Life Lessons from Moose: A Girl’s Best Friend and the Journey of Finding Myself
Introduction
Hi friends! I hope your new year has been off to a great start. It's hard to believe we're already wrapping up the first month 2025. This week, my mom called with some upsetting news: my old rescue dog, Hank, is declining. It’s been a bittersweet reminder of the unconditional love he gave me and all the pets in my life, especially Moose. My family has always been full of animal lovers. We’ve cherished the good times and endured the heartbreak of losing a pet. You never truly understand the depth of love for an animal until you’ve experienced that bond and then had to say goodbye. Over the years, I’ve had to part with a handful of beloved pets, and it never gets easier. But the connection you share with them makes it all worth it. Most of you know about my first Disney College Program and how my dog, Dug, was there with me. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have completed the program or gotten into the role I’m in today. Eventually, I had to say goodbye to Dug. During the final weeks of my program, that moment was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. I had to take him to the vet alone, and the sadness of that day stayed with me. But I channelled those emotions into my writing and began looking into adopting a Chihuahua, assuming it would take at least a year or more to find the right puppy. Surprisingly, the breeder I contacted said my story stood out to her. She mentioned how she loves creating memorable moments for families, just like I make magical moments here at Disney. That’s how Moose, my now 1-year-old Chihuahua, came into my life. Being on my second program with Moose by my side has taught me so much, and I’m excited to share those lessons with you in this post. Moose has been a significant part of my personal growth, inspiring me to live in the moment and appreciate the love and loyalty he brings. Stay tuned as I introduce Moose, share some of our favourite moments, and reflect on what he’s taught me over the past year!
The Lesson of Unconditional Love
One of the best gifts Moose has given me is unconditional love. This past year, I’ve had to let go of some relationships that weren’t meant to be, and Moose has been my constant reminder of what real, loyal love looks like. Knowing I have a furry companion waiting for me at the door daily reminds me how deeply I am loved and how important it is to have love reciprocated in a way that nurtures you. Moose has helped me see that love should be mutual, supportive, and kind, never one-sided or filled with disrespect. I’ve dealt with many challenges and moments where I felt disrespected this year, but Moose’s loyalty has been a light through it all. He doesn’t care how the world sees me or what kind of day I’ve had; his love is unwavering and judgment-free. No matter what happens, I know that little Chihuahua chooses me every night. Granted, maybe it’s because there’s no one else to choose from. But still, his loyalty means everything to me. It’s not just the love Moose gives me; it’s the love he shares with others, too. He has this way of making people feel seen and special. The other week, I met a lovely woman who had just lost her Chihuahua. She broke down in tears when she saw Moose, overcome with emotion. She told me how much her dog meant to her, and I let her have some cuddle time with Moose; at that moment, I saw how the love our pets give us is transformative; it touches something profound within us. Moose has comforted me in ways I never expected. On days when I’ve felt defeated or alone, his little face peeking up at me and his tail wagging with excitement reminded me that love and loyalty don’t have to be complicated. He’s shown me how to give love freely and without expectation and taught me to accept love without questioning if I deserve it. Moose has a unique ability to comfort and uplift, and he has brought reassurance and comfort to my life in ways I never thought possible. He's helped me grow in many ways, not just in how I see relationships but in how I value myself and the connections I choose to keep.
Living in the Moment
One thing I’ve always struggled with when managing my mental health is staying grounded. I could never fully be in the moment, always preoccupied with my next step or overanalyzing what came before. Something I’ve recently come to understand is that this often happens to emotionally intelligent people who feel under-challenged and end up blaming themselves for not doing enough. But Moose has been a game-changer for me in this regard. He’s helped me slow down and enjoy the simple joys of life, reminding me that happiness doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or accomplishments; it can be found in the smallest, most everyday moments. Moments of grounding with Moose happen all the time. Our walks in the city are one of my favourites. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as we cross paths is so heartwarming, and it reminds me of how much light even a little dog can bring to someone’s day. And then there are the times we’re at home, giving him belly rubs, cuddling on the couch, or racing each other around the apartment in a game of Zoomies. These moments might seem small or ordinary, but they bring me immense joy. For Moose, they’re the best moments of his day, and sharing those experiences with him has made me realize how much I’ve been overlooking in my own life. Observing Moose has been like having a little mindfulness coach in my corner. He finds so much joy in the simplest things: a treat, a patch of sunlight, or even just sitting by my side. Watching him has taught me to pause and appreciate what’s around me instead of always rushing toward the next task or goal. He doesn’t care about what tomorrow holds; he’s fully immersed in whatever is happening right now, whether it’s sniffing every inch of grass on a walk or nuzzling into my lap after a long day. What’s even more powerful is how these moments with Moose have made me reflect on the people and opportunities in my life. If I can give Moose my full attention and cherish our time together, why wouldn’t I do the same with the people I love or the chances I’ve been given? Moose has shown me that quality time is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others and to ourselves. He’s helped me see that joy doesn’t have to come from doing big things or meeting huge expectations; sometimes, it’s in the quiet, simple things that we find the most meaning.
Resilience and Adaptability
I’ve always admired dogs' incredible ability to adapt to new environments, and Moose is a shining example. Born a Canadian puppy who braved snowy winters, he spends his days basking under the Florida sun and occasionally mingling with Disney characters. The move to Florida was a big transition for both of us, but Moose handled it like a pro. He endured an 18-hour drive without a complaint, which kept me sane during the trip. He kept me focused, too, ensuring we made plenty of stops for his potty breaks. Amazingly, his calm demeanour helped me stay grounded in a situation that could have easily been overwhelming. One of the best things about Moose’s breeder was her support and advice on travelling with this breed. Knowing that this program won’t end my travelling for work, I’ve found comfort in Moose’s ability to cope well with change. Watching him adapt so seamlessly has reminded me of the resilience I strive to build in myself. Moose has taught me that change doesn’t have to be daunting; it can be an opportunity to grow, thrive, and embrace new adventures. Last year, I lived alone in my studio apartment with Moose, and we had the best time. I admit I sometimes felt guilty because he had few opportunities to socialize. But whenever he got the chance, whether it was meeting my friends or encountering strangers on a walk, he’d light up with joy. Moose is the most social, loving dog I’ve ever known. He’ll happily jump into anyone’s lap and make them feel like they’ve been best friends forever. Now that we’re in Florida, things are a little different. I live with three roommates, and Moose couldn’t be happier. He’s thriving in a household full of people who adore him, and his little personality shines even more. He’s even starting to become bilingual, picking up commands in French and Norwegian from my roommates! It’s fascinating to see how Moose is adaptable and incredibly intuitive. From day one, he’s been great at reading people, always knowing who the good ones are. And he’s always right. There’s still one person Moose has an unshakable connection with: my ex. My ex made such a special impact on Moose’s life that their bond went viral on TikTok. Moose can remember people, and during a walk in the city, he somehow recognized my ex’s apartment out of all the buildings. It was a bittersweet moment, but Moose taught me something important that day. Even when life changes, and people come and go, the bonds we form can leave lasting impressions. After that chapter, it was just Moose and me again, and he adjusted back to our old routines without missing a beat. He was as happy as ever, reminding me that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about bouncing back and finding joy in what’s next. While it’s been challenging at times to navigate life without the help I once had, Moose has been my constant. He’s shown me that I can find strength within myself even when things are tough. Moose has become my little anchor, reminding me that change is a stepping stone to something better.
Patience and Responsibility
Owning a pet is a big commitment; Moose has taught me that firsthand. From the beginning, challenges came with being a pet parent, including very expensive vet visits and countless hours spent on training. Fun fact: Moose is even litter box trained! As a little baby, Moose had quite the personality; he loved to cause trouble and test his limits. I remember moments when his mischievous energy would leave me frustrated, but we found our rhythm over time. Eventually, Moose realized I wasn’t messing around, and he learned the rules, showing me how persistence pays off. Beyond the logistics of pet parenting, Moose has instilled in me a sense of responsibility that I didn’t have before. I remember my first year of university when I’d often choose staying in bed over facing the day. My priorities were all over the place, and I lacked structure in my life. But with Moose, everything changed. Having him by my side has given me purpose and motivation, reminding me that someone is counting on me to show up daily. Waking up to his boundless energy is now one of the best parts of my morning; it’s impossible not to smile when he’s wagging his tail and ready to take on the day. Moose has also been the perfect excuse for setting boundaries. Let’s face it: sometimes, events can feel overwhelming or not worth staying for, and Moose has become my ultimate “get-out-of-jail-free” card. “I need to get home to Moose” is my go-to line, and it’s always met with understanding because, really, who can argue with wanting to take care of your dog? While it might seem small, this has taught me how important it is to protect my time and energy, something I’ve always struggled with before. But most importantly, Moose has taught me patience and the value of consistency. Training him wasn’t always easy: it required repetition, discipline, and a lot of trial and error. There were moments when I’d feel defeated, wondering if we’d ever get it right. Yet, every step of the way, Moose reminded me of the importance of showing up, even when things are tough. Whether it was cleaning up accidents during his litter training days or sitting through vet visits, I learned to stay calm and keep working toward the bigger picture. Moose has become my little accountability partner through all the ups and downs. He’s shown me that consistency builds trust, and with trust comes an unbreakable bond. As much as I’ve helped Moose grow into the sweet, obedient dog he is today, he’s helped me grow, too. Together, we’ve built a life that feels fuller and more meaningful; I’ll always be grateful for that.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the past year with Moose, I realize how much he’s shaped my journey in ways I never expected. From teaching me unconditional love and the importance of living in the moment to showing me resilience, adaptability, patience, and responsibility, Moose has been more than just a pet; he’s been my most excellent teacher. Life with him has been filled with joy, growth, and countless little moments that have brought me closer to the person I strive to be. While I don’t know what the future holds, I know I’ll face it with Moose by my side, reminding me to embrace the simple joys, cherish the love in my life, and confidently take each step. One lesson I hope to share from my journey with Moose is that our bonds with people and pets can transform our lives in the most beautiful ways. Here's to another year of growth, love, and loyalty, led by the little Chihuahua who’s taught me more than I ever thought possible.
