Tess

TESS — A DEVOTED GIRL LEARNING TO STAND ON HER OWN FOUR PAWS

DOB: 2024
Breed: English Staffordshire Terrier mix, likely with Kelpie
Coat colour: Dark Chocolate
Sex: Female
Weight: 15 kgs
Desexed: Yes
Vet work: Complete

Apply here: https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/

Tess is a beautiful, affectionate young dog who bonds extraordinarily quickly with her people.

When Tess first arrived in foster care, having recently raised her single puppy, she was the definition of a Velcro dog. She wanted to be wherever her foster carer was and found separation difficult. But in a relatively short time, this clever girl has made enormous progress.

Tess is becoming increasingly confident and independent. She can now happily spend time outside on her own and has learned to settle in her crate. She may still have a little whinge when her foster carer leaves, but she soon settles — a very different dog from the anxious girl who first arrived.

Her new family should be prepared for Tess to become quite clingy again initially while she adjusts to another change. She forms strong attachments very quickly, and with calm, consistent handling and encouragement to develop her independence, we expect her to settle just as beautifully as she has in foster care.

Tess is a happy, energetic girl who needs plenty of exercise and room to run and play. Her morning zoomies around the house are quite something! She has excellent recall and loves being involved in whatever her humans are doing.

She is house-trained and crate-trained and does not sleep on the furniture. Her leash walking is still a work in progress, so her new family will need to continue working with her on this.

Tess has lived happily around dogs, cats, children and even chooks. While she enjoys canine company, she doesn't need another dog in her new home. She would be equally happy as an only dog provided she has plenty of companionship, exercise and involvement in family life.

One thing her new family does need to take seriously is security. Tess is athletic and, particularly when strongly attached to someone, has been known to jump a fence to follow them — even attempting to follow the car. She therefore needs secure fencing and a sturdy, secure crate where she can be safely settled when necessary. This will be especially important during her first weeks in a new home.

Above all, Tess is a loving, clever and devoted little dog who has already come a long way. She needs an active family who will enjoy her enthusiasm, continue building her confidence and independence, and appreciate just how wholeheartedly this girl loves her people.

At just 15 kgs, Tess is a very manageable size with plenty of personality, affection and energy packed in.

All her vet work, including desexing, is complete.

If Tess sounds like the family dog you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to adopt: https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/