Longest-staying dog ever at Halifax RSPCA centre has found a new home
After more than three years in rescue, a lurcher cross has found a new home.
Moose was the longest-staying dog ever at the RSPCA’s rehoming centre in Halifax after being rescued by RSPCA officers in December 2022 with suspected hunting injuries.
After being treated at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, he was looked after at a private boarding facility before being transferred to the Halifax Branch’s animal centre in Wade Street in January 2023.
He is now settling into life in his new home near Leeds after being adopted by Lynn and Jerry Kift, who said they were immediately taken by his “fantastic and calm personality”.
As the RSPCA’s month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign continues, the charity is sharing Moose’s story in the hope that other would-be pet owners will consider giving a long-stay rescue animal a second chance.
Lynn 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’d seen Moose on the centre’s website, but when I looked again he’d been reserved and I thought that was it, I’d missed my chance.
"Then a week later the reserve wasn’t showing so I contacted them straight away.
“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.
"His favourite walk takes us about 50 minutes, it’s a quiet, open route and he has a wonderful time. He’s also brilliant on the lead as the centre staff had done so much work with him.”
Staff at the RSPCA said they are delighted that their beloved “gorgeous goofball” had finally found a forever home.
Fay Gibbons, from the Halifax 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. They simply want to be part of family life, and Moose was a total cuddle bug who had so much love to give.
“We only wish someone had given him a chance sooner, because we know they would have fallen in love with him straight away, we're so grateful that Lynn and Jerry opened their hearts and home to Moose, he truly found his perfect match.
“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!”
“He’s a dream dog and everyone loves him,” Lynn added. “He’s brilliant with our grandchildren, he’ll just lie next to them and soak up all the attention.”