June 30, 2005

Animal magnetism

Midget and Finnegan

Living is easy and life is good for two pint-size canines in New Almaden. Best friends for three years, Midget and Finnegan share a home at Kitty Monahan’s rustic abode in the bucolic area.

“They are good girls,” says Monahan about Finnegan and Midget. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

There, the two pooches have the run of the house, the best of food and lots of love from their doting guardian. But both pups had uncertain beginnings.

Midget, a proud black toy poodle, was actually a gift for someone who couldn’t keep the pint-size pooch. When Monahan saw the sweet-faced pup she offered her a home. At the time, Monahan had a Sheltie named Tiperelli who was in need of a companion. The two dogs became best buddies. Sadly, their time together was brief. Tip passed on to doggie heaven and left Midget broken-hearted. She howled and lay on top of her friend now deceased. Monahan knew she had to find a new dog for her heartbroken pet.

Monahan visited Nike Animal Rescue and there she found the perfect companion.

“It was St. Patty’s Day, so I called her Finnegan,” said Monahan about the creamy golden-colored canine. “She’s Heinz 57 but she looks a bit like a poodle. When I brought her home, Midget perked up right away and they’ve been the close friends since then.”

Now 4-year-old Midget and 3-year-old Finnegan’s chief chore at home is being watch dogs. And they’re good at it.
“They always let me know when someone is here,” said Monahan. “They really protect the house. And they love to visit the hillside and chase squirrels. Midget taught Finnegan how to sneak out of the house so now the gate is locked and they only go for walks with a leash on.”

And the dynamic due had quite an adventure. Gone for three hours with a search party looking for the furry escapees, a neighbor brought them home to a relieved Monahan. The canines were unharmed except for many burs caught in their long silky coats. They were also quite excited about their own special tour of New Almaden.

A still moment for Finnegan and Midget.

“Midget and Finnegan are best friends,” said Monahan. “They wash each other and clean each others eyes. They’re always together, playing and hiding treats from one another. They are good girls.”

The two dogs are also a big hit with the children who take the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum tour during the school year. Monahan’s home is one of the stops on the historic walk to see her horses, chickens and of course, Midget and Finnegan. The canines look forward to the visits and put on quite a show for the kids who fall in love with their antics dancing and yelping from the porch of Monahan’s home.

“They are really New Almaden dogs,” said Monahan petting her small charges. “They go for walks and know and like everyone. Well, everybody except for one small miniature dachshund. He’s the only one they don’t care for. I don’t know why.”

Maybe it’s because he’s the new dog on the street. Or maybe it’s because they’re slightly bigger than him. But one thing is for sure; these canines are charmers and have the best of everything in New Almaden.

—By Jeanne Carbone Lewis