Moose. My loyal companion. My extra appendage. My foot warmer. My exercise partner. My 100lb. rottweiler.
I want to thank Kris for allowing me to share our story with you. Some of you may shake your head knowingly, while others shaking in laughter. He was by no means perfect, but he was perfect for me…
Moose was 10 weeks old when we brought him home 7 1/2 years ago. Training started immediately. We wanted the best behaved dog in town. Rules were set and they were enforced. We went through 2 obedience sessions with Kris and a round of agility to help build confidence. Moose was so eager to please; it wasn’t long before he was performing beautifully. My wish was his command. We could take him anywhere, right?
Well, not exactly. There was the time we went to Florida and left him with my parents. The poor dog missed us so much that he didn’t eat for 2 days. Moose made up for that by stealing a ham off the counter! Yes, he ate the whole thing. My mom was relieved that the ham had solved his lack of appetite, because he didn’t miss a meal after that. Thankfully, the food stealing incident was a first and last.
There was, also, the phobia of slippery surfaces. He’d wiped out enough times on our slippery floors to learn to walk with care. I still, however, found us stranded on the second floor of Stamm School, spread out in true “Bambi on ice” style. To make matters worse, I had to warn several classes passing by to stay to one side to avoid his piddle until the janitor could get there. Of course, we were there for the PAL reading program. We had been honored to be the first visitors for the program. At that moment, feeling totally mortified, I looked into those big, expressive, brown eyes, and I knew he could do this. I was wondering, however, if we’d even be asked back.
We were invited to stay in the program and even conquered his fear of slippery floors. He loved his job of reading with the kids so much that we expanded the program to Hayes School. He was not only a therapy dog, but a “good will ambassador” to his breed by always being on his best behavior. We taught the children how to properly behave around dogs, and he managed win over those who were deathly afraid of any dog. He was so well known throughout the schools that I became known as “Moose’s Mom”.
The day came as it does with every living creature. Although I couldn’t imagine my life without him, I knew what needed to be done. He’d never done me wrong, and I had to do the same for him. Our lives parted on March 20, 2007.
I wouldn’t trade my broken heart for anything, though. He taught me so much, reminded me of things I’d forgotten, asked for so little, but gave so much. The thought of him brings a smile to my face, warmth in my heart, and tears to my eyes.
They come and go in our lives, each touching us and others in their own unique ways. The unconditional love and bond you receive greatly out weighs the grief. We have chosen to go down that path again, but with two this time. They have helped heal my heart with their affection. I know I’ll never have another Moose, but I have two puppies ready to take me down a new path. So, the cycle begins again and who knows where it will lead. One thing is for certain as it is with all dogs, they will ask for so little and give so much.
