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Unconditional Love - Dedicated to Our Dear "Moose" - The Power of a Pet!

By
Real Estate Agent with Hrisco & Associates Lic.#480703

"Moosy Moo", We Will Miss You!

Several of my Active Rain friends have inquired over the past week or so where have I been in regards to posting here on  Active Rain.  As many of you may or may not know, I have been wrapping up studying for and successfully, finally, passing both portions of the Texas Real Estate Broker Exam.  But that is for another post.

I have been trying in my head to put together a post that would do "Moose" justice, but I know in my heart that nothing will.  If you are not a dog lover, you may not understand, so I apologize, but thank you for letting me express my emotions here.  My wife and I have no children of our own right now, so until we do, our four doggies are our children. If you have a dog, you most likely understand what I'm talking about.

Life gives you victories, but then it wants something in return at the same time.....You see "Moose" or "Moosy Moo" as my wife Lynn and I like to call him, our black lab, health drastically decreased over the past week or so a lot more than we expected and something I never would wish on anyone to have to do personally, but I along with our veterinarian had to put  him down last Sunday, 31 July, 2011.  This was witin a few days of me taking my broker exam.

You don't realize how much of a void someone leaves in your life, whether they are a human or a pet, until they are gone, and you realize how much you miss them.  It got me to thinking over this past week or so about how precious life really is and how we should all cherish the time we have with one another.  Don't let the opportunity go by to tell someone how much you care about them, whether that is a loved one or a precious pet who you consider a family member like most of us pet lovers.

In order to pay tribute to "Moose", I thought I would share a poem or two with you that some of you may have heard before, along with some pictures that one of my dear friends here on ActiveRain, Kristine Ginsberg, helped me put together. (photos by me, collage work by Kristine) And going forward, to honor "Moose's" memory, I will start posting doggies that are being fostered at our doggie day care facility in Keller, Texas called Bark-n-Lounge.  

"Moose" was a rescue and although he was in our lives for a short time, a little over three years, we think we gave him the best years of his life.  There are so many great dogs available for adoption at your local pet shelter, just waiting for someone like you to come and rescue them. We don't live in Watauga, but the shelter linked here is the closet shelter in the Northeast Ft.Worth/Keller ISD area.  All of our pack came from this shelter in a round about way.  Please visit your local pet shelter before you go and spend money at some pet store or buy a dog on the side of the road.  "Moose" was a full blooded black lab that we rescued a few years ago and he was one of the best dogs, if not the best tempermented dog I have ever had in my life.  And there are many more like him just waiting to be rescued every day.  We now also think he may have been several years older than we initially thought when we adopted him, but we are grateful for the time we had with him.

Black Lab Moose

Things I Can Learn From a Dog

  • Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.


  • Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

  • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
  • When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

  • Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

  • Take naps and stretch before rising.
 (his sister Charlie is the queen of this)
  • Run, romp and play daily.
 (his brother Clayton does this well)
  • Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. (Moose was a master of this)
  • Be loyal.
  (Have never met a more loyal dog, than Moose)
  • Never pretend to be something you’re not.

  • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

  • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

  • Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

  • Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

  • On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

  • When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
 (like his brother Journey, okay "Mr. Wiggles")
  • No matter how often you're scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back
 and make friends.
  • Bond with your pack.

  • Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. (or short one)

Tribute to Moose

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Eearth.  It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.  Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 


The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 



You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 



Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Author unknown...

Moosy Moo, thank you for the joy you brought into our lives in the time that we had you, you will be in our hearts and minds forever.  There will only be one Moose in our minds!

Posted by

Hrisco & Associates | Fathom Realty, LLC:  Experience Matters, the agent you need, the results you want. Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker #480703, with over 21+ years experience buying & selling real estate in the D/FW Metroplex. Integrity, Professionalism, Results & Charity is our Mantra. It is how we go about our lives and our business. We undertake a specialized set of tasks and orchestrate them with uncommon skills. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in real estate, if you are not doing business with Hrisco & Associates, you are losing money.

servicing the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex: including Argyle & Southern Denton and Northeast Tarrant Counties; Ft. Worth, Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Haslet, Trophy Club, Roanoke, Westlake, NRH & Surrounding areas

Hrisco & Associates
Fathom Realty, LLC
3960 FM 2181
Hickory Creek, TX 75065

 

Comments (26)

Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

John - Even though I helped put this tribute together for Moose - I had tears in my eyes reading your post and all that Moose meant to you and your wife. Make no mistake - you did give Moosy Moo the best years of his life and he loved you that much more because of it. He knew you saved him, and the unconditional love went both ways.

I volunteer at my local dog shelter and they do have some of the most wonderful dogs who are firercly loyal and loving because they know you rescued them from a tiny pen without a lot of human contact and dogs are pack animals. Moose was so lucky to not only have your loving family, but his own canine buddies, Charlie, Journey and Clayton. You gave him everything and he will live on in your heart and memories.

Aug 12, 2011 01:20 AM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Wow, everyone, I'm getting teary eyed again reading your heartfelt comments and they really do mean a lot to me,  thank you.  It is nice to see so many of my favorite rainers here on this post especially, it makes it even more special.

Pacita....half Goldie, half yellow lab, I bet she was a beauty....we thought Journey might be that, but will eventually do a DNA test on our remaining pack members over the next year or so and see what they are really made of.  With Moose, there was no question.

Wallace, I had not heard of the AR book club until now, will have to check it out.  All I can say is fate.  I have that book in my book shelf hutch above my computer monitor.  I got it a few years ago after our first black lab "Goose" passed in 2008 prior to us getting "Moose".  Yes it is a good book, however, I don't think I finished it.  We'll have to reopen now and start over.

Barbara, thank you again for your time the other day on the phone....I did as you suggested and was pleasantly surprised at what I was told, more on that later.  I got that list off of the links tab at Faithful Friends Pet Cemetery. They have a few neat poems, etc... on there.

Paula.....thank you for your sentiments and well wishes.  I would be interested to pick your brain a little regarding logistics, etc...of running your own independent brokerage.  I think I bought one dog in my life from a pet store and that was back in '89 for a girlfriend at the time. (small independent pet shop in Hurst, TX) but that is the last time i ever purchased a pet.  Since then, it's been all rescues.  People get hung up on this AKC registered or full breed, there are so many great dogs at a local pet shelter just waiting for a good home.

Kristine....what can I say, your an Angel for helping me in this process.  It is kind of enlightening, but dogs grieve to in their own way, our pack has been kind of subdued over the past week or so since Moose's passing.  They even noticed it at Doggie Day Care as well.  It's sounds funny just saying that, Doggie Day Care.  All you have to say is are you ready to go see Dawn, the owner of Bark-n-Lounge or Doggie Day Care, and they know what your talking about and start going nuts with excitement, tails a whagging, collars on, ready to go.  Ah and it's nice when you get them home, they sleep like babies.  Kristine, thank you again for what you did and let me know if you ever need anything, I will be there.

 

Aug 12, 2011 02:50 AM
Sally Weatherley
EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

John - Oh, you had me in tears, too.  Our dogs are such important beings in our lives.  The only tragedy is they don't live as long as we'd like.  I will never have a large dog, such as a Bernese, because they only live 8 - 10 years.  How wonderful of you to rescue all those dogs.  I agree with Kristine.  I believe rescue dogs are fiercly loyal because they know you've saved them from an uncertain life.  We can learn so much from our canine friends - love that list and will be passing it on to my dog-loving friends.  The collage is wonderful - love the photo of Journey's head laying on top of Moose! 

Aug 12, 2011 05:03 AM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Hi Sally, I think we develop a short term memory regarding larger breed dogs and their life expectancy, but once you have had a labrador of any type, there is no going back.  And I agree with you and Kristine regarding a rescue's loyalty.  Our current pack has been the best group of dogs we've had and been around in a while.  They each have their own personalities and together as a pack, they are a blast.  We will never own just one dog again, always more than one, don't know about four again, but wouldn't rule it out.  Need a bigger place.  I shot that photo with my iPhone, it was one of those moments where you say I'm going to get my camera and hope they are still in the same position when you get back.

Aug 12, 2011 06:52 AM
Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

John, I know exactly how you must be feeling right now.  The great thing about Active Rain is the support and sharing and when I wrote a similar post last Fall regarding our beloved golden retriever, I was surprised by how many comments and clicks that blog received!  We are empty nesters but our dogs are our family just as yours.  We had a total of 5 up until 2005 then we diminished to 4 ( three pomeranians and our golden)  They have been on many adventures with us, evacuating in hurricanes,  a move to and from Florida and visiting my folks in Paris TX over the years. 

It crushed my husband when one of our poms died from a freak event in Florida so we were left with a house of 3.  When we moved back to Lake Charles my Momma Pom was diagnosed with diabetes and I had to give her insulin shots then one day she had a pouty face no energy I knew something was wrong (she was 12 yrs old) The vet rehydrated her and kept her overnight then she developed complications and he said she was struggling, we think it may have been a heart problem that surfaced in older age.  Bocie was my "pet therapy" dog that I visited the nursing homes and hospitals with and it just killed me to say goodbye to her, that left us with 2 in our house.

Goldie had just passed her yearly exam with flying colors at age 14--the vet said she probably had another 2 years.  When my husband woke me up and said she was dying well I freaked out.  We stayed up with her while she went in and out of seizure and brought her to the vet who said she was in a coma.  Well Goldie was like your Moose....it was tough.  I had given Goldie to my husband as a wedding present, she was really "his dog" but she also grew up with my kids and was a great dog who I swear potty trained in 1 day!!!

We were lonesome with just 1 dog left our 12 yr old Pomeranian.  So when I returned from Rain Camp Dallas my husband had surprised me with "Lola" our new puppy.  

One good thing about having multiple dogs it helps you recover from the loss.   So  very sorry to hear about Moose I know you will miss him terribly, thanks for sharing with us here on AR

Aug 12, 2011 07:10 AM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Hi Marilyn, Moose's and Goldie's stories do sound similar and I am sorry for your loss, I remember you getting Lola, the showgirl afte Dallas RainCamp.  I sometimes wonder why we subject ourselves to the heartache of losing a pet, but then realize it is all the great times we share with them that make it all worthwhile.  I think I may start a new blog soon featuring all our past and current pets and invite other pet lovers like yourself to post their stories, strictly promoting our four legged friends, not ourselves...pet shelters, rescue groups, etc.....what do you think.  I even have a couple of domains I have had for a year or so....Best-Dog-Videos.com/net.....it's an idea.

Aug 12, 2011 08:36 AM
Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

great idea for a niche blog John!  I am hoping that I can train Lola my little showgirl to be another certified pet therapy dog, I miss volunteering with my own dog at the nursing homes .  Our local pet therapy group has plenty of big dogs but not many small dogs and there are times when a lap dog is needed.  My momma Pomeranian also exceled in walking with patients in walkers, she knew when to stop and when to go on the leash they would hold!

Pets are just rewarding period, get this blog up and running.  I bet Joni Staples would be interested also she has some great photos of her two dogs she posts (oh and congrats Mr Broker)

Aug 12, 2011 07:44 PM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

HI Marilyn, that is so cool what you are doing with the nursing homes, I will look into that, check with Joni too...I think it would be fun for all of us to share.  thank you for your well wishes, with Moose's passing, haven't really felt like celebrating anything....I will have to say that is it opening up some doors to me as far as options availabe to me now that otherwise would have been closed.

Aug 12, 2011 08:13 PM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

John - I will be watching to see news of your recent decision!  Good luck! 

Aug 13, 2011 01:51 AM
Kathy Burke
Sensational Home Staging~~Danville, CA - Danville, CA
S.F. East Bay Home Staging

What a Wonderful Post and TRIBUTE to Moose!  I've never had multiple dogs....but will think of it like having several kids....it doesn't make it easier to loose one of them!  Before I had my little guy I really did not know what all the dog fuss was about....now I totally understand.  My Cosmo is the best little guy who ever entered my heart!

And....so nice of Kristine to help and you to to mention her assistance!!!

All the BEST!!!

Aug 13, 2011 04:02 AM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Hi Barbara, thanks, once it is final, there will be a post forthcoming.....will keep you posted.

Hi Kathy, thank you so much for your kind words.  Once you have the doggie bug, there is no going back.  Kristine was invalualbe, because honestly, I don't know if I could have put together a collage trying to go through all of Moose's pics and just what I was feeling doing that, she certainly deserved credit and them some.

Aug 13, 2011 03:33 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

John,  I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Moose was lucky to have found you and your wife and vice versa in his final years.  This is the hardest part of owning a dog, IMO.  I have done this more times than I care to remember.  But, as dog lovers, we always come back for the unconditional love that they give us.

Btw, your dogs are all beautiful.

Aug 13, 2011 04:54 PM
Robin Sherman
www.PensacolaForYou.com - Grand Points Realty - Pensacola, FL
Search Pensacola Homes, For Sale - Pensacola FL Neighborhoods

John - Beautiful tribute to Moose. I love your, "Things I can learn from a dog" and your photos. Sounds like Moose had a good life with you. I traveling so missing my own pack right now.

Aug 14, 2011 02:04 AM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

HI Elyse, thank you for your condolenses, my brain is tired, but what is IMO?  And I think you are right, even though it hurts when we have to say goodbye to them, the unconditional love we receive from them makes it all worth it.  I think it is life's way of telling us nothing is free, I will give you a pet that will give you unconditional love, but oh, there's a catch, it's life span is only going to be a 10th of yours.  Another one of life's cruel jokes.  Thank you, they are quite the pack.

Hi Robin, that was a pretty neat list, Moose was one in a million....it is the simple things liking coming home and seeing those tails a wagging, that makes your day....

Aug 14, 2011 04:16 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

It doesn’t have to be a dog. It can be any pet. I have a friend who treats his giant red oscar like I treat Zoey the Cool Cat.

Happy Monday!

Aug 14, 2011 09:44 PM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Hi Russell, I had never really thought of my pet fish in quite the same way due to their extremely short lifespan,  but I could see where some fish like an oscar  could become very attachable.....thank you for sharing.

Aug 14, 2011 11:35 PM
Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

John I am so sorry about your beloved pet Moose.  This post brought tears to my eyes because I know what it is like to lose a treasured member of your family.  This is such a lovely tribute to Moose and your love is glowingly apparent. 

 

Aug 17, 2011 02:58 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

John, I looked and looked for this post and saw that you hadn't written anything for awhile...somehow with life getting in the way I missed this. I ended up petting my dog, Takoda while I read this and cried for your (our) sweet Moose! I was so excited to finally see pictures of him and how perfect that Kris would be the one to put it together. I love all of your four-leggeds and knowing that you also don't have "kids" makes my husband and I more kindred spirits to you and you lovely wife!

Love love LOVE on the rest of them for me, will ya??

*All Dogs Go to Heaven*

Aug 23, 2011 02:13 PM
Hrisco & Associates
Hrisco & Associates - Roanoke, TX
Roanoke Homes for Sale - Roanoke Neighborhoods

Hi Debra, thank you so much for your kind words and i think I commented on your blog recently regarding this, but thank you again.

HI Gayle, I was wandering what happened to your comment, no worries, it was hard for about a week or so get my mind on writing post, but had to let some time pass, I miss him every day...but now it's time to re-engage here....see my comment on your blog......regarding a cat that showed up the last couple of days in our front yard.  Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and yes, lots of hugs for our doggies, will pass on your love as well. 

Aug 23, 2011 08:20 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

John-

Congrat's on the Broker exam (even tho' it is another post!)

Many people used your tribute to express their appreciation for their pets.

Have a happy day -
Lynn

Oct 13, 2011 05:26 PM