Moose is the happiest dog that ever walked on three legs.

That’s no surprise after the one-year-old bullmastiff mix was rescued by a local animal shelter, relieved of excruciating pain and given a new lease on life.

Alisa Sears said it’s a shame the poor pooch had to lose a limb in the process.

“He was running at large for about three weeks, and someone called in saying the poor thing was literally dragging his front right leg,” said Sears, manager of the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Barrie branch. “We think he’d been hit by a car. His leg was broken, but the injury was sustained some time ago, and the leg was dead when we got to him.

“He had been chewing at it and we’re not sure why, but we made the decision immediately to have it amputated because he was in so much pain,” she added. “He seems happy now. It’s like he’s grateful that we helped him.”

Moose, as shelter staff have lovingly named him, was placed temporarily in foster care for two weeks to heal and he’s in need of a new home.

Barrie resident Justine Perry, Moose’s foster mom, has fallen in love with him and says letting go when the time’s right will be hard.

“I’m usually pretty good with letting them go, but he’s going to be harder,” Perry said, giving Moose a good scratch behind the ears. “I wish I could keep him, but there’s no room long-term for him at home, and my dog doesn’t get a long well with him.”

Sears said the mild-mannered animal will steal any potential owner’s heart at first glance.

“He’s really very sweet with a great personality and he’s so cute,” she said. “He’s healed a lot faster than we expected him to, and he shouldn’t have any ongoing health issues to worry about.”

Moose’s gentle nature, shiny copper coat, bright golden eyes and wagging tail would make the friendly canine any dog lover’s dream pet. And he still has a lot of life in him.

There is a $400 price tag to adopt Moose, and he’s been neutered and has all his shots.

The shelter is still trying to locate the dog’s owner, but recent efforts have not been successful.