Moose stayed with me for about a week and in that time he decided that I was okay and got along great with my large dogs. I still was unsure about this little guy that still had some social problems due to his past. I took him back to Joyce since I was unsure if this little guy could fit into my "big dog" lifestyle. A couple weeks passed and again I kept seeing my little guy around Joyce's and decided to give it another try. After "fostering" him for about a month, I decided that I really enjoyed having this crazy little ball of energy running around my house and I wanted to give him a permanent home.
It has taken many hours of continual training, positive reinforcement and basic socialization, but all the hard work is paying off! With the help of a trainer, Moose no longer has the biting "problem" that was so prevelent when he first came to us. He is turning into a confident little character that now plays with toys, chases balls, goes for "big" dog walks, wrestles with my 70 pound lab and thinks he weighs 100 pounds himself. I continue to work with Moose on his social skills, but he is continually getting better with people and other dogs and has become the most affectionate, loyal and lovable little dog.
Like so many other dogs, this little guy needed a chance and through HALO got that opportunity. I am still not 100% sold on this little dog thing, so for now when anyone asks his breed I just tell them he is a minature rotweiller.
---Jodi
I had been a HALO volunteer for about a year, mainly working in the dog program, when I first met Moose. He wanted nothing to do with me, or anyone else for that matter. Moose had been picked up as a stray by a local shelter. He failed all his temperment tests, wouldn't let anyone touch or come near him, and was scheduled to be put down the next day when HALO decided to take him in.
I have always been a big dog person and always thought the little ones were not much fun. However, week after week I kept seeing Moose at Joyce's and kept thinking, "he sure is cute...but a Chihuahua?". Up to this point, I hadn't really gotten close to him, as he had the tendency to "nip" or "bite" at people who tried to pet him or pick him up. Moose had been at Joyces for about 2 months, when she "suggested" I take him home for a sleepover. Upon leaving Joyce's he bit me (for the second time)...Was I crazy?
