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Moose

​ On a cold, dark Minnesota night, a call frantically went out for an immediate foster home for a German Shepherd that was living tied to a tree.  The call was answered, and within about 60 minutes, the rescue was initiated.  Foster drove approximately 60 miles to get Moose.  It was a situation with a lot of unknowns, but it was carried out with the needs of the dog put first.

​ The farm yard was an ice skating rink, with a long driveway.  It was hard to stay on the road, because of the ice.  There was a lot of buildings on the farm, of what was assumed to be a larger dairy operation.  Rescue went and knocked on the door.  A lady answered, and was slightly inquisitive as to what we wanted, and why we were showing up after dark unexpected.  When the conversation started, “We are here from Saving Shepherds of MN, and we are here to get a dog named Moose.”  The lady replied, “OK,” and the door was closed.  A few minutes later, she came out with her warm clothes on, and we trekked across the treacherous farm yard to find Moose.  She was explaining some things on our walk, “he is a good dog, and he doesn’t run away, he also gets along with my chickens.”  She then unclipped Moose from the chain, and he came up to us smiling and wagging his tail.  He walked by our side to the warm vehicle that was awaiting him.  

​ When we arrived at the vehicle, Moose would not jump inside.   I picked him up and placed him in the back seat.  He laid down and didn’t really move.  I backed out, and made the icy drive down the long driveway.  After getting to a paved road, I then attempted to give Moose a Cheese-it.  He refused.  I would place my hand in the back seat and pet him, while he licked me, as if to say “thank you for helping me.”  I talked to him and told him that he was going to a place where it was warm and safe.  He would now be comfortable, and a happy dog.

​ While we were driving the 60 miles back home, I couldn’t help but notice a stench that was nothing short of rotten.  I attributed it to him living outside on a farm.  The closer we got to his foster home, he started standing up in the back seat and would just look at the window.  As we drove I told him where we were, and where we were going.  I also explained to him, that he would have 4 other dogs and 1 cat waiting to meet him.  He didn’t say a peep on the entire ride.

​ When we arrived at foster home, he was let out of the vehicle in the garage.  Foster Dad was also waiting.  Moose got out of the car, skipped the sniffing around, and immediately went to Foster Dad.  He was a happy camper, wagging his tail, and giving lots of kisses.  He had a good meal and lots of water.  While we were both petting him, he rolled over onto his back.  A heavily infected wound was found, where he had been castrated.  The stench…that was it.  

​ Since Moose had never been to a vet before in his approximate 1.5 years on Earth, he could not be intermingled with our other 4 dogs.  He had a nice soft bed in a warm garage for the night.  He also got a GIANT bone to chew on, which he was not really interested.  About 01:30 am, he started howling like no body’s business.  I couldn’t calm him.  It was decided that Foster Dad would sleep with the resident dogs, x4, and Foster Mom would sleep with Moose in  the spare bedroom.  Moose thought he was King Tut!  As long as I was touching him, he was totally fine and slept like a baby.  

​ The next day, Moose went to the vet.  He was given all his necessary vaccinations, and the  wound was examined.  He was found to be a healthy 72 pounds of love.  The vet’s decided that he needed surgery immediately for the infection.  He was taken back within the hour.  He went through the procedure like a  rockstar .  He was a bit groggy afterwards, but happy and was treated to lobster for New Year’s Eve.  New Year, new life for Moose!  

​ Since Moose has been in foster, we have figured out a few things about him.  He really only cares about food, and going outside for  potty  breaks.  He will let you do anything to him- touch feet, teeth, rub his belly, ears and tail; he is just a happy guy.  He knows how to sit, and come.  We are working on leash walking with him, although he doesn’t really do too bad.  He pulls a little, but with light correction, he loves taking a  jont  around the neighborhood.  He gets along with our 4 dogs, and 1 cat.  He will chase the cat a bit, in play, but doesn’t seem to have any prey drive towards the cat.  He doesn’t bark, really ever.  People in the street, at the neighbors, and when we have visitors, he doesn’t say much.  He really wags his tail, well, it is more of a rotation…we call it “helicopter tail” here!  He HATES being in a kennel.  Absolutely cannot be in one.  He doesn’t chew up anything in the house, loves looking out the window.  He is learning how to play with toys.  He likes to take them from the other dogs, but will not take them out of the toy box on his own.  He loves bones, and stuffy toys.  

​ Moose is a great guy.  He will need some obedience work, but is a lucky dog, and has a great love for life itself!   Anyone who takes on this guy will have a great dog that will snuggle, sit and watch a movie or take a hike.  Moose just wants to be around his people.  He is a Velcro dog!

~Foster Dad, and Foster Mom