Loose 'Moose' Capture In Natick Credited To Officers' Work

NATICK, MA — Two Natick police officers are being credited with rescuing a Moose — a skittish German short-haired pointer dog that escaped from a veterinary clinic along Route 135 in December.

On Dec. 17, Moose backed out of his collar after a visit at the Natick Animal Clinic and ran off. Moose's owners posted about his escape on social media, and the indispensable Missing Dogs Massachusetts Facebook page soon picked up the story.

Near sunset on Dec. 20, an Atherton Street resident spotted Moose in their backyard. Natick officers Steven Gould and Michael Mabardy, who handles the department's K9, responded and were able to corral the dog.

A driver hit Moose during his escape, and he was taken to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston for care.

Sherborn resident Louise Coleman, who was involved in the Moose search, has asked for the officers to receive special recognition for their efforts. Mabardy's experience with dogs was likely key to helping him catch Moose, Coleman said.

"We are thrilled that the officers could play a part in helping to bring a happy ending to the story of Moose on the loose!" Natick police Lt. Cara Rossi said of the incident.