Meet Mr. Moose
Posted by: Mark Plante Posted on: January 17, 2025
Related Topics:   cute puppy   dog   Family Pet   moose

Moose, my 10-month-old English Yellow Labrador Retriever, is a whirlwind of fur and chaos. At a whopping 70lbs, he’s already larger than most of the kids in my neighborhood, and his energy levels are truly something to behold. Puppy zooms? Moose invented puppy zooms. He’s a blur of golden fur, a furry torpedo careening around the living room, leaving a trail of bewildered toys and startled humans in his wake.

Mealtimes are a sacred ritual in the Moose household. The moment the clock strikes suppertime, Moose transforms into a silent but deadly predator. He positions himself directly in front of me, his soulful brown eyes locked on mine, a silent demand radiating from his massive frame. If I dare to ignore his gaze, he’ll gently nudge my leg with his wet nose, then escalate to a mournful whine that could melt the coldest of hearts.

Leash walks with Moose are an adventure. He’s a master of the “dead weight” technique, flopping to the ground with dramatic flair whenever he spots something remotely interesting (which is, frankly, everything). Squirrels, butterflies, the neighbor’s garden gnome – all potential targets for a sudden, explosive lunge. I’ve learned to wear sturdy shoes and brace myself for the unexpected.

And then there’s the rabbit. The nemesis. A small, brown, furry creature that resides somewhere in my backyard. This rabbit, I swear, is a taunting mastermind. It hops around just out of reach, a constant source of frustration for Moose. He stares at it with an intensity that would make a hawk proud, his entire body trembling with the desire to chase. I can practically hear him thinking, “If I were only a greyhound! Then I could finally catch that elusive rodent!”

Despite his mischievous nature, his boundless energy, and his questionable leash manners, Moose is undeniably loved. He’s a goofy, affectionate giant with a heart of gold (or at least, a heart full of puppy fat). He fills our home with laughter, slobbery kisses, and an endless supply of entertainment. We wouldn’t trade him for the world, even if he does occasionally try to eat the furniture and his obsession with the backyard rabbit is starting to give us all existential dread.