John Nelsen was a gentleman who lived in New York.   He was a retired writer and served with FEMA, traveling extensively with his dog, a Norwegian Elkhound rescue, named Ms. Elske Petstock.  John’s writing talent went beyond his published works and what he had written for several network news programs.  John used to post to the Moosedog email list on behalf of Ms. Petstock in faux Norwegian (see more).  He would disappear from posting on the list for long stretches at a time given the travel demands of his job with FEMA.   John had not been heard from for awhile when the list received a post from someone in New York about an older female Elkhound, "Elska," who needed a home.  The coincidence was too great, so some of the list members started investigating.  John’s website was down and his e-mails were returned as “fatal errors”.   John had passed away from a sudden heart attack and indeed, this dog that needed rescue was the original Grande Dame, Ms. Elske Petstock.

 Funds were raised on the email list to pay for Elske’s shelter fees, get her vetted, and assist with placement.  A retired College Professor in New York was looking for an older rescue Elkhound to fill the void in his life after the death of his own beloved Elkhound, Elka, who had recently died of bone cancer.  It all seemed to have been arranged by John.

The bonding together of internet friends from all over the country to rescue the beloved Elske gave birth to the concept of the John Nelsen Moosedog Rescue Fund.    In 2003, the John Nelsen Moosedog Rescue Fund was incorporated and received 501c3 determination from the IRS.  

Thank you, John, for your inspiration and dedication. 

May all we do, honor your memory.