I got this photo of blind Moose, our new arrival, at the breakfast table this morning. This big fellow has turned out to be a perfect gentleman with impeccable house manners -- that flickering tongue notwithstanding. In fact, he is one of just a handful of dogs who are granted "sleep-over" privileges and allowed to sleep in our house at night. Moose makes number 6. I can't think of a dog who instantly earned sleep-over privileges in their very first week with us, but that's the kind of guy he is. He's so quiet he hasn't even barked yet! The only noise he makes is the thumping of his huge tail every time we talk to him or walk by him.
And he is incredibly gentle with the small dogs ... too much of a push-over, in fact. A couple of nights ago he followed Alayne into Birdie's Cottage as she was putting the dogs up in their crates and handing out the bedtime cookies when Widget -- the only one in that cottage who doesn't go in a crate -- sensed some competition for her cookie and snarled at Moose. The poor guy had shown absolutely zero interest in Widget's cookie but there she was, teeth bared and snarling at him ("Widget! Not a pretty face!"). Moose slinked away and cowered by the wall, head down, with a sad, apologetic look on his face that seemed to say, "Oh, jeez, I'm so terribly sorry -- I didn't mean to upset you!" It was really rather pathetic, this 99-pound dog cowed by a 20-lb, eight-inch high Widget. Alayne escorted him safely out of the cottage.
But that shows you just how sweet-natured and easy-going he is. Our original plan was to move him over to Widget's House, our main dog building where the other "big dogs" are, but he's not going anywhere. He's going to be staying right here. Next to the table.
I am sure you have already had offers, but regardless, we would be willing to adopt Moose. "We" being myself, my husband & our two older, loving dogs--a lab & a heeler. We live in neighboring Idaho and would gladly make the drive to meet & greet w/Moose. Upon reading the first post about Moose, I just felt like he was meant for our home. Hard to explain, but anyone who loves dogs and follows this blog probably understands. Email me if you would like more information from me & our furry family :)
Posted by: jbirken | April 13, 2009 at 04:44 PM
I'm so glad you are keeping him inside - what a gentleman! I love him too!
Posted by: Nancy | April 13, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Watch out for that tongue! Looks like it could reach a plate, or cover a face in one lick.
Posted by: kelly | April 10, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Lovely...keep him close!
Posted by: Libby | April 10, 2009 at 06:14 PM
I am madly in love with Moose! What a very dear old "gentleman" he is. I am completely ready to make room in my home for him - - I already made room in my heart! Hugs to Moose, and God bless you folks for all you do, especially now that you do it without employees.
Posted by: Moon Rani | April 10, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I'm in LOVE! What a sweet guy. Thank you for keeping him in the house where he belongs.
Posted by: Linda | April 10, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Well, I have to say I'm bias since Labs are all I've ever had but I just knew Moose was a wonderful dog from the minute you introduced him to us! As we all have learned I'm sure, size doesn't seem to matter as much as attitude in the dog world. My sister had a small terrier mix (Toto type of dog) that bossed around too HUGE rotties. Hilarious to see.
I was wondering if perhaps Moose will take dear ol' Pappy's place as your companion to town? Those stories are some of my favorites in your blog archives.
Please give Moose (and everyone) an ear scratch for me. And while you're at it, kiss each other.....you guys are wonderful people!
Posted by: Lynn | April 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
My heart melts just looking at Moose's picture! He looks sooo sweet.
I'm so glad to hear that he's living in your house. I bet he's a great snuggler!:-)
Happy Easter, everybody!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 10, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Moose will get over his shyness, I'm sure. I adopted a beagle/schnauzer mix in December 2003. He was 7 at the time and stiffened at any display of affection. Slowly over the years he has turned into quite the attention sponge. Every night he comes to each side of the bed for a nightly head pet.
I think that's the most rewarding part of rescue/adoption--being a part of the unfolding a love. It's like watching a flower unfold to soak in the sun.
You people are so blessed.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I'd be keeping that adorable big lughead right next to my side too, good for you!
Posted by: Katy | April 10, 2009 at 09:28 AM
What a sweetheart how could anyone give him up!!!
Posted by: gayle | April 10, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I have to say that you two take some of the best photos I've ever seen. You must have been photograhers in another life. First Travis with his amazing high flying leaping ability and now Moose and that tongue! What a photo. And if you don't look closely enough, you won't catch that it's attached to the tablecloth looking for goodies. Great photos and always a great blog. I hope you have warmer weather for the easter weekend.
Posted by: Barb R | April 10, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Thank you for recognizing what a tender hearted guy he is....I swear that if I could find a way, I would come steal that sweetheart away for myself! I would really like to get my hands on the *expletive deleted* who dumped this sweet boy! There is a special place reserved down below for them!
Posted by: Debbie | April 10, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Oh, that poor sweet giant!! Hope he finds a home, table and bed for himself soon, if you guys could part with him even after only a week... He looks so very cute!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | April 10, 2009 at 04:36 AM
Yeah Moose!!! What a sweetie.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 10, 2009 at 01:09 AM
Oh Im so happy for Moose! what a nice guy!
Posted by: Kate and Luke | April 10, 2009 at 12:47 AM
He is just so beautiful and sweet. How can you not let him stay in the house...would be very, very difficult to resist.
Posted by: Cora | April 09, 2009 at 10:32 PM
What a sweet guy! So very glad he has found a loving home with you folks.
Posted by: Rich Y | April 09, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Oh, Moose, you sweetheart. Somebody's gotta stick up for you!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | April 09, 2009 at 08:16 PM
And stay in the house he should .....he sounds like such a sweetheart,love you Moose
Posted by: Diane Bowlin | April 09, 2009 at 07:32 PM
With a blog like that you will be sure to be receiving adoption request any moment. I would take him in a heart beat if I didn't have four already.
Posted by: lisa james | April 09, 2009 at 07:19 PM
What a SWEETHEART! There are angels on earth! Something tells me those other 5 will soon learn that aside from being a great friend, he is also one big snuggly warm "pillow". Just wish I could get one of those Moose hugs myself.
ps: pure coincidence? photo adjacent to the moose tablecloth?
Posted by: Margaret | April 09, 2009 at 06:55 PM
What a sweetheart! Moose, I bet Widget is all talk, don't worry. Ha-ha, the first time he does bark you all will probably jump out of your skin. It's nice to have such a pleasant house companion. What a gentleman! In just the couple of posts of Moose I am definitely in love!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | April 09, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I am so glad to hear this sweet old boy will be able to spend his senior years being loved on in your comfortable home. How could anyone ever have let him go? He will be my new fave while I wait for Miss Callie to get well.
Posted by: Marla | April 09, 2009 at 06:27 PM