Moosey

From the moment a DLRR evaluator met Moosey in January, she felt there was
something special about him that stood out from the many dogs she had seen
over the years. Maybe it was his searching golden eyes, the gentle wag of his
tail when she spoke to him, or the careful way he took a treat despite being
in serious pain. He was a two-year-old male Lab mix with big paws, a long
body, a broad chest, and strong legs, but had several wounds. When he sat up,
it was clear he was very thin, despite his chart showing he weighed
sixty-four pounds. He had trouble standing and couldn’t put weight on
his left hind leg.

After pulling him from the shelter and getting him into a vet clinic, a
radiologist found a fracture in Moosey’s L7 spine and suggested he see
a neurosurgeon for further evaluation since his case required specialized
care.

On February 6, Moosey underwent a seven-hour spinal surgery to correct
improperly fused bones by placing two steel rods in his torso. Three days
after his surgery, Moosey left the hospital and was able to walk on all four
legs by himself to his foster’s car.

Despite everything he has been through, Moosey was kind to all the vet
techs and vets he met, no matter what they did. He stayed calm during all his
tests, even falling asleep on the X-ray table, and was a great foster dog
even after being moved between several homes. His loving nature has touched
the hearts of everyone he’s met. His strength in facing the pain and
suffering he went through for what might have been weeks before he was
rescued is hard to put into words. Now that his traumatic experience is
behind him, he’s moving forward from his difficult past. His
neurosurgeon was very pleased at his last check-up and said he should be able
to live a normal with high impact activities being restricted life
but he recommended for the next six-month rehab period that his neuter be
postponed (because a higher testosterone level will aid in his recovery) and
that he be an only dog in a quieter household. At the time Moosey is
neutered, DLRR will give his adopter a voucher at a partner vet that will pay
for the surgery.  He is good on a leash, potty trained, rides well in a
car, sleeps through the night, and is a 100% cuddle bug.

The fact that he can walk today is clear proof that quick help and steady
care can turn even the toughest situations into stories of strength, healing,
and new beginnings.

He will live out his life as a regular dog with minimal restrictions once
he’s completely healed, but to us at DLRR, he will always be a
superhero wearing a red cape because he has shown incredible trust,
perseverance, and endurance.  We are ecstatic Moosey’s ready to
find his forever home so he can complete his journey.  Could you be the
adopters that begin the next chapter of his life?