It was difficult and finally found one. The moment I saw her my head and body said run. Do not take this dog. But my heart could not leave her. She was smelly, dirty, nipped, jumped and had so much of her ginger fur missing she look like she had been attacked by a swarm of moths. She had unhealed sores where the other dog bite her. Her owner told me they didn't know where she slept outside. She didn't have blankets, toys, or a collar.

Against my better judgement I said I would take her .I could see she may have long term vet bills which I didnt need, but had to get her out of there. I decided to bath her, get her looking good and rehome her.She smelt revolting, and after 2 baths didn't smell any better. The next day at the vets I was told she was in such a terrible state we would have to get decent food into her before she could have meds. She was pooping polystytene. I decided then no one was ever going to do this to her again and would keep her.

 

 

So began a wonderful life with my Ma Brown. She loves Ernie. He wants to play with her, but after being beaten up by dogs in her previous home she was scared when he became vocal.

 

Many things frightened Tess and often I would find her curled up under a bush. She loved men and would pull me across the road to see them. I think she was the husbands dog. She feared some women. Rhea the vet was one. Rhea is the most loving person you could wish for, but Tess trembled when we had Rhea. We presume the wife abused Tess.

 

]I can still see Rheas excitment the day Tess let her cuddle her. Rhea said : she had worried she frightened a dog and so pleased Tessa loved her." Tess loved everyone, but needed the confidence to do so.

 

She has become another heart dog. Her fur is a beautiful rich chocolate now, she has fur, and Ernie adores her as much as the rest of us do.

 

When she ruptured her cruciate in Sept 2012 Ernie sat beside her crate and was the most amazing nurse. Tess hadn't been house trained so never lets us know when she needs to go out. I know the signs and ask. Erns would come and tell us.

 

When Ernie are the kebab stick and was very sick she sat beside him and became his nurse.