TESSATessa is one of the most beautiful and spirited Alpha Divas I have ever met. And I just love her! Of course, I am pre-disposed to love spirited Alpha Divas....because, indeed, it takes one to know one. And, this blatant prejudice in favor of spirited Alpha Divas will no doubt color my glowing impression of Miss ConTessa. |
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That is to say...this dog is not for everyone. Tessa is a high energy girl with panache much larger than her 20 pounds would suggest, and as such, requires a good deal of exercise, discipline...and then some more exercise. Tessa is just too magnificent for her own good. In wimpy hands, this dog would be writing checks out of your check book, but in strong, competent hands...this beauty will make your life joyful. |
| Tessa's background is a bit sketchy, although we do know some facts in her history. She first entered rescue about three years ago from a dodgy breeding operation in South Carolina. She made it north on an interstate transport into another Eskie rescue in New York. She was adopted to a Connecticut family along with a Chihuahua, who was sent packing forthwith. Tessa had considerably more charm and managed to ingratiate herself into the hearts of the family children and her "Mom" did her best to channel Tessa's energy, but could not hold up under the pressure that is Tessa. Although...let it be said...Tessa's former mom is quite an accomplished equestrian...and one might assume that the skill set needed to ensure the cooperation of a 1000 pound horse might have been useful in managing a 20 pound Tessa...but there in lies the rub. Rarely, in dog/people matches as bad as this one was, do people win the struggle. And yet, humans are somehow at the top of the food chain. |  |
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Tessa's "Mom" took over a year to decide to put her back in rescue, and then phoned us. She was clear on the mismatch....and commented to me that she needed an "Old Yeller" type dog that would lay at the back door and bark once in a while to go out. Tessa was too needy, and she (the "Mom") already had two children and didn't need three. Well, I was struck dumb....speechless. I am never speechless....but in that moment of speechlessness, I discovered a means to extend my patience and fine tune my shoddy people skills. How could someone completely miss the point of this magnificent dog? But then, this situation illustrates the need for careful matching of dog to owner temperament. For someone who is dynamic, outgoing, lively, full of life and love...Tessa will become the great love of your life. Four years old, she is beautiful and feisty, and has an overall joyous view of the world. She is outgoing and friendly to people...even children....and she loves to play. |
| Tessa is adjusting well to her new foster home, and is having a ball playing with the other dogs, and enjoying long, energy draining hikes each day. We have observed no objectionable behaviors....well...except for annoying the hell out of the four house cats. Tessa has made a wonderful impression on everyone except those cats. |  |
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Tessa was billed as an American Eskimo Dog, but, after meeting her, we think that while she is the size and shape of a miniature Eskie, she is either a very large Pomeranian or other variety of spitz, or more likely, a mix. If you take a look at this black and white image, you can see the resemblance to the familiar Eskie face. But, her coloring is quite dramatic...mostly caramel with white accents, with quite a bit of black and gray streaking that gives her a distinctive look. |
The ideal adopter for Tessa will have a good understanding of dog psychology, and a lifestyle that will allow the time to provide enough exercise. Tessa loves to play and enjoys other dogs and kids...but, better to steer clear of cats. Tessa is house trained, crate trained and has good leash manners. She is an excellent car passenger and loves travel. This little girl is extremely smart and easy to correct with calm, assertive methods, and is a great candidate for agility or obedience work. There is so much potential in Tessa that it boggles the mind! Tessa is spayed, up to date on routine shots, is heartworm and flea free and on appropriate prevention. If you are interested in this amazing dog, please write to Denise@EskiesOnline.com or phone Denise @ 617-216-9483. |
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| Eskies Online is a private breed rescue group that has served unwanted American Eskimo Dogs for the past decade. Our group of private foster homes spans the North East, and our adoption territory extends from Maine to eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of northern Maryland. Once an adopter is approved, we arrange transportation.. We do not adopt dogs beyond our territory. Please visit our website, www.eskiesonline.com for more information about our group and our adoption procedures. |
