The name, Tess, was short for Contessa, and she truly had a stately bearing, holding court in every dog park she entered. She loved racing through the park with half a dozen admirers and/or lovesick suitors in tow. Friendly, funny and fearless, she exuded joy and confidence, bringing a smile to everyone. School kids rang the doorbell like clockwork in the afternoons, asking if Tess could come out and play, and she happily obliged. Equally at home with children and the elderly, she became a celebrity at my mom’s skilled nursing residence, to the point that I had to sneak her past the staff and residents if we didn’t have time to indulge her many fans. She gave everyone many happy memories.
Brea