I wanted to let you know that Moo is settling in beautifully.
I finally heard her infamous growl last night, too. My boyfriend’s brother came into the room while all of us were lying in bed, and apparently Moo decided he had not been invited. It was such a tiny, indignant growl that I couldn’t help but laugh. She has occasionally given my boyfriend a little bark or growl when he first walks into the room, but as soon as he comes over and pets her, she gives him kisses. She’ll even go kiss him when he sits or lies down—and then immediately return to me.
She is truly my little shadow. If I get up, Moo gets up. If I take a step, Moo takes a step. She is constantly right behind me, and I find it ridiculously adorable.
She and Sprinkles are doing wonderfully together. At one point Moo got nervous about something and actually tucked herself underneath Sprinkles for shelter. Sprinkles could not have cared less and just let her stay there. They’ve already shared the bed and the stroller without a problem.
She has also been completely fine with my boyfriend’s senior American Eskimo, Piper, and we introduced her to my parents’/my Belgian Malinois(s) as well. Everyone has gotten along beautifully.
We have the dog car completely set up, the crate is out, there are beds everywhere, and she has already figured out that wherever I am is probably where she would also like to be.
More than anything, I want you to know that the things you warned me about have not changed how I feel about her in the slightest. An accident is something I can clean up. A growl is communication I can listen to. We’re learning each other, and she doesn’t have to be perfectly convenient to be loved here.
She’s home. ❤️
Thank you again for trusting me with her and for capturing the beginning of this chapter for us.
Big wags from Moo and the whole crew,
Nikki Herschend
8/22/26
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
