Tessa 06-120

back to Adopted Dogs

Profile

3/27/06: The Mississippi girls (Tessa & Josie Belle) arrived on Saturday, 03/25/06. Thanks to Triple R Pets (triplerpets.org), the girls have made it safely to Minnesota and into the RAGOM family (thank you Colleen & Claudia)! They arrived without names or histories, but both appear to be about 2 years of age, had recent litters of pups, and rely on each other for comfort. They are social, friendly, and affectionate, and appear to be in good health (we will see the vet tonight). Both have gotten along with resident dog Kellie without any problems. I managed a 3 dog walk with ease this morning - Tessa pulls a bit, but Tessa & Josie walked side by side and I was able to hold both leashes with one hand, and resident dog Kellie with the other. Luckily, we only encountered a meandering squirrel, who appeared to have no idea that we were stopped a few houses down, waiting for him to climb a tree.

Tessa is a nurturer, and when she isn't trying to lick resident dog Kellie's face, she is nuzzling me for affection. At some point in her history, she was hit by a car, and had her right back leg amputated. It doesn't slow her down a bit - in fact, she pulled the hardest on the 3 dog walk this morning. I have seen her run at full speed across the backyard ... in response to a barking dog down the street - who I am sure she would have gone to affectionately visit, if it were not for the fence and gate stopping her. She manages all the steps without a problem, and allows Josie to take her food, toys, and treats if I am not careful. This morning she woke up my daughter with a gentle lick on her face (5:17 a.m.) - since the rest of the household was awake, she didn't want Hannah to miss out on all the fun.

Josie has stalked our bully cat from the moment she realized he was here. Despite numerous attempts by bully cat to reclaim the house, Josie can't quite seem to let him be, and both cats are currently playing it safe in the basement. Josie likes to carry around as many stuffed animals/balls as she can hold in her mouth at one time, and appears to be the more dominant of the two. She has a wiggle walk ... her back end sways from side to side, perhaps being accustomed to pregnancy? While she appears to follow Tessa's lead at times, I think it's with the ulterior motive of making sure she's not missing out on any good stuff. Josie will steal everybody's food, treats, and toys - and everybody seems to think that's ok.

TessaTessa

At a Glance #06-120

Breed not specified Born: March 2005
Female Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

3/27/06: The Mississippi girls (Tessa & Josie Belle) arrived on Saturday, 03/25/06. Thanks to Triple R Pets (triplerpets.org), the girls have made it safely to Minnesota and into the RAGOM family (thank you Colleen & Claudia)! They arrived without names or histories, but both appear to be about 2 years of age, had recent litters of pups, and rely on each other for comfort. They are social, friendly, and affectionate, and appear to be in good health (we will see the vet tonight). Both have gotten along with resident dog Kellie without any problems. I managed a 3 dog walk with ease this morning - Tessa pulls a bit, but Tessa & Josie walked side by side and I was able to hold both leashes with one hand, and resident dog Kellie with the other. Luckily, we only encountered a meandering squirrel, who appeared to have no idea that we were stopped a few houses down, waiting for him to climb a tree.

Tessa is a nurturer, and when she isn't trying to lick resident dog Kellie's face, she is nuzzling me for affection. At some point in her history, she was hit by a car, and had her right back leg amputated. It doesn't slow her down a bit - in fact, she pulled the hardest on the 3 dog walk this morning. I have seen her run at full speed across the backyard ... in response to a barking dog down the street - who I am sure she would have gone to affectionately visit, if it were not for the fence and gate stopping her. She manages all the steps without a problem, and allows Josie to take her food, toys, and treats if I am not careful. This morning she woke up my daughter with a gentle lick on her face (5:17 a.m.) - since the rest of the household was awake, she didn't want Hannah to miss out on all the fun.

Josie has stalked our bully cat from the moment she realized he was here. Despite numerous attempts by bully cat to reclaim the house, Josie can't quite seem to let him be, and both cats are currently playing it safe in the basement. Josie likes to carry around as many stuffed animals/balls as she can hold in her mouth at one time, and appears to be the more dominant of the two. She has a wiggle walk ... her back end sways from side to side, perhaps being accustomed to pregnancy? While she appears to follow Tessa's lead at times, I think it's with the ulterior motive of making sure she's not missing out on any good stuff. Josie will steal everybody's food, treats, and toys - and everybody seems to think that's ok.

TessaTessa

Updates

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Monday morning, Tessa found a good smell outside in the grass ... and she rolled in it, and rolled in it, with legs kicking in the air. She looked over at me laughing just a little bit at her, and she looked so HAPPY! It has been 2 weeks since we began her heartworm treatment, and she is doing well. I am feeling bad that I can't let her run, can't let her play with Kellie (which she desperately wants to do), can't take her for long walks, and that I have had to put away all the toys; what a drag! But I don't think she minds as much as I do. She can still cuddle on the couch with me, roll in the grass, and work on her communication skills with Kellie and the cats. Kellie has been trying to teach her to guard the fence line and behave like a big scary dog when people walk by, but with one word from me, Tessa stops in her tracks and comes to me ... so I wish the teaching would work the other way around and Kellie would pick up a few things. I know Tessa has had some training in her past and it just took me finding the right words for us to understand each other; I can't take the credit for her responsiveness ... she has all the basics down, and waits for your direction at every turn.

On Sunday, Tessa met a very nice family, with a very nice yard, in a town with rolling hills and valleys. She hopped out of the car, and was greeted with big smiles, loving arms, and a place that felt very much like a forever home. The family provided us with some beautifully written letters of recommendation from clearly savvy 3rd graders, who know a nice lady when they meet one! Thank you Mrs. U's Class ..... I think you said it very well; Mrs. Q will make a perfect dog mom! After a quick re-check at her vet this week, Tessa will be moving on to new adventures. I have no doubt that together, the Q Family and Tessa will be living the good life!

Friday, April 7, 2006

We have gotten to know Tessa a little more over the past two weeks, and my assessment stands; she is a sweetheart! She will greet everyone she meets with a gentle pet-me nudge and a shy smile on her face. She is a FAST learner, and has now learned sit, down, stay, and is starting to pick up on the fact that a walk is not a race. She is quickly responding to everything that is expected of her, including doing her business outside, waiting at the open door until I say it's OK to come, and respecting the 1 ft. dog-free perimeter around the cats. It feels like she is a very malleable youngster, ready to follow your direction. She has occasionally barked along with Kellie when someone is at the door, and I was pleased to see her finally starting to play a little; pouncing on a ball, and tentatively responding to Kellie's play bows. She didn't seem to mind her first bath, or her nail trim. Tessa is 64 lbs (but doesn't look that big), and has a very gentle spirit.

I received news yesterday that Tessa, like so many southern dogs, is heartworm positive. In addition, she has whipworms. She will undergo de-worming immediately, and will begin heartworm treatment next week. She is now spayed, UTD on shots, and microchipped. After the heartworm treatment, Tessa will need a restricted activity level for about 6 weeks - which shouldn't be a problem for her - she is a mellow girl.

She may have only 3 legs, but don't let that scare you away; it doesn't prevent her from doing anything. She has endured being hit by a car, Hurricane Katrina, being left in an overcrowded shelter, a long ride to Minnesota, and next, heartworm treatment. When you pet her and she looks up at you with those big brown eyes, you can tell she is just so pleased to be loved. She is warm and safe and learning all about being a part of a family. Do you want to be that special family for Tessa? I don't think Tessa will need a fence; she will likely respect the boundaries you set for her, and as long as you're with her, she will follow your direction. Tessa likes other dogs and gets along with cats, but doesn't need them in her new home. I think Tessa would do well around even small kids. My big requirement with Tessa is that you have lots of love to give.