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A beagle named Moose survived the devastation of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina after his owners died. (Tara Lynn)

LAKE LURE, North Carolina – A dog can teach us many life lessons.

For Moose, it’s that joy can blossom even in the darkest hours.

THE North Carolina beagle, once lost and grieving after hurricane Helenecontinues to inspire his new family and those who took care of him according to natural behavior disaster that no one could ever imagine.

The violent storm tore its world nestled in Lake Lureat the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains nearly two months ago, leaving destruction and despair behind. His family – his refuge – was killed after his House was swallowed up by Helene’s anger.

Moose lost his home and family during Hurricane Helene. (Tara Lynn)

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A glimmer of hope is coming

In the days following the nightmare, neighbors took turns caring for Moose, even as they themselves faced their own challenges related to lack of water and electricity. Meanwhile, Moose was violently attacked by a pack of wild dogs. His condition was dire, requiring immediate medical attention.

It’s thanks to one of these benevolent soles who called Triangle Beagle Rescue In Raleigh to get the care he desperately needed. The team of volunteers would soon offer Moose a glimmer of hope, agreeing to take him in as soon as a foster family was available.

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Moose was a shadow of his former self after his rescue and surgery. (Tara Lynn)

Devastation in Western North Carolina weighed heavily on Tara Lynn’s heart. She wanted to help but had difficulty finding the right path. She and her husband considered breeding another dog from TriBeagles, but nothing seemed quite right.

Then Moose came along, and it was like destiny.

“I just felt like God said, ‘Okay, this is your role, and step up and love my little dog,'” Lynn told FOX Weather.

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“Trust the journey”

After being rescued from the mountains and undergoing surgery, Moose was a shell of his former self. But his eyes, filled with hope, were fixed on Lynn, his new savior. With her love and care, he would begin to heal.

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Moose and Tara Lynn enjoy the sun outside their home in Cary, North Carolina. (Tara Lynn)

Moose was a fighter, a survivor, and his spirit, although injured, remained intact. As he recovered, his playful side emerged, bringing joy to those around him.

Like Lynn documented in his blog about Moose’s recoveryshe noticed his tail was starting to wag again and his mind was full of playful energy. In it, she reminds others that happiness can be a choice, even when life seems overwhelming.

“Whether it’s trauma or loss, healing is a slow process that requires patience, but we must trust the journey and allow ourselves grace,” she adds.

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Found the mountains

Now, a new chapter begins for Moose as he continues to heal from his physical and emotional scars. A family in Leicesterclose Ashevilleimmediately recognized the urgency of Moose’s long-term needs and opened their home in the mountains to him.

It was already a safe place for two other beagles from TriBeagles, and despite the potential challenges of adding another to their family, they knew Moose was part of their community and needed to be brought home.

Moose found his new forever family outside of Asheville. (North Carolina Triangle Beagle Rescue)

Lynn said her four weeks with Moose were a celebration of second chances, a symbol of hope for many in Western North Carolina who are still recovering from Helene.

“When life turns upside down, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to lean on the kindness of others,” she said. “Don’t face difficulties alone; the warmth of friends or even strangers can be the lifeline we need.”

Today, Moose finds a second chance at life with joy in the little things: taking a nap in the sun, snuggling in a cozy bed, and exploring the smells of his new world. Thanks to Lynn and his new owners, he also found security and peace again.

“In a world where everything moves so fast, we often forget to pause,” Lynn said, “and simply appreciate the peaceful moments and simple pleasures that life has to offer.”

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