Joel’s dog is missing part of her face: ‘I was looking for a misfit for company’

The Romanian dog Moaca is a direct hit with almost two million followers on TikTok† Mainly because of her special background and appearance: she is missing part of her face.

Bosje Joel Wareman (23) from Zoetermeer shared only one video of Moaca on TikTok more than two years ago. Within a short time, the video went around the world. “My depression has gone since Moaca has been in my life.”

By train, or not?

Passers-by are sometimes surprised to see the dog with a half head and a hanging tongue. Joel is only happy with Moaca: “Look what sweet dog eyes she has.” The story goes that Moaca was hit by a train in Romania and lost part of her face as a result. But Joel has her doubts: “In Romania, dogs are not always well cared for. There are many street dogs and abuse is a regular occurrence. Moaca is also missing a toe in addition to half of her head. I’m not sure of course, but this could also have been done by a human.”

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An outsider for company

Joel had feelings of depression and panic attacks made her less and less likely to go outside. She looked on Marktplaats for a buddy. “I was looking for a misfit so we could keep each other company.” She read an ad with a call from Nomad Vet Association in Romania. This organization was looking for a loving home for Moaca and found Joel a suitable candidate.

Moaca came to the Netherlands in a van within two weeks, along with a few other adoptive dogs. “Together with my ex, I drove to a gas station near Utrecht at night where we picked her up. It was also possible the next day, but I wanted to meet her immediately.” Joel had to get used to the look of Moaca. “But she immediately wagged her tail and was very sweet right away. We took her home in the back seat.”

In the van

The first night with Moaca was dramatic. She barked continuously and wanted to go outside. After all, she was a mutt and not used to being inside. She had never walked on a leash before. “I became a parcel deliverer and took her with me in my van all day long. Very pleasant, and I could go out with her more often.” Joel found an office job, but Moaca didn’t like being left home alone. “The neighbors complained about the barking. Luckily she is more used to it now. Despite the problems at the beginning, I didn’t want to let her go for a moment.”

Tongue with sand

Moaca needs a lot of energy and exercise, but she can’t run loose. That is why Joel goes to the fenced running field behind the Van Leeuwenhoeklaan every day. Despite her disfigured face, she can behave just like other dogs. “She barks and grabs balls. Her tongue hangs in the sand but she washes it at home while drinking water. As a result, she is more thirsty. And she eats chunks with ease. Only in cold weather does she have a faster chance of inflamed eyes.”

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With Moaca in her life, the days have been completely different for Joel since then. “I have to go out now to let her out. Because of this I have more contact with people. They find her especially pathetic with her half face. But they are also very grateful to me for taking her home. Moaca and I hug and comfort each other. I feel better since she’s here.”

A million views

Joel made videos of Moaca and posted them on social media for fun. The first video on TikTok immediately got a million views. “I didn’t know what I was seeing,” says Joel. Since then she has been posting new videos daily. “Children in particular know Moaca through TikTok. This makes them curious about her and makes them more likely to approach her.” Not everyone reacts positively to the Norwegian Elkhound dog. “Some find her dirty or avoid her. I think she is sweet and beautiful.”