Finn, a stray dog rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico, became Friedman’s permanent companion after the initial adoption plans for the canine fell through. He is the son of the animal rescue champion.
Finn was rescued from Puerto Rico’s streets and adopted by Friedman when the original adoption plans didn’t work out. Friedman is not only Finn’s owner but also a passionate advocate for animal rescue.
In 2018, Friedman adopted Finn after the initial adopters changed their minds, and the two have been traveling the country in Friedman’s van ever since. Documenting Finn’s journey to freedom for The Dogist, Friedman made him a part of his family.
During their monthly road trips across the United States, they collaborate with local animal welfare organizations to raise awareness and celebrate the remarkable work these organizations do for animals and humans in their communities.
Furthermore, they provide significant support through a substantial monthly grant, thanks to the #teamfinn community, which now amounts to over $21,000 per month. Their funds are raised using the Patreon platform, and every penny goes toward the cause.
Their efforts are documented on their Instagram account, @KeepingFinn, showcasing their dedication to assisting other animals in need.
Despite their commitment to helping animals and their constant traveling, Finn and Friedman still look forward to spending holidays with their families. However, even during personal road trips, they remain vigilant, ever ready to assist animals in distress.
On a recent vacation, while exploring potential camping sites on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, Friedman stumbled upon three adult dogs and three puppies, abandoned, dirty, lonely, and in need of care.
They persistently sought help, following the couple around the campsite, sleeping in front of their vehicles at night, and greeting them every morning. Unable to ignore their plea, Friedman decided to act.
Through his connections in the rescue community, Friedman got in touch with rescue groups, The Animal Pad and Los Adoptables, and arranged for the dogs’ rescue. Unfortunately, rescuers arrived after Friedman had left, managing to save only two of the abandoned puppies.
Unable to forget the dogs he had encountered, Friedman returned to the beach and collected the four remaining canines, bringing them into his vehicle.
When Friedman found them, all the dogs were hungry, covered in ticks, and initially fearful of humans. It seemed they received food sporadically from occasional campers at the site. Their extended stay on the beach was perilous, and they might not have survived.
Friedman’s rescue happened at an even better time than he anticipated, as two of the four canines were found to be pregnant less than 24 hours after he picked them up. A total of 16 puppies were born, setting a new record for the rescue groups involved. Friedman described the experience as “amazing.”
The incident reinforced the importance of their work and the impact of their efforts. These dogs not only needed support but actively sought it, strengthening Friedman’s belief in their mission. He emphasized that despite the challenges, stories like these serve as reminders of why they engage in animal care.
The rescued dogs found compassionate foster families through The Animal Pad and were adopted when they reached eight weeks of age. Other dogs rescued by Friedman also found permanent homes, with two of the beach puppies, with help from Finn, brushing up on their social skills before finding their forever families.
Friedman shared a crucial message: you don’t need money or a large social network to help animals. All it takes is empathy and the determination to make a difference, one step at a time. He emphasized that every rescue, no matter how small, contributes to a better world for animals.