Dogs with disabilities and medical issues often have a rough time. They’re frequently at risk of being euthanized, or abandoned by owners who don’t want the responsibility of caring for them.
But as long as a dog isn’t suffering, they should get a chance to live and be loved like any other dog. After one disabled dog got a second chance, he’s not only doing well but he’s the “happiest dog in the world!”
In 2016, a woman named Jennifer Osborne saw a dog named Moose in a pet store— he was very distinctive-looking, with a fixed smile and big underbite.
”We got Moose as a puppy, we couldn’t tell he had issues until he got older,” Jennifer said.
As mentioned, Jennifer had noticed that Moose had an underbite, and a couple of months later, she discovered that his skull was misshapen.
It was then that she learned the cause: a congenital medical deformity. Moose had been born missing parts of his brain. Around the age of two, he began experiencing grand mal seizures.
”Moose’s nose was pushed into his skull which caused the under-bite, crooked nose, deformed skull, deformed brain and eye issues – probably when he was still in the womb,” Jennifer told Metro.
But Jennifer instantly fell in love with the dog — and most of all she was worried that, in the wrong hands, Moose would be put to sleep due to his medical issues.
So, she adopted him herself, giving Moose a home where he would be safe.
Jennifer knew it wouldn’t be an easy road ahead: Moose’s medical issues required a lot of attention.
He suffered from frequently seizures: “They affect the body and the brain and left his whole body twitching and him foaming at the mouth,” Jennifer said.
She got the dog an MRI, which revealed the scope of his medical problems: he had no forehead and sinuses, and there was a cyst where the parts of his brain were missing.
“His brain in the front is squished in but the rest of his brain is good,” Jennifer explained on Instagram. “His neurologist has never seen a dog with an issue like Moose’s.”
She found out that the dog’s seizures would continue his whole life, however they could be treated with medication, and it wouldn’t affect his life expectancy.
Jennifer is ready to face any challenges ahead and is still grateful to have Moose in her life. Despite everything, he’s one happy and playful dog.
“With everything that’s happened to Moose, we’re very lucky he survived, period,” she told Metro. “He is literally a miracle.”
Moose went through life with a big smile on his face, as if he was grateful for every day he gets to be alive.
”He is amazing and a blessing on my life,” Jennifer said back in 2020. ”He is the happiest dog I have ever met and I’m thankful he’s my dog.”
In the summer of 2023, Moose’s health took a dramatic turn for the worse. Jennifer, his devoted owner, immediately noticed something was wrong when Moose, typically full of life, seemed too weak to even get into her car for a trip to the vet. “Moose is clearly weak, he couldn’t even get into my car to go to the vet. I had to pick him up,” Jennifer explained, her voice filled with concern. He was barely eating, had a slightly elevated temperature, and was clearly in pain.
After a thorough examination, the vet diagnosed Moose with pancreatitis, which was causing fluid buildup in his abdomen and around his kidneys. His lymph nodes were also inflamed. As his condition worsened, Moose began to experience heavy breathing, leading the vet to suggest a plasma transfusion.
The vet suspected Moose was throwing blood clots, so additional blood work was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Despite the grim news, the vet remained cautiously optimistic that Moose could pull through.
However, as the days passed, Moose’s situation became more dire. X-rays revealed that he had developed pneumonia, further complicating his condition. “Now the doctor isn’t sure he’ll be okay,” Jennifer said, her heart heavy with uncertainty. Moose was placed in an oxygen box, but he refused to let Jennifer leave his side, further highlighting the bond they shared.
Despite a slight improvement in his blood pressure, the vet warned that it was a 50/50 chance whether he would survive.
Sadly, on July 19, 2023, Moose’s body could no longer fight the mounting health issues, and he passed away, leaving Jennifer devastated. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Jennifer remains grateful for the time they shared together and the unwavering loyalty Moose had shown throughout his life.
”I’ve had alarms on my phone for over 5 years for his medication reminders, and I can’t bring myself to turn them off or put his meds away. His meds sit in a container prepped and ready for the week. It’s so hard to adjust to him, not being here anymore. I know I’m blessed to have gotten 7 years with him, but I feel robbed that we should’ve had more time together. I’m incredibly blessed that I was chosen to be his mom. I needed Moose in my life, and he truly made me a better person,” she wrote on her Instagram-page.
While the loss of Moose is deeply heartbreaking, Jennifer finds solace in the beautiful memories they created together. From the moments of joy to the unconditional love they shared, Moose will always have a special place in her heart. Despite the challenges he faced, his strength and spirit were undeniable.
