Hello, my name is Dena, and I’m the proud mom of Moose — better known online as Moose the Legend, the big, goofy, snarky, cheese-tax-collecting German Shepherd who has brought joy, laughter, and comfort to tens of thousands of people across social media.

Moose isn’t just my dog… he’s my heart, my shadow, my best friend, and for so many of you, he’s been a source of comfort through dark days, hard seasons, and tough moments. Over the years, you’ve shared with me how much he’s helped you smile when you needed it most — and now, he needs your help.

Over the last week, Moose suddenly became sick after a series of medical events — extreme lethargy, skin flare-ups, red inflamed eye, and anaplasmosis (a tick-borne disease). At first, he was stable at home while we monitored him around the clock with his vet’s guidance.

But today, Moose took a turn for the worse.

His jaw became so stiff he could no longer open his mouth normally, and his condition changed quickly enough and we took him to the emergency room.

Moose needed to be hospitalized immediately.

He has now been admitted for 24–48 hours of intensive diagnostics, monitoring, and supportive care to figure out exactly what is happening and how to treat it as quickly as possible. They are running multiple tests, imaging, and evaluations to get answers and begin the right treatment plan.

He is safe, he is being taken care of, and we are fighting for him with everything we have — but we simply did not expect this level of medical emergency.

I never imagined setting up a GoFundMe.

But Moose’s sudden hospitalization, testing, and urgent care come with significant and unexpected medical costs, and I need help making sure he gets everything he needs without delay.

Funds will go directly toward:

Hospitalization costs

Diagnostic testing (bloodwork, imaging, specialty tests)

Medications

Pain management

Follow-up care

Any specialist consultations he may need

Supportive care once he returns home

Every donation — no matter the amount — helps us continue fighting for Moose and giving him the care he deserves.

From the bottom of my heart: thank you for loving Moose like he’s your own. Thank you for the prayers, the messages and the kindness, and the strength you’ve sent our way over the last few days.

We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.

Please keep Moose in your thoughts as he fights through this.

With love and hope,

Dena & Moosie