There’s a loose Moose in our house and it’s amazing. Moose is our new foster dog as of October 11th, 2024. This sweet beagle boy sadly lost his home and family during Hurricane Helene. Neighbors took turns caring for him after the storm as they also faced their own struggles of disaster being without water and power. During that time, he was attacked by a pack of wild dogs. One of those kind neighbors pulled him out from the fray and another helped clean him up and provide him with antibiotics. But she new he needed more critical help. She reached out to Triangle Beagle Rescue who agreed to take him in as soon as we found him a foster home.
The devastation in Western North Carolina has been overwhelming. I wanted to help, but wasn’t sure what would be the best way (sending supplies immediately, making monetary donations, or eventually going with a volunteer team from our church to help later down the road). We had been hoping to foster a dog now that our new dog Boone has settled in. I’d been keeping an eye on the requests from Triangle Beagle Rescue and another rescue, but nothing seemed quite the right fit. I think it was God’s timing that had us wait until Moose needed our help.
Moose went straight to the veterinarian after a volunteer transported him from the mountain back to Raleigh. He was in rough shape when I picked him up, mostly because he had to be sedated to receive stitches and hadn’t eaten yet that day. Not to mention, he was very confused. We set him up with a comfy crate to rest.
In one week, he has gone from a lethargic pup who wanted to stay in his crate the first few days to a thriving joyful pup who now wants to wrestle and play with our dog. He loves being outside and going for walks. He LOOOOVES food as any good beagle dog does of course, but also needs to put on a little bit of weight. He has been an absolute delight.
I’m amazed by his spirit and joy after all that he has been through. In just one week, Moose–the dog who survived Hurricane Helene- has taught me many life lessons I wanted to share with you.
5 Life lessons from a dog who survived Hurricane Helen
1. Accept the Kindness of Friends and Strangers
After losing his family in the chaos of Hurricane Helen, this sweet beagle found refuge in the care of neighbors who took him in (all while trying to manage the aftermath of the storm with little kids, dogs of their own and farm animals). When life turns upside down, it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to lean on the kindness of others. Don’t face hardships alone; the warmth of friends or even strangers can be the lifeline we need.
2. Keep Finding Joy, Even in Dark Times
Despite the pain of loss and a terrifying attack by wild dogs, this little guy continues to seek out happiness. His tail wags when he plays with our dog Boone, and his spirit is full of playful energy. He loves to toss toys in the air and run around to grab them and do it again. Even in tough moments, there is always room to find joy in the simple things—a reminder that happiness can be a choice, even when life seems overwhelming.
3. One Bad Experience Doesn’t Have to Define You
The dog attack could have made him fearful and withdrawn, but instead, he’s bounced right back, eager to meet new doggie friends and wrestle with Boone. He hasn’t let that one bad encounter with wild dogs shape his entire worldview. This reminds us that a single hardship shouldn’t stop us from growing, healing, and embracing new possibilities with an open heart.
4. Healing Takes Time and Patience
Physically and emotionally, this beagle has been through a lot. The scars from his past won’t disappear overnight, but each day, he heals a little more. Whether we’re dealing with trauma or loss, healing is a slow process that requires patience, but we should trust the journey and give ourselves grace.
5. Appreciate the Moments of Peace
After all he has endured, this beagle finds comfort in the little things—napping in the sun, snuggling in a cozy bed, and exploring the smells of his new environment. He has also found safety and peace in his crate and cozies up for a nap there. In a fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and simply appreciate the peaceful moments and simple pleasures life has to offer.
I am so thankful to be a small part of his journey. As much as my kids and Boone would like for him to stay, I do feel he has another forever home out there waiting for him. One with a doggie friend and lots of outside time. We’ll keep you updated when that happens.
Please continue to pray for Western North Carolina. The need is great right now, but there will be a lot of need in the months ahead. Consider fostering a dog or cat, sending coats and blankets with local supply drives, or donating money to trusted organizations that can purchase in bulk and use the money over time. Consider donating to your local animal shelter or rescue that like TBR is helping take in animals from Western North Carolina or to those directly in the affected areas. Moose is just one dog who survived Hurricane Helene. There are others who will also need help.
Next steps for Moose:
Moose is thankfully negative for heartworms! He will need to have his stitches removed, be neutered, and get his next round of vaccines so he will likely be with us for at least three more weeks. I’ll be sharing updates on my Instagram page. He was also featured in the News and Observer.