have string cheese forever.

@samreich Oh no! He brought so much joy to so many people.