Muddy Moose

By Jai Longhurst

Every time the phone rings I have a bet with myself what it is going to be. I always lose. Our calls, at times, are very unique but that comes with the job. This morning is was a female moose trapped in a mud hole unable to get out. With ropes, straps, blankets, and a stretcher in the back the Aspen Valley truck roared out of the driveway. It was not a far drive and when we arrived we could see that she was exhausted. As we approached she made an effort to try again. Before anything could be done we agreed on a plan of action. There was a safe and mossy opening in the woods not far from her present situation that would give her a chance to rest before she was able to get up. She stared at me with wild frightened eyes as I slipped a blanket over her eyes to keep her calm and distracted when Tony submerged himself into the cold thick mud. By then helpers had arrived and they waited eagerly for their turn to get the moose to safe ground. Tony was able to get the straps and ropes under her front legs but not back up to her withers so now it was my turn to get a mud bath. From solid ground I leaned gently over the moose and grabbed the strap pulling it up. Not once did the moose object, obviously knowing that help was here. Once she was secure the pulling began. With many of us on ropes she was slowly sucked out of the muddy abyss. The momentum was kept up and we were able to reach the mossy forest bay where I positioned her in a proper laying posture. Like horses, they can’t lie down for long periods of time. She was given an injection of Vitamin E to help with the stress level and a drink of water. And as we left she turned her head and watched us all leave. It was a regal look with ears straight up and for me, it was a thank you.