Moose (fka Hooch) was surrendered to PAWS Atlanta by his previous owner. Despite his looming size, he was the sweetest boy from the beginning. He was always happy to see our staff, tail wagging and ready to give kisses with his giant tongue. Once we featured him on our Instagram account, we knew this big boy would be snatched up to a good home.

Terry and her family came to meet Moose the next weekend and immediately fell in love. Moose is now living his best life with his new family - swimming, taking car trips, and getting so many treats! Terry has been updating us along the way, and here's what she had to say about Moose's adjustment to his forever home.

During his first week at home, they worked on introducing Moose to the lake that they visit often. Terry said that, "he did really well! We're hoping to get him a vest so he can be a swimming dog! He also explored the dock and did not mind the rocking and rolling with the waves." Moose jumped right in with everything his new family enjoyed, glad to be a part of it all.

Moose also loves long walks with his family. His mom often takes him to Little Ridge Park, with trails in the shade on the lake. She says that he does great encountering both people and other dogs, and loves to take a little snooze when he gets back home.

He's also getting more vocal now that he's more comfortable in his new home. Terry says, "three weeks to the day after his adoption, we heard Moose bark for the first time. We had heard a couple of whines but not yet a bark. We are sure he has a deeper bark that we will hear one day!" 

Moose's day-to-day life is full of joy and being spoiled! Terry writes, "He is the absolute best boy! We are all enamored with Moose. He gets a morning and evening walk every day. We are also training him. He has learned sit, down, wait (you can go upstairs and leave him and he will be in the exact same spot when you come back down), find me (hide and seek), which hand has the treat in it, leave it, no, and loose leash walking. He is treat motivated, so training is easy with him. (And we are consistent and do it often). We have also taught him to swim with a life vest on. He has to be encouraged to get into the water, but he can now easily swim 50-100 ft to shore! He rides well in the car and sleeps in his crate at night on an orthopedic mattress with the door open. Whenever he has been left alone, he does great locked in the crate. He also likes other dogs and every person he has met. He thinks squirrels are fun toys. We think he is just the best and are thrilled he is part of our family!"

This is the kind of love that we wish for all of our animals. If you're ready to show some big love to one of our furry friends, check out our adoptable cats and dogs!