Finley the Therapy Dog
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Who is the most famous 4-legged creature in Melrose? Finley!
Finley, the therapy dog, and her owner, Jodi Dwyer can be seen walking around town stopping for pets.
Jodi, an oncology social worker, has always loved dogs. She worked with pet therapy dogs at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and witnessed the calming effect and joy they brought to patients and staff.
During the pandemic, Jodi adopted 8-week-old Finley. She is an Irish Doodle, a mix of Irish Setter and Standard Poodle.
Finley’s laid-back temperament made her an excellent candidate to be a pet therapy dog. Through Jodi’s training, Finley passed her test and is now a certified therapy dog.
Together they have made over 50 visits to Melrose Day Care, retirement homes, Boston Public Library, Follow Your Art, and Finley is a monthly visitor to Molly’s Book Store. She adapts to everyone and is particularly fond of putting her head on the lap of the elderly. She loves pets and is exceptional at making people smile and brightening their day. Her calming effect is instantaneous.
Jodi and Finley love living in Melrose due to its small-town feel. Finely’s outgoing personality has helped create friendships all over town. Her favorite stops include Sullivan Tire and Melrose House of Pizza.
In April, Jodi worked with the Mayor’s Office to create the first Therapy Dog Day. The purpose was to spotlight the amazing work these dogs bring to the community.
Jodi would like people to know that before approaching a strange dog they should ask permission because not all dogs are as friendly as Finley.
Join Finley at Molly’s Bookstore on Oct 15th from 6-7pm. Wear your Halloween costumes or orange & black and check out Finley’s Halloween outfit.
