Finn McAllister Spencer-Zimmerman
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Finn McAllister Spencer-Zimmerman
(“Finny,” “Finnert,” “Dingle”), age 13 ½.
Finn died unexpectedly at home from an accident on Friday, October 18, 2024. Finn was an energetic Jack Russell/Rat Terrier who never lost his puppy spirit, even as a senior dog. He was full of personality, and no one could resist his charms. He made himself home wherever he went and loved to boss around bigger dogs. His favorite activities were stomping on blankets until he got the perfect mound to sleep in, patrolling his yard, treats, barking, and snuggling while watching TV. He loved Walker Texas Ranger and Grey’s Anatomy. Finn was also a kind soul who always had a wagging tail for everyone he met, especially those who were scared, lonely, or sad. He had a special knack for easing the fears of newly placed foster children who took refuge in Finn’s welcoming demeanor. Often, when we’d get a new foster care placement, we’d look for Finn, and there he’d be snuggled up next to the kiddo in bed as if saying, it’s okay. Everything is going to be alright. Finn made his adults feel like everything would be alright as well. The day his mom brought him home from the ARL at three months old, she knew this was her guy even though he started running literal laps around her as soon as she got him outside. He was by her side through moves
to Michigan, across Iowa, graduate school, meeting and marrying a boy
(much to Finn’s annoyance), pregnancy loss, foster care, and later adoption. Finn wasn’t just a great friend and companion to his mom but also the male human (the boy from earlier) who, after some years, Finn came to tolerate, and his human puppies T and J, who were later part of his pack.
Words can’t describe how terribly missed Finn will be. He had a spe-
cial spark that was mischievous, intelligent, and full of goodness. You
couldn’t help but love Finn. We did a lot together, Finn, over the course
of those 13 ½ years, and for that, your mom thanks you.
Finn is survived by his mom, dad, Aunt Amie, his human babies, T and
J, his grandparents, and many friends.
A special thank you to the Iowa State University Emergency Pet Hospital staff and doctors who did everything in their power to try and save our precious Finny and who took compassionate care of him after his
passing.
