Moss - Tailends June 2004 - December 2005

Moss arrived at Tailends on 29th June 2004 accompanied by his brother Bruce. Mandy had brought them down from her kennels in Northamptonshire, where they had been living since they came into rescue from their trainer’s kennels. Everyone had been trying to find a home for both dogs together but without success. They were 10 years old and Bruce had a heart problem. We were sure that we could offer them a home at Tailends providing (as usual) that they could live in harmony with the other dogs already here. They had been tried out with a small terrier before they came to see if they would be friendly towards other breeds and it was thought all would be well. 

Moss came running into the house as soon as he arrived and jumped onto a bed so that he could watch proceedings through the window. He was absolutely fine with our other dogs. We brought each dog out into the garden one at a time to meet Bruce. All was well until he met Tweenie – the old blind poodle. He became extremely excited and tried to bounce at her. We waited to see if he would calm down and lose interest but it soon became apparent that he was totally obsessed with her and would present a threat to her safety even with a muzzle on, as he is such a big powerful boy.

We were then faced with a horrible decision. Should Mandy take both dogs all the way back and return them to kennels in the remote hope that they would eventually find a home together? We saw that Moss was already making himself completely at home. In the end we all decided that it would be cruel to deprive Moss of a home and return him to kennels. Mandy was confident that Bruce could find a home more easily on his own and she had a couple of people in mind who might consider taking him. It was still a very hard thing for her to do and I know she cried all the way home, but in the end it proved to be the right choice. 

Bruce soon found a lovely home with a lady who is absolutely devoted to him and is giving him all the care he needs. 

Moss actually benefited in some ways by the separation. He was always the more timid of the two and relied on his brother to give him confidence. We gradually watched while he became bolder and more self-reliant. It took several months for him to totally come out of his shell but now he has lost most of his fear and nervousness. In the beginning he was terrified of fireworks or loud noises. (Happily we don’t get too many of these here, as it is one of the quietest places in the country – except in High Season.) 

Moss is now one of the gang and loves to run around the beach each morning with Poppy – who he holds in high regard although she is a total nutcase. Moss is a highly intelligent boy and is also very sensitive. The two smaller girls usually toddle along at the back of the line of greyhounds on the walks. On one occasion, Tweenie had strayed off the path and was stuck in the Marram grass not knowing which way to go. Before I had a chance to get to her, Moss was there and I watched in amazement as he nudged her with his nose all the way back to the path. Then he ran off into the dunes again to resume his search for the best rabbit holes to look down.

Moss has a very sensitive ear for music. He likes soft melodious tunes but hates loud background sounds. Recently I switched on the television to find Dr Who was in progress. Moss immediately announced his displeasure by lifting his head and howling at the horrible music. Dopey thought this must be a signal so he joined in too until I switched it off again to restore tranquility. Greyhounds are generally very quiet dogs but there must be some things that annoy them so much that they have to express their views.

You could not find a more affectionate chap than Moss. He just loves to have a cuddle and is so eager to please all the time. He does have some arthritis but manages very well for an older chap. It was very hard for Mandy to make the decision to separate him from Bruce but I believe he has blossomed since then. He has so much more self-confidence and it was the best thing for him in the end. Bruce’s heart condition has deteriorated in recent months and if Moss had lost his brother while he was still so dependent on him, he would have been devastated. Here he has lots of friends and is a much-loved member of our little community. Meanwhile Bruce is adored by his new friend and receives all the attention and care which he needs. He is still a bit wary of smaller dogs so he goes for his little walks early and late when few people are about.

AUTUMN 2005. Moss has been quite poorly since he started having nose bleeds in October. He has had X-rays, a full dental, blood tests and recently an endoscopy. No tumour or other problem has been found. However the nose bleeds continue and he is not a happy boy. I am now waiting for the results of more detailed tests and also a Leishmaniasis test. His blood pressure was taken on Monday 5th December and was found to be raised substantially. We are making him as comfortable as possible while we wait for the results of these tests. He is such a sweet unassuming boy who is always eager to please. I so hope we can sort out this problem and get him well again.

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death on Sunday 18th December 2005 of out dear Moss. The nosebleeds had continued intermittently but on Saturday night (17th December) he started to bleed profusely and became very distressed. The vet found that he had a mass on one side of his head which had emerged very quickly and had not been prominent before. This was diagnosed as a bone tumour in the sinuses. It was the cause of the heavy bleeding from the nose and could only have been diagnosed previously by using an MRI scanner (which few vets would have owing to the massive cost of purchasing one). The tumour was inoperable as it was so close to the brain and we had no choice but to let our dear boy be allowed to die quickly and peacefully so that he should not suffer anymore. Moss was an honest, faithful, quiet and good-natured dog. A big black sensitive boy, he was never any trouble and loved to meet other dogs for a game on the beach while we were out. We miss him very much. Farewell my wonderful Moss. It was a privilege to have known you. Wait for us with all the other souls who have left us. They will look after you until we get there.