For as long as anyone can recall, Fin has always enjoyed figuring things out. He has a knack for creating his own puzzles and gets incredibly enthusiastic about each one. Fin’s curiosity and love for problem-solving have been evident since he was a pup, and as he’s grown, so has his penchant for new challenges. His family has learned to embrace this quirky behavior, finding joy in his endless quest to solve puzzles and bring happiness to the household.
“Every day is a new and thrilling adventure for him,” shared Vee Thayer, Fin’s mother, with The Dodo. “It’s like experiencing Christmas morning daily. He keeps himself occupied — sometimes I hear him trotting around in another room and wonder what he’s up to, then decide I probably don’t want to know.” This boundless energy and curiosity keep Fin constantly engaged in his surroundings. He’s not content with just the ordinary; he always seeks the extraordinary in his daily life.
Fin is constantly setting new challenges for himself, but his favorite involves trying to get his mom to open the door while she’s in the shower. This particular puzzle seems to be his most beloved and persistent one. It started as a minor curiosity but has now evolved into a daily ritual that both Fin and his family have come to expect and even enjoy.
For some unknown reason, Fin dislikes when his mom goes into the bathroom to take a shower. Perhaps it’s the sound of the water, the closed door, or the time she spends inside. Whatever it is, Fin doesn’t like it and has made it his mission to get his mom to open the door every time she showers. To achieve this, he brings her gifts — each time different from the last. These gifts are his way of communicating and engaging with his mom, even when she’s busy.
“From what my fiancé tells me, Fin brings various items to the door while I’m in the shower to see if any will make me open it,” Thayer explained. “Sometimes I open the door to find a collection of items, other times just one.” Initially, Thayer was confused by this behavior, but now she eagerly anticipates what Fin will bring her each day. Sometimes his offerings are shower-related, like shampoo or a swimsuit, while other times, they’re completely random. “Some of my favorite things he’s brought me include duct tape, tongs, shampoo, socks, his bed, a bowl of his food, hangers, and a pack of Post-its,” Thayer said. “When I open the door, I always thank him and examine each item. His expression is priceless when the door opens — a mix of pride and worry, as if he’s thinking, ‘I hope I chose the right thing!’”
This daily exchange has become a bonding ritual for Fin and his mom. It’s a testament to Fin’s intelligence and his desire to connect with his family in a meaningful way. Each item he brings is carefully selected, a thoughtful gift in his eyes, aimed at solving the puzzle of the closed door. This ritual has also taught Thayer to appreciate the small, unexpected moments of joy that Fin brings into their lives.
Fin has a similar game involving his dad but with a slight twist. “When he senses it’s almost time for dog dad to come home from work, he sits at a specific spot on the living room carpet and waits,” Thayer said. “The longer the wait, the more toys and items he collects. It’s like he’s trying to find the ‘right thing’ to make his dad walk through the door.” This ritual is Fin’s way of expressing his excitement and anticipation for his dad’s return. He’s like a little detective, piecing together clues to figure out the exact moment his dad will come home.
Despite engaging in these puzzles daily, Fin never tires of them. He enjoys bringing items to his parents to get them to walk through a door and play with him again. It’s a simple yet profound joy for Fin, and it brings immense joy to both him and his parents. This mutual happiness creates a strong bond between Fin and his family, one that is built on love, curiosity, and the joy of shared experiences.
Fin’s dedication to his puzzles is a testament to his intelligence and creativity. He constantly looks for ways to engage with his environment and his family, turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection and play. This playful nature is a core part of who Fin is, and it’s something his family cherishes deeply.
His family has learned to embrace and celebrate Fin’s quirks, recognizing that his puzzles are more than just games — they’re expressions of his love and desire to be close to them. Through his daily challenges, Fin teaches his family the importance of finding joy in the small things and appreciating the unique ways in which loved ones show they care.
As Fin continues to come up with new puzzles and challenges, his family eagerly awaits each new adventure, knowing that life with Fin is always filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of mystery. This special bond between Fin and his family is a reminder that the most meaningful connections are often found in the simplest of moments, where love and curiosity come together in the most delightful ways.