Canine stroke is confusing, isolating, and often misunderstood. The Finley Initiative exists to change that — providing evidence-based information, practical resources, and real support for caregivers navigating neurological conditions in dogs.
— Inspired by Finley, who meets every milestone in physical therapy with the kind of joy that makes all of this worthwhile.
Finley
Our purpose
When a dog has a stroke, the people caring for them are often left with more questions than answers. What happened? What comes next? What should I be asking the vet? The Finley Initiative builds resources designed to answer those questions clearly — grounded in current veterinary knowledge, free of speculation, and built for the people who need them most.
This is not only a resource for caregivers. Veterinary professionals and researchers will find a centralized, organized body of knowledge on canine cerebrovascular disease — case documentation, peer-reviewed research, and specialist connections that are currently scattered or difficult to access. The Initiative exists to raise the standard of information available to everyone in this space.
We do not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary care. Our role is to support, guide, and help caregivers ask better questions alongside qualified professionals.
What we are building
A curated, searchable library of peer-reviewed veterinary research on canine stroke and cerebrovascular disease — organized for both professionals and informed caregivers.
Documented real-world cases illustrating how canine cerebrovascular events present, progress, and respond to care — bridging clinical knowledge and lived experience.
A searchable database of veterinary neurologists, internists, and rehabilitation specialists to help families find qualified professionals when they need them most.
Pet owners and veterinary professionals will be able to submit case reports directly, contributing to a growing body of real-world documentation that benefits the entire field.
Plain-language resources on stroke symptoms, vestibular disease, recovery timelines, and how to advocate effectively alongside your veterinary team.
The Finley Initiative is an education and outreach project of the Canine Stroke Foundation — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit currently forming. While the Initiative focuses on information and resources, the Foundation addresses financial barriers to care. Together, they work toward the same goal: making sure no family is left without answers or options when their dog needs help.
caninestroke.org →Stay informed
Whether you are a caregiver, a veterinary professional, or someone who wants to help build this — we want to hear from you.