Hi. WildcatJF here with no pretenses of being anyone other than myself here.
I have some very sad news. Finn attacked Flavia and I on Saturday. His aggression had turned into rage when Flavia entered his room and I had to step in between to protect her. He really hurt me. I haven't been able to use my left hand until yesterday because of the bites, and it still hurts. I probably shouldn't be using it, honestly.
After some very deep thought and consulting with animal control and my vet, I made the difficult decision to put him down today. Seeing this anger and territorial behavior become so intense in that moment...it was too much. My heart is so heavy. I probably haven't mentioned it much here, but his early life was in an abusive household that I rescued him from. When I got him, he had no whiskers because they were cut off with scissors. And this territorial anger has been rising the past year. I hoped putting him in isolation would help him feel more comfortable, but clearly there was more going on than that. I feel that the emotional scars and mental anguish were beginning to overtake my sweet boy.
This is so hard, friends. This is one of the most gutwrenching things I've ever done. I want you to know, tho. You had mild connections to him thanks to these comic contests I've done, if you've looked at my blogs or videos, and knew how much I loved him. And know that he gave me such a loving and forgiving look as the last moment I spent with him. He understood. Through reiki I was able to support him through to the end. And he is with me now in my energy, forever.
Sorry to just hammer you with such news in what is supposed to be a fun goofy popularity contest, but I love this community and I know you'd want to know about this. Thank you for listening and being a part of my life.
I made him a tribute video:
Relatedly, this contest is going on a little hiatus. I don't know when it'll happen, but the next post in this thread from me in a few (section of times) will indicate when it's going to restart. I need to think on how I wish to continue this when Finn has been so central of a character.
I appreciate your understanding through this difficult time.