Moogly

by Chantale

Moogly is a 3-year-old male Golden Retriever with a beautiful dark red coat, an immense heart and unlimited zest for life. Armin and Chantale were lucky enough to be chosen by Moogly as his adoptive human parents at the SPCA of Western Quebec. Although he weighed more than 70 lbs at the time, he decided to sit on Chantale's lap after our very first walk together, as if choosing us as his forever family, or so we keep telling ourselves!

During his first year, we then enjoyed a footloose and fancy free year nurturing our special bond with Moogly and doing basic puppy obedience training. Moogly got to enjoy many firsts as a much-loved member of our family: camping trips, swims, hiking, fishing, canoeing (we have yet to tip over, although we've had a few close calls!), snowshoeing and making puppy snow angels, to name a few of his favourite activities.

Moogly is a social dog who particularly enjoys the company of some canine friends, including his girlfriend, Maggie, and his best buds, Axsel, Zack and Heidi. In living with Moogly, we’ve come to see how much joy he brings to so many all around him in the human world, too. He has embraced the role of neighbourhood mascot, drawing kids of all ages to him on his daily walks. His energy, playfulness, and love of people and the great outdoors is balanced with a calm, centered, peaceful spirit. I experienced this therapeutic, caring, loving side of Moogly after abdominal surgery in the summer of 2010. As soon as I returned from the hospital, Moogly immediately smelled my stomach area, checking out the new scar. He seemed to understand intuitively and patiently stayed by my side, offering endless love throughout my recovery.

Currently, we visit seniors in Wakefield, QC and, week after week, Moogly demonstrates an incredible understanding of what his OTD work involves. Equally at home visiting with a patient in bed, sitting on the couch next to someone, or enjoying a careful walk with a senior, Moogly thrives on his work and gets all "smiles" as soon as he sees his red OTD scarf! A very loving and giving dog, Moogly is just as happy visiting with kids as he is with adults. He is also an incredible listener and never seems to tire of "big hugs," "high fives" or giving "kisses"!

Moogly and I completed our introductory Dog Therapy training at Best Friends Dog Training and are thrilled to have begun our volunteer journey with Ottawa Therapy Dogs. As such, Team Moogly is now active in Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) work at various locations in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Please contact Ottawa Therapy Dogs for more information and/or to request a visit by Team Moogly!