About a Moose

To Moose

who has but one job --

to be an unconditional friend and confidant to a young boy --

and has performed his job with a loyalty and dedication

that is unmatched.

To Moose

who gets called upon to provide comfort

when the little boy is sick

or hurt

or scared, like the scene in The Lion King where Simba's dad gets trampled.

To Moose

who has been dragged along on vacations

and trips to the zoo

and even supermarket runs, where he normally gets left behind to wait in the car.

To Moose

whose little patch of white hair has mostly fallen out

and who has had surgery with needle and thread

to repair the hole in his mouth

and who has even been glued together

when the dog tried to chew off his nostril.

To Moose

who no longer smells like chocolate

and whose ears are worn thin

from the little boys fingers,

that rub those ears as a measure of comfort.

To Moose

who is called upon much less frequently than before

who spends most of his days waiting in the young boy's bed

until nighttime, when the boy is ready to cuddle.

To Moose

Who has been loved, and loved some more.

2005: Travis is almost one year old. Moose enters his life.

Moose, playing with Travis in a tote of newspaper shreds.

Moose standing in front of Notre Dame Stadium, about to go to his first ND football game.

Moose cuddling with Travis as we welcome new baby brother Noah to the family.

Moose with Travis, Grandma and Noah

Moose in Canada, cuddling with Travis and Trevor as they watch a movie.

Moose, zonked out with Travis, and the other kids, after a camping trip

Moose, today.

Thank you, Moose.