Hi everyone, my name is Tessa
I’ve come such a long way since I arrived at Lort Smith, in fact, I’m a completely different girl and I’m absolutely ready to find my new home.
I used to be a bit scared of men but since being in foster care, this fear has subsided and I’m much more trusting of all people. The world isn’t as scary as I first thought!
I have amazing handler focus and would love for my adopter to continue working on my training – especially on walks. I’ll always look to you for reassurance if I need it.
Once the intros are out of the way, I’ll be harassing you for a wrestle and a belly rub! I’m an intelligent girl and very food motivated. This means I’m excellent with puzzle toys and a very quick learner.
I have lost 10 kilos under the care of Lort Smith and this has taken a lot of pressure off my joints. I’m feeling better than ever and my arthritis is currently being controlled with supplements. I now love going for walks!
Being a bigger dog that needs lots of exercise, I am best suited to a home with a grassy backyard. Apartment living is just a little too cramped for me. I also love company and get lonely when left alone for long periods so my adopters will need to continue with my independence training.
I have sensitive skin and I am a carrier of MRSP. This means I shouldn’t be around other animals and ideally, young children. The staff will happily explain what this means and involves. However I can tell you that I am very comfortable and with the right management, I can live a perfectly normal life.
**Hill’s Pet Nutrition have very generously offered to provide Tessa’s new adopters with a one year supply of Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities dry dog food, valued at $2,500! This special Hill’s product will help Tessa’s skin issues, and take some of the worry out of her care for her new adopters**
I will be a foster with a view to adopt – this means that the Adoption Centre staff will provide my new adopters with all the guidance and resources to help with my transition until I am settled.
If you would like to learn more about me, please complete an online Expression of Interest Form.
Gallery
Adopting an animal
Adopting an animal is a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime. But before you adopt a pet please take some time to consider the commitment you are about to make. Sometimes the excitement of pet ownership can overshadow factors that should be considered before adoption.
Adopting a shelter pet is a lifelong decision that will have a major impact to your normal, everyday life. Please remember that a cat or dog can live for up to 20 years and they will rely only on you for their wellbeing for their entire life.
- Do I have time to exercise the dog every day?
- Do I have time for puppy pre-school and time to socialise a puppy?
- Do I have at least an hour every day to spend with my cat?
- Do I have time for obedience training?
- If renting, does the landlord permit pets?
- Is the backyard big enough and is the fencing secure?
- Does the whole family want a pet?
- Will the pet be allowed inside?
- Will I have to move interstate or overseas in the foreseeable future?
- Will I have to move to another rental property where the landlord may not allow pets.
Pets are a lifelong monetary commitment, you will need to factor in:
- Weekly animal food bills and necessities
- Yearly council registration
- Monthly medications like heart worm/intestinal worm and flea treatments
- Annual vet visits for vaccinations and check ups
- Unexpected vet bills due to accidents or medical conditions
- Ongoing grooming
- Boarding fees for human holidays
- Enrichment like training, toys etc