Longest-staying dog ever at RSPCA centre in West Yorkshire is loving life in new home
A dog who spent over three years in rescue in Halifax has finally found his forever home, in the hope his story will inspire others to adopt.
Moose, a lurcher cross, was rescued with suspected hunting injuries back in December 2022, and became the longest-staying dog ever at the charity's Halifax rehoming centre.
He's now settled into life near Leeds with his new owners Lynn and Jerry, who say he's a "dream dog" with a "fantastic, calm personality".
Lynn said:
“My last dog died about five years ago, and I wasn’t particularly looking for another one, but the house just didn’t feel the same and I came to realise I needed to have a dog to love. I’d seen Moose on the centre’s website, but when I looked again he’d been reserved and I thought that was it, I’d missed my chance. Then a week later the reserve wasn’t showing so I contacted them straight away.
“I loved Moose immediately, he just had such a fantastic, calm personality and I couldn’t believe he’d been waiting for a home for so long.
“It took him a little while to find himself, gain that bit of confidence and realise this was his home, but he hasn’t looked back since. His favourite walk takes us about 50 minutes, it’s a quiet, open route and he has a wonderful time. He’s also brilliant on the lead as the centre staff had done so much work with him.
“He weighs about 33 kilos (73 lbs) and has a very big sofa because his legs are so long.”
Fay Gibbons, from the Halifax centre, said: “It’s hard to put into words just how special Moose was to us all. Affectionately known as our resident gorgeous goofball, it was an incredibly emotional day when we said goodbye as he left to start his new life with Lynn and her family.
“It’s so sad that larger breed dogs can sometimes find it harder to be adopted. Lurchers, in particular, can be misunderstood, with some people assuming they need excessive amounts of exercise and are high-maintenance pets. In reality, they don’t necessarily need endless walks. They simply want to be part of family life, and Moose was a total cuddle bug who had so much love to give.
“We only wish someone had given him a chance sooner, because we know they would have fallen in love with him straight away, we're so grateful that Lynn and Jerry opened their hearts and home to Moose, he truly found his perfect match.
“Moose may have been our longest-staying resident, but we never gave up on him. His story is proof that the right home is out there for every rescue animal. Sometimes, it just takes a little longer to find!”