Phineas

2009 - 2026

Phineas 🐾 October 18, 2009, to April 5, 2026, 🐾 Phineas was our best hello and our hardest goodbye. He loved his people. We loved him so deeply. Small in size, hIs colour was a KALEIDOSCOPE, browns, white, grey, black. Different blends and he had the best natural highlights. And OH, those eyes. With the perfect tuft of white skin under his chin.

From jumping on the dining table for a nap or a visit, to joining someone in the bath or shower and endless snuggles, he spent his time with us generously. He was not a fan of a closed door at any age. He may have used senior stairs for the past few years; only to get him closer to his destination on the bed or couch with his people. He also requested “bedroom water” as he aged, having a second water bowl close by his napping spots to save him the steps down the hall.

Phineas taught us to enjoy what was around us. He taught us to stop and slow down. He was considerate when walking us, stopping and sniffing often to allow us breaks. This mixed with interval training and he would periodically drag us as fast as he could. It was clear when he wanted to do something; and clear when he didn’t want to.

He loved to stare out windows, at the sunsets, the ocean, his treats as they sat uneaten for days needing to be just perfect. He would dance for his treats and take them to bury in the best blanket spot he could. He rolled in the grass. His first road trip was to West River and Arisaig. Ironically, those were the spots he visited on his last weekend alive. Travelled throughout Nova Scotia. PEI, NB, Quebec and Ontario. Swam in the lakes, oceans & even the odd pool. Tolerated tenting, preferred a hotel and was not a fan of sleeping on the floor unless his humans were beside him.

Never a chewer of household items, he was known for taking the girls babysit socks and toys when they were all little. Especially if a stuffed animal or toy made noises. A fav stuffed animal would be shared by all three of them. Many years of dropped cereal and food taught him to prefer treats dropped of meat to anything else. A habit that continued for life. The early years hold lots of memories and we were so grateful he was there.

Phineas spent years walking with Red Dog pet services. He was a member of the littles; and loved when the big girl dogs joined on occasion. He loved the snow, sunshine and put up with mud. Regular texts from Erin would read, “it doesn’t look like very Phineas-friendly weather” and he opted out if it was raining. He was a known seat hog; he preferred to travel in the front seat and mark his displeasure if he was placed in the back. Erin was patient and kind; we are forever in gratitude for the photos and stories of his Red Dog travels. Never a big fan of eating in front of people, it took video proof to show he ate a sardine snack on a Red Dog walk. A treat he loved until his ending.

In 2022, his ears stopped working as well as they once did. We missed the side glance of his head and excitement with announcing we were going for walks or out. In 2025, his eyes faded and filled with cataracts. He made his way around fairly WELL, his sense of touch and smell ever present. He continued to forever love rides in cars and vans; taking the opportunity to air surf out the window and snuggle in a lap. He was a faithful companion for picking up Rori and Georgia from dance, ringette, babysitting or their teen adventures. He let you know clearly when he was unhappy to be left alone. Small and mighty, he could be bossy and strong of will.

Jeff (Pooch Parlour) faithfully groomed him 92 times over his lifetime. Jeff knew as we did, the time was slowing down and supported him with senior adaptions.

In his senior years, when traveling with the family wasn’t always an option, he hung out with Lea, who was the best pet sitter we could have asked.

He loved the extra presence of his people at home during pandemic times and was a regular participant in public health meetings. Phineas easily has earned an undergrad in science with his participation and working in health. he also earned his bilingual status in english and French, from years of studying with Georgia and Rori.

Phineas found happiness in the smallest things- belly rubs, ear rubs, back scratches, walking side by side, following people around, snuggles under the blanket. His sleeping positions were varied; from curled up as a cinnamon roll to stretched out pretending he was tall and long.

Phineas tolerated getting his teeth brushed and wearing clothing. He had an outfit for every season. Including matching family holiday pjs. He spent many years playing dress up and wearing doll clothes, LOL accessories and being the inspiration for Lego landscapes. All featuring a dog.

We appreciate your lessons, Phineas, and we would have always wanted more time with you. We loved you fully and endlessly.

Age was starting to change him, as it does to all of us. We will always miss the dog he was, and it was time to let the dog he became go and be in peace.

We loved you your whole life. We will miss you for the rest of ours. Thank you Phineas, Phinny, Phin-bin, Phinny baby, Bubba, Baby Dog.

Our hearts ache in his absence, we are grateful for every moment, every memory, and every bit of love he gave so freely.