Finch

Founding member of The Sanctuary Pack.

Personality: A quiet and somewhat awkward wolf, Finch carries himself stiffly. He seems intimidating at first glance, but is more shy than truly scary. He takes his duties as the Breeding Male seriously, and watches over the pups himself. His seriousness puts him somewhat at odds with Rover, who he considers silly. Despite this conflict with her mate, Pack Leader Seven appreciates Finch's dedication, and trusts him implicitly. She finds it hard to get past his awkwardness, however, and only the unflappable Saturn is truly close with him. 

Naming Conventions: Finch was named Fincher by his human owner. He calls himself Finch now, a change to a more 'wild' sounding name, as a gesture towards casting off his old life.

Some guy who was really into Fight Club (in the wrong way) bought Fincher from a fur farm. This was, of course, a rescue from certain death, but it wasn't an act of mercy; Fincher's owner bought him only to enter him in dog-fights, claiming he was a high-content hybrid. 

Fincher defeated his competition almost without fail, but he didn't feel right killing dogs-- it wasn't fair. They were nearly always smaller and weaker than him, with thin fur that did little to protect them from Fincher's teeth.

Years into the life, Fincher's owner moved cross-country, and Fincher got his shot. In the unfamiliar kennels of their new ring, a rival dogfighter broke in, and stole Fincher away. Planning to use him as a stud for his own lines, the man staked Fincher out in the yard. 

But this new owner didn't know Fincher very well, and he failed to take the proper precautions. As soon as he was alone, Fincher dug up his stake and leapt the fence to freedom that very night, dragging his chain behind him.

By then an experienced fighter,  Fincher figured he'd do just fine in the wild-- he could fend off almost any challenger. But he had no survival skills; he couldn't hunt or track. He didn't know how to find water. Worst of all, he didn't understand wolf body language, and got into fights for coming off as aggressive to strange wolves. Hungry, thirsty, and sick of fighting, Fincher fled into the mountains, pursued by the latest pack he'd offended. 

Saturn found him the next day-- he'd gotten his chain caught between some rocks, and would have probably died there if she hadn't come along. Parched, Fincher's voice came out a growl, and his hackles bristled in instinctive fear. Saturn,  unflappable even in the face of this ferocious display, bit through Fincher's collar, freeing him from the chain at last. Fincher- still posturing like he planned to challenge her on the spot-  thanked her graciously.

Fascinated, Saturn led this bizarre stranger back to Sanctuary territory, where Pack Leader Seven got his story out of him, and offered him a place to stay. Fincher swore his loyalty on the spot. 

These days, he goes by "Finch" more often than not. If pressed for a reason, he only shrugs and says he likes the sound of it. 

Although fair and loyal at heart, Finch still has a lot to unlearn. His social skills leave something to be desired; he's slow to trust, and bears a dangerous grudge against mankind. When faced with trouble, his first instinct is still to lunge in for a killing blow, before the trouble has the chance to do it to him.

Even so: he's a loyal member of The Pack, grateful for every break they've given him. Sick of violence, Finch passed on patrols and hunting duty. Instead, he guards The Pack's pups. He's working hard to become a good mentor to them, and make a new life for himself in the process. 

But if danger ever comes sniffing at their den-- well. It'll find more than it bargained for, in him. 

[Adorable art of Carnassial and Finch by Tastesofpurple #13232.]

[Art of Finch from 🐺#9672]