Tribute to My Best Friend – Mickey

The day Mickey came home
A Priest’s best friend and companion for almost 14 years. Mickey was born on 22 August 2002, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary in the Ordinary Form and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Extraordinary Form. I always saw him as a gift from Our Lady.
Mickey was the runt of the litter. When I first saw him, he ran behind the food box in the breeders home. He was timid like that all of his life. He came to me on 11 October 2002, and brought joy to me, my parents and everyone who met him since.
Mickey was always sick as the runt is. From the very beginning he had little issues, until the last few years. Around four years ago (2013), he came down with cancer. A few weeks ago, his doctor at Tufts said he had some many kinds of cancer through the years that he is a study in himself. It seems that the runts always are the weakest and sickest, but they are the most loving and attached. I wouldn’t have anything else.

Mickey loved opening gifts on Christmas Day
These past few years have been very challenging. It is difficult to see a pet who is your constant companion and friend begin to deteriorate. In the last few months, I have seen a marked deterioration. Mickey lost over 10 pounds in the last few years, and about 5 of those in the last few weeks. And today, the 10th of May, Mickey went to sleep.
Mickey taught me so much in these almost 14 years. He loved unconditionally. No matter what you would do to him, he would come right back for a hug and a kiss. Mickey

Mickey was a lap dog
didn’t like to travel. He hated the car, but if he know we were going to see my parents, or I was going back to the rectory, he would be ready to go. A loyal friend who was always at my side. If I left him for any amout of time, he would go into depression, but never had a bit of resentment when I returned. I will always be grateful for the gift of Mickey, and look forward to the day I see him in the Father’s house. Yes, I believe I will see him again, because Scripture tells us that all of creation will be renewed. So, I do believe our pets will be with us in heaven, “not because they deserve it, but because God knows we love them and they make us happy.”
So, I give thanks to the Lord for the time we had together if ever so short. God is so good! “All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being.” (Colossians 1:16-17)

Mickey was my best friend

Mickey Finelli
May Mickey r.i.p. with God’s angels and saints in heaven!
I lost one of my horses last week, Father and I thought, as he was passing, that God knows every hair on his big horsey head. The same goes for Mickey. Animals have no regrets. They are so busy living, they have no time for such things. Mickey had a good run, as a friend of mine would say, and that’s because of you. He is now a part of the Great Love that created him and us all. God bless, Father. Thanks for the good life you gave to Mickey, and the one he gave to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I LOST my Golden Retriever Bubba 3 yrs ago. Very hard. My dogs are my family. God Bless You Father and God Bless Mickey. Love and Prayers, Paula Greco-Markhofer Omaha,Ne
so sorry for the loss of mickey. he was a wonderful dog. you did everything you could do help him. my prayers and love to you and your parents.
Fr, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Mickey. Our little friends listen to us when no one else will. I will pray for him and you. Please pray for my mother in law Felicita who is gravely ill. The Doctors are offering no hope. She just celebrated her 89th birthday.
My tears are flowing freely over your tribute to your best bud. I’m sure he’s truly happy and whole now. Hope you feel him near you – how could he ever forget his best friend. Take care.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Mickey is so precious. Mickey had a long beautiful life filled with so much love. Fr. Finelli, I believe that Mickey will be in Heaven awaiting your arrival one day.
Thank you for sharing Mickey’s life. My daughter loves animals. I would like to think that she has meet him.
One day we will join them for all eternity. God bless you in your time of healing.
Joanne M. Pigeon
FR. SO SORRY for the lost of your true companion Mikey. There is nothing like having a dog they are company, loyal, and truly a best friend, May he rest in peace.
Sorry for the loss of Mickey. It is always sad when they leave us and they always leave us first. Prayers for you my friend
A beautiful tribute, for your best , Father…Prayers for Our Lady’s comfort for you and your family.
so sorry for your loss Father, I’ll bet you were such a great companion to Mickey too! Enjoyed your tribute and pictures, thank you for sharing.
We are so blessed to have them and their unconditional love for the brief time that we do. May your memories bring you comfort. Thank you for sharing. Hugging my 10 year old lab, Finley, a bit closer……
Rocky (golden) & Mickey were clones. Born July 12, 2002, he fell asleep Feb 16, 2017. My best friend. If he were human & female I think we’d be married! Truly a gift from the Lord as he was my constant , unjudging companion through many turmoils. I am not Catholic, though am a Christian. I’ve been in agony & turmoil, crying daily these past 86 days as I cry out to God my angst & ask Him if Rocky exists with You or if he is indeed no more. Your reference to Colossians alluding to the possibility that Rocky & Mickey are in fact in our Father’s House. gives me immense comfort. It is the first piece of Scripture that I’ve encountered that addresses this most important question. Thank you so much, Father. Getting another one?
I’m happy you shared so much love with Mickey and was there for him his lifetime on earth. Their unconditional love is unmatchable, at least for us humans. I’m sorry for your loss. I know the sadness that leaves as I have had the loss of several companions over the years. But it is comforting to know we will reunite again in our eternal life and for now they are with our loved ones. You know Eileen George and Mickey are together. Picture that! RIP Mickey.
Love, Bernadette
Beautiful tribute, Father. Seeing your site for the first time. God bless.
Dear Fr.Jay my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Mickey. I this year just lost my beloved Josie of 18 years. You blessed her for me in the parking lot of the church in East providence all those years ago.I haven’t seen you in a long time but I pray for you every thursday.miss you my love and prayers for you. Emma