Moondog Keeps Fans Howling
He’s like most dogs that have the run
of the house. You give obedience
training a shot, and in the end
you’re happy if they are at least
house-broken.
That would sum it up when it comes to the canine that rules Gund Arena.
On the loose at Cavaliers home games is Moondog, the team mascot and a natural ham of a dog. Obedience is something he understands when it’s in his best interest — like getting some “gooood boy” affection from a Cavalier Girl. Otherwise, on most days, he’s his own dog.
This rare mascot breed that stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds is a goodnatured pup that gets along well with kids and Cavaliers fans and does what he’s been specially trained to do — that is to make the Cavaliers game experience fun and entertaining.
He cajoles the crowds into laughter and applause with his hilarious antics. His bag of tricks includes high-flying dunks and half-court shots facing away from the basket. It never fails to energize the crowd at key moments during the game when Cavaliers players need the juice.
Always wanting to be the center of attention, Moondog will go to extremes to blow things out of proportion. This season, he introduced his alter ego “Puff Doggy,” who inflates into a larger-than-life version of Moondog. Just watching Puff Doggy maneuver around is enough to make the most ardent of basketball fans double over in laughter.
It’s often said that a dog’s bark is bigger than his bite. That holds true for Moondog with one exception. He’s loyal to a fault and doesn’t hesitate to let a Cavaliers opponent know when they’ve invaded his territory. Just ask the Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce, who dared to go toe to paw with Moondog last January in an impromptu half-court shooting contest. The dog defended the home turf sinking his half court shot while Pierce struggled to draw iron.
And he has wound up in the doghouse on more than one occasion. The most memorable was for a little stunt he played on a former Cavaliers player that had lost favor with Cleveland fans. The player returned to The Gund with his new team to face the Cavaliers, and Moondog felt compelled to mop up the mess, sort to speak. The fans thought it was funny, but the NBA didn’t. His bad doggie antics cost him a fine.
On the other paw, Moondog’s temperament turns warm and fuzzy when it comes to working in the community. On non-game days, he can be found making school appearances and hospital visits with Cavaliers players. He loves kids and kids love him. Adults have a fond affection for Moondog, too, and even the most resistant break down into smiles and chuckles in spite of themselves when MD is around.
In the world of NBA mascots, Moondog is a top dog. He was selected by the NBA to represent the Eastern Conference at his second consecutive All-Star Game that was held in Denver in February. This repeat nod to his rookie All-Star appearance was a bone-a-fide honor that had tails wagging all over Cleveland. Moondog no doubt had the same effect on a national audience that he has on Cavaliers fans — they got attached quickly.
The Scooper on the Moondog
Name Origin: Moondog’s name is a nod to the city of Cleveland’s rock-n-roll heritage. Legendary Cleveland radio deejay Alan Freed is credited for coining the term “rock and roll,” and was known to his listeners as “Moondog.”
Secret to Life: Be loyal, passionate, and don’t bite
Favorite Food: Snausages, Kibble
Likes: Home games and rabid fans
Dislikes: Animal Control keeping him from Cavalier Girls
Pet Peeves: Passive fans, humorless refs, leash laws
Birthdays: November 5th, Dec 27, Feb 17, April 10, June 1, July 22, Sept 12
Accomplishments: 2004 and 2005 NBA All- Star selection, 2004 NBA Mascot Madness winner
That would sum it up when it comes to the canine that rules Gund Arena.
On the loose at Cavaliers home games is Moondog, the team mascot and a natural ham of a dog. Obedience is something he understands when it’s in his best interest — like getting some “gooood boy” affection from a Cavalier Girl. Otherwise, on most days, he’s his own dog.
This rare mascot breed that stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds is a goodnatured pup that gets along well with kids and Cavaliers fans and does what he’s been specially trained to do — that is to make the Cavaliers game experience fun and entertaining.
He cajoles the crowds into laughter and applause with his hilarious antics. His bag of tricks includes high-flying dunks and half-court shots facing away from the basket. It never fails to energize the crowd at key moments during the game when Cavaliers players need the juice.
Always wanting to be the center of attention, Moondog will go to extremes to blow things out of proportion. This season, he introduced his alter ego “Puff Doggy,” who inflates into a larger-than-life version of Moondog. Just watching Puff Doggy maneuver around is enough to make the most ardent of basketball fans double over in laughter.
It’s often said that a dog’s bark is bigger than his bite. That holds true for Moondog with one exception. He’s loyal to a fault and doesn’t hesitate to let a Cavaliers opponent know when they’ve invaded his territory. Just ask the Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce, who dared to go toe to paw with Moondog last January in an impromptu half-court shooting contest. The dog defended the home turf sinking his half court shot while Pierce struggled to draw iron.
And he has wound up in the doghouse on more than one occasion. The most memorable was for a little stunt he played on a former Cavaliers player that had lost favor with Cleveland fans. The player returned to The Gund with his new team to face the Cavaliers, and Moondog felt compelled to mop up the mess, sort to speak. The fans thought it was funny, but the NBA didn’t. His bad doggie antics cost him a fine.
On the other paw, Moondog’s temperament turns warm and fuzzy when it comes to working in the community. On non-game days, he can be found making school appearances and hospital visits with Cavaliers players. He loves kids and kids love him. Adults have a fond affection for Moondog, too, and even the most resistant break down into smiles and chuckles in spite of themselves when MD is around.
In the world of NBA mascots, Moondog is a top dog. He was selected by the NBA to represent the Eastern Conference at his second consecutive All-Star Game that was held in Denver in February. This repeat nod to his rookie All-Star appearance was a bone-a-fide honor that had tails wagging all over Cleveland. Moondog no doubt had the same effect on a national audience that he has on Cavaliers fans — they got attached quickly.
The Scooper on the Moondog
Name Origin: Moondog’s name is a nod to the city of Cleveland’s rock-n-roll heritage. Legendary Cleveland radio deejay Alan Freed is credited for coining the term “rock and roll,” and was known to his listeners as “Moondog.”
Secret to Life: Be loyal, passionate, and don’t bite
Favorite Food: Snausages, Kibble
Likes: Home games and rabid fans
Dislikes: Animal Control keeping him from Cavalier Girls
Pet Peeves: Passive fans, humorless refs, leash laws
Birthdays: November 5th, Dec 27, Feb 17, April 10, June 1, July 22, Sept 12
Accomplishments: 2004 and 2005 NBA All- Star selection, 2004 NBA Mascot Madness winner
