In Loving Memory of Moose 

Moose, a beloved mixed-breed dog and cherished member of our family, crossed the Rainbow Bridge after just over two years of being deeply loved and cherished. 

We never knew exactly how old Moose was. What we do know is that he came into our lives on July 20, 2024—his “Gotcha Day”—and from that day forward, our lives were better because he was in them. 

Moose’s story began in the most unexpected way. While I, Chelsey, was working as a 911 call taker, officers responded to a call about a dog who had been dumped. They brought him to the center where I was working, and almost immediately, I fell in love with him. Before I could overthink it, I brought him home. I may or may not have forgotten to ask my husband first. 

What started as an unexpected decision became one of the greatest gifts God ever gave our family.

 Moose was protective in a way that made me feel safe. He was loyal, stubborn, cuddly, and full of personality. He was the kind of dog who didn’t simply live in our home—he belonged there. He was my protector, my companion, and one of my greatest comforts.

He especially loved his boys, Conlee and AJ. He would cuddle with them on the couch and patiently let them use him as their very own jungle gym. When I first brought Moose home, I was nervous. He was already an older dog, and I didn’t know his temperament or how he would be around my children. But Moose showed me who he was. He was gentle with them. He loved them. And before long, I trusted him completely. 

He loved the simple things: stretching out in the sunshine, going for walks, riding in the car, and spending time at the beach. But more than anything, Moose loved his family. 

He leaves behind his mom, Chelsey; his dad, Charles; and his boys, AJ, Conlee, and Halen. He leaves behind a family who will forever feel his absence in the places he used to sleep, the couch where he cuddled, and all the little moments where we instinctively expect to see him. 

There are no words that can make losing him hurt less. But there is also so much gratitude to God for allowing us to have him in our lives for the time we did. Thank You Lord, for allowing us to know and love one of Your creations so deeply. I wish we could have had more time. I wish we could have known his whole story, where he came from, and everything he experienced before the day we found him. But perhaps we don’t need to know every part of his story. We only need to know that, when our paths crossed, God gave him to us—and gave us to him. 

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” — Proverbs 12:10 And we will always be grateful that God entrusted you to us. 

Until we meet again, Moose. 

Thank you for being the best dog I ever had.