(Image: RSPCA)
A rescue dog has finally found his forever home in West Yorkshire after spending more than three years in care.
Moose, a lurcher cross, was the longest-staying dog at the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford branch.
He was rescued in December 2022 with suspected hunting injuries.
The animal spent time in treatment at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and a private boarding facility before arriving at the RSPCA’s Wade Street, Halifax, centre in January 2023.
Moose's new owners (Image: RSPCA)
The RSPCA is sharing his story as part of its Adoptober campaign to encourage more people to consider rehoming long-stay animals.
Moose has now found a new home near Leeds with Lynn and Jerry Kift.
He's Moose in the snow! (Image: RSPCA)
Mrs Kift 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 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.
"He’s a dream dog and everyone loves him.
"He’s brilliant with our grandchildren, he’ll just lie next to them and soak up all the attention."
Moose, the lurcher cross (Image: RSPCA)
Fay Gibbons from the RSPCA 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.
The RSPCA team (Image: RSPCA)
"They simply want to be part of family life, and Moose was a total cuddle bug who had so much love to give.
"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."