Welcome Tess 🤍

Tess has just arrived in care, and it’s clear she has a long road ahead. Right now, everything is frightening for her. Despite being surrounded by two of our most gentle carers, Tess is desperately trying to find a place where she can hide and feel safe.

She is extremely fearful of people and startles easily. Even speaking softly to her can send her running. This morning, she needed her eye medication, and it took gentle cornering just to be able to help her. She bravely allowed us to apply the drops, accepted her treat, and then quickly scurried away. While she tolerates handling when necessary, it’s clear she finds the experience overwhelming.

Medically, Tess has already been through a lot. While in the care of RSPCA Victoria, she underwent a TECA (total ear canal ablation) to treat chronic ear disease. Following surgery, Tess has developed some facial nerve paralysis, which affects her ability to blink on one side. At this stage, we don’t know whether this will be permanent, if temporary, recovery may still take many months. For now, she is being treated with supportive care, including eye medication, to keep her comfortable.

At this stage, Tess shows no interest in other dogs and is more focused on avoiding interaction altogether. For now, the plan is simply to give her time, space, and the freedom to move at her own pace. Her carers will focus on building trust slowly, using gentle, consent-based handling and lots of positive reinforcement so she can learn that people can be kind.

Tess has likely endured a life where her needs and comfort were overlooked. She is underconfident, shut down, and trying to protect herself the only way she knows how. But we believe that, with patience, compassion, and time, Tess will begin to feel safe and discover that she no longer needs to hide.

For now, Tess’s journey is about healing, physically and emotionally. She reminds us that rescue isn’t always quick or easy, but it is always worth it 💕