Tessa and her 2 tiny babies were rescued from BARC in Houston on April 29, 2024, moments before they were going to be killed. They had a loving home, but their owner was taken to the hospital and his relatives dumped his dogs at the shelter. There was another dog, too, thought to be Tessa's mom, but she was killed. We can't save them all, as much as we wish we could! At least we were able to save Tessa and her babies.
The photos of Tessa in her concrete cell, her head down body curled protectively around her puppies, might make you think she's guarding them from letting anyone get too close. Her facial expression doesn't exactly look warm and welcoming -- but the truth is, this mama is as sweet and affectionate with people, even people she's just met, as she is with her own babies. She's all sugar, and no spice! She had absolutely ZERO concern about having her puppies picked up and carried around by strangers, she just wanted to get a butt scratch too.
We haven't known her for too long, but so far everything we've seen has been absolutely lovely. She's an amazing mama, but she's also super friendly, quiet in the house, playful with other dogs, curious to investigate new surroundings, and quick to learn. She was pretty interested in the resident cat at her foster home, but was easily redirected and seems to understand now that the cat is off-limits. She's already learning the house rules from her foster-dog siblings and loves being to,d what a good girl she is.
Tessa is going to LOVE being part of a family, and we're confident she's going to be an easy, fun and precious addition to any household, whether it's with a single retiree or a busy, bustling family. We're not sure yet if she would prefer having doggie playmates or being the center of attention -- she'd probably be very happy with either, as long as she's not left alone for long periods (she hasn't shown that she has separation anxiety, we just know she's not going to like being by herself as most dogs don't). She seems to be somewhat dominant, so she won't be placed with another dominant female. She's currently in a wonderful foster home in Arkansas, and is available to join a loving household nearly anywhere in the continental US or Ontario. Please go to our website, lastminutedogrescue.com, or our Facebook page to complete an application!
Name: Tessa
Weight: ~50 Pounds
Gender: Female, not spayed yet but will be before adoption!
Breed: Boxer/lab mix?
Colour: Reddish brown
Medical (past and present) & HW Status: UTD, HW negative and healthy!
Good with adults: Yes
Good with kids: Yes
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Learning!
House trained: Yes
Crate trained: Yes
Crate aggressive: No
Food aggressive: No
Leash trained: Yes
Energy level: Medium
Suitable for an apartment: Possibly!
Can be handled: Yes please!
Barker: Not so far!
