Moose Knight

Moose was a 157-lb Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. He was a true gentle giant. He was so loving and friendly, super intelligent, so well-behaved and at times comically stubborn. His overall size, with his big goofy head, endless appetite and thirst, even his bladder, were enormous. But the biggest thing about him was his heart. He was so full of love and kindness. His unusual breed, handsome markings and large size attracted so much attention. And he loved every second of it! He never met a person he didn't like. I am not into show dogs but if I had, I'm certain he could have been a champion. He would have been a perfect ambassador of his breed.

Like humans, every dog has a unique personality. And everyone that knew Moose knew what a larger-than-life character he was. To everyone that played even a smart part in his life,THANK YOU! His tail wags were his way of showing thanks and I am grateful for the kindness you all showed him. It's no secret how much he meant to me and I wish everyone could have experienced all there was to Moose as I did. No one else but me will truly know how special he was. There will never be another Moose.

To my buddy Moose: 

On my drive to pick you up from the breeder in Raleigh, NC I was so excited. Those 4 hours seemed to take forever. When I first saw you, you were so small (by your standards) and so timid and clumsy. I had no idea how amazing you would make me feel and I hope I gave you the best life possible in the much too brief time you spent on this earth.

To simply call you a dog does not do you justice. You were so much more to me; my buddy and my closest companion. You were larger-than-life with a heart to match, so caring and affectionate.Just looking into your big brown eyes somehow made everything better.

A dog's purpose as man's best friend is to be a companion and enhance their owner's lives. Well my friend, you performed your job to perfection. I could not have possibly been any happier with you or more proud to have had you in my life. You were literally my shadow, always being at my side. I never felt alone with you around. You were the ultimate cuddle buddy and brought so much warmth on a cold night. Lounging around, sharing my snacks with you and simply just having you there brought me so much joy.

Every complaint I had from the abundance of hair, high food expenses, always stepping on my feet, the broccoli farts, drool spots on the couch, sneeze boogers on the walls, waking up with hair in my mouth every morning, poop foot (what I called it when he stepped in it in the backyard) and the occasional accident... now it all seems so trivial. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

I'm sorry for every time I got angry and lost my temper with you. You didn't deserve it. Please forgive me for having to work so much. I would give anything to have that time back with you. I must have given you thousands of treats and told you "good boy" every opportunity but somehow I still don't feel it was enough. 

It's only been a few days but your absence has left a Moose-sized hole in my life. Our house feels empty without you. Poor Miko has wandered around the house looking for his big brother. You were so good to him and I'm glad you got to experience having a playmate for the last few months of your life.

The only thing that can rival the love I have for you is the pain of losing you. My heart is broken. Countless tears have been shed and I miss having my buddy to comfort me. Little Miko is trying but it's not the same as having you. When the time comes I want nothing more than to see you waiting for me at the gates of heaven. 9 years was way too short to spend with you and only eternity would be enough.

Memories of you giving me high fives, doing short bunny hops that made your floppy ears bounce, and every other silly thing you did will forever bring a smile to my face. From the first moment I laid eyes on you until the final moment when I held you in my arms, I hope you felt the love I had for you. The only thing bigger than you, was the impact you had on my heart. You could never be replaced. 

Farewell my friend,

❤️ Brandon