Bullwinkle Is Adopted!
Laura and Sarah applied to adopt a GSP who was friendly, active, and one that would get along with their small senior dog. They stated that they spend a lot of time outdoors and looking for an adventurous companion . Laura, also being an accomplished triathlete, wanted a running companion for those very late night and early morning runs when it is pitch black outside to keep her safe.
Despite never owning a GSP, they admired the breed's intelligence, affectionate nature. and athletic ability, and knew with their lifestyle, a GSP would be the perfect match.
The dog they had applied for had already been adopted. We went ahead and took a chance and introduced them to a dog we had over 2 years who was a volunteer favorite, but often overlooked because he is not the kind of dog that runs into one’s lap and gives kisses and begs for belly rubs upon initial meeting. Bullwinkle J. Moose was independent and aloof upon first meet and greets, and he didn’t initially love just anyone and everyone. One needed to earn his love .
However, once he knows you ………We will let Laura tell the story…….
1 Day Post Adoption
“He went on a run this morning and did so well. It was all business and just trotted next to me. We walked and sniffed after. We also met the day care lady and he liked her. He played in the pool and sniffed around and seemed comfortable there so that’s good. He’s sleeping now”!
2 Day Post Adoption
“What dog just lets you take him running and doesn’t pull or stop or zig zag? He waits to eat till you tell him he can, he sits to get his leash on, waits to come out of the crate until you say it’s okay. Waits to go out the front door too!
And yes he’s barked! He barked at a turkey that came upon us today on the run but he didn’t lunge at it or stop going…just barked at it.
He barks at people approaching the house like the mailman. But he’s friendly to meet them.
He also barked at the horses through the fence yesterday”.
2 Month Post Adoption
“It’s hard to believe it has already been two months since Moose joined our family. We feel incredibly lucky that our paths crossed, and we can honestly say that Moose is everything we could have hoped for and more.
As you know, Moose spent a little over two years with the rescue. As we’ve talked about, we think the main reason he was overlooked was because he wasn’t the type of dog who immediately ran up to people and showed off his personality or affection. He needed someone willing to give him time and the chance to feel comfortable. What we’ve discovered is that beneath that initial shyness was an absolute diamond in the rough. Moose is the sweetest, most affectionate dog. He truly is a girl’s best friend.
He is full of energy and lives up to everything we love about the German Shorthaired Pointer breed. He runs with me every morning, and is the perfect training partner. He keeps me safe on my early morning runs in the dark and makes sure the pace stays up!
He’s incredibly athletic, curious, playful, and always ready for the next adventure. If dogs are allowed, Moose gets to go! He joins us in Tahoe many weekends, and I take him just about everywhere with me. He loves hiking, running, swimming, exploring new places, and being part of whatever we’re doing. He even came along on our road trip to my Ironman 70.3 race in Oregon and was an absolute champ throughout the entire trip. He was perfect in the car! He met countless new people and dogs, went to restaurants, explored the town, stayed in a hotel, rode elevators, and walked through busy city streets with calm, curious confidence.
Moose also loves his toys. Our house frequently looks like it has snowed inside thanks to the mountains of stuffing he removes from his ever-growing collection of stuffed animals. He enjoys playing with other dogs and has become friends with our neighbor’s Australian Shepherd.
During the day while we’re at work, he goes to a small doggy daycare where he plays in the wading pools and spends his days with his Vizsla and Labrador friends.
He has fit into our family and routine beautifully, and is wonderful with our older, small dog. He’s smart, eager to learn, and continues to impress us every day. He already knows sit, down, stay, and come, and we’re currently working on heel.
Like many rescue dogs, Moose has had a few things to work through. He does experience some separation anxiety, but with consistency, patience, and lots of confidence-building, we’ve seen steady improvement. We can now leave him alone for longer periods, and he continues to make progress every week.
Our biggest takeaway from adopting Moose is that sometimes the dog who gets overlooked is the one who has the most love to give. Some dogs simply need someone willing to see their potential and give them the time they deserve. Moose has shown us that the wait was more than worth it, and we are so grateful to you and everyone at the rescue for giving him that chance and bringing him into our lives.
Thank you for everything you do to help these incredible dogs find their forever homes. Moose is proof that there are so many amazing dogs waiting for someone to give them a chance. We truly can’t imagine our lives without him”.
We are beyond grateful to Laura and Sarah for trusting us in this process. Their two trips included over 20 hours of travel time which is true commitment.
Thank you both for giving Bullwinkle (Moose) a loving forever home.
