MANSFIELD, Ohio — Shopdog Tess, or perhaps we’ll call her newshound, is busy this week at Richland Source, meeting people and looking for a place to call home.
Richland Source is fostering Tess through the Humane Society of Richland County’s “Home for the Holidays” program. The program allows people to foster a dog or cat from the humane society for the holidays. The program continues through Jan. 4.
Tess has enjoyed a busy week so far. She has spent a number of days at the Richland Source office, often distracting team members or snoozing in our chairs. Last week, in the evenings, she went home with Editor Rhonda Bletner. This week she went home with Account Executive Shawna Layland in Galion.
Layland first took her to Richland Bank when they offered to give treats. She enjoyed her visit there, as well as at Richland Carrousel Park. Publisher Jay Allred also took her to Relax, It’s Just Coffee.
She visited the Mansfield & Richland County Convention Bureau, too. She found a soft spot with their staff. Jodie Snavely, group tour and media director, delivered a Christmas sweater the next day for Tess.
Here’s our conversation with Layland about her first days with Tess.
SL: So here is what I’ve learned in just a short time with Tess. Good news, first: She loves children and prefers them if they’re around. If not, she will take the adults. I have 2 girls at home, a 13-year-old and an 11-year-old. She cried when I left the girls off at school today and she cried all the way home.
RB: Yeh, at the office and at home, she hasn’t met a stranger. She really enjoys meeting people. You’ve given her the first experience we can report about how she does with other animals, so tell us about it.
SL: She does ok with other dogs; last night we introduced her to our dogs. She was laying on the couch with Todd (Shawna’s husband). My German shepherd Harper wanted to lay on the other side of Todd. Tess got a little salty, even growling. She has been playing with Harper; however, it’s like a Clydesdale playing with a mini pony–very awkward.
RB: And how are her manners.
SL: Bad news: Potty training is not even close. She definitely needs training. She saw a squirrel at my house and jumped out of my arms and took off; and she ran, and ran, and ran. Definitely don’t let her out without a leash.
RB: Well, the Humane Society did tell us she was found tied outside without shelter. I’ll confess: I know nothing about training dogs. I’ve always had outdoor dogs; so while she was home with me, I just took her outside– frequently.
SL: As for the cage, she thinks it’s her audition for The Voice. And then my dogs got in on it and they were like her back-up singers. She’s sweet as can be, though.
RB: So what are you doing with her this week?
She visited a nursing home. And she’s going to the city building and to see Santa Claus, but first she has a visit tomorrow with some folks who might become her new family.
RB: There has been some interest in adopting her; but so far, no confirmation and we’re afraid the house manners might be a stumbling block. But she’s really smart; she can learn if someone has the patience to train her. And there couldn’t be a more loving companion. She’s a snuggler.
If anyone is interested in adopting her, please contact the Richland County Humane Society or come visit her at Richland Source, but she’s in Galion this week and won’t be back at the office until Monday. Richland Source is located at 21 Temple Court, Mansfield.
