Moose was a doberboy that we rescued with the help of Marsha Sheppard of the Utah Doberman Rescue over 9 years ago. He passed away last week at the ripe old age of 15 years, and time was still way too short. We knew he was the boy for us from the first moment we met him. When we went to meet him, we were greeted by a large black Dobie who bounded up the stairs and laid down right at our 7 year old daughter Danyell's feet.

Moose was a noble and beautiful Doberman with the funniest and most gentle personality. Squirrels were the bane of his existence, and he would go into a frenzy when they would stand out in our front yard mocking him. He loved his treats and was very 'aware' of when anyone was in or near the kitchen.

One of Moose's favorite things to do was wait until my back was turned and then deliver a full-blown "Moose Goose" -- bumping me in the behind while wagging furiously. It always made me laugh.

When I think of Moose, the feelings that come to mind are of gentleness, kindness, and a wonderful easygoing nature. He was always there when things were difficult, and he knew when we needed him near. He'd lay in the sun at Will's feet while Will was working; a comforting presence and our Velcro dog. We're sure he kept himself healthy all these years by sneaking pears and apples from the backyard trees. We'd catch him chomping away at them and scold him --- if it was 'Mama' scolding him, he'd walk away non-chalantly, pretending he hadn't heard; if it was 'Daddy,' he'd spit the pear out, and look at us as if to say "Pear? What pear? I didn't see a pear!"

Moose knew some really unique tricks, my personal favorite being "Move Your Bed." I'd point to his bed around bedtime and tell him to move his bed, because we let our Dobies sleep on the floor of our room at night. After I'd picked it up, he'd push it with his head, get under it, tug at it, get in front of me and bark directions, shove it, and "help" me move his bed into our room. He was the foreman of the whole operation :)!

He also loved "Hide and Seek," and would wag furiously and bark at me when he knew I was hiding from him and was going to jump out and scare him.

Moose was always good-natured, happy to see us, and there by our side. He was the one who comforted us, even on his last day when we went to see him after his emergency surgery. He tucked his head into us and loved us, even though he was the one who had gone through so much. We miss him so much and our house feels empty without him. Thank you, Doberman Rescue for the opportunity to have Moose in our lives. We have rescued 2 other Dobies since then, and we will continue to support Doberman Rescue throughout our lives.

Will and Chrystal Reece