Old Dominion Humane Society Rescues Tessy from Harrowing Past and Euthanasia at Overcrowded South Carolina Animal Shelter

Curled up inside a cold, rusty and broken washing machine was the way Tessy spent the first three years of her life in a South Carolina home. It was a sad story that found its way to the volunteers at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), who learned the frightened little dog made the appliance her home as her uncaring owner did nothing.

Using her motherly instincts, Tessy made the washing machine the safest place for the puppies she was going to have before being rescued by animal control staff and brought to a Florence, South Carolina, animal shelter. There she gave birth, but none of the litter made it. She then waited at the animal shelter for seven months while the wheels of justice churned slowly in the case against the dog’s former owner until he was eventually charged with animal cruelty.

Curled up inside a cold, rusted and broken washing machine was the way Tessy (in photo) spent the first three years of her life in a South Carolina home. It was a sad story that found its way to the volunteers at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), who learned the frightened little dog made the appliance her home as her uncaring owner did nothing. After justice was served to the former owner, the three-year-old canine faced possible euthanasia. She was rescued by ODHS and now awaits her forever family. Schedule a meet-and-greet with Tessy by completing an Adoption Survey.

While justice was finally served for Tessy, and she was placed in the animal shelter, her celebration was short-lived. The overcrowded animal shelter placed her on the euthanasia list, and she had only a few days left. That’s when ODHS stepped in and asked to bring her to its Fredericksburg facility. Transportation was arranged, and Tessy made the 357-mile trip to ODHS, where there is no threat of euthanasia at the no-kill dog rescue.

“Tessy has been through so much trauma in her short life, and to think that she survived every obstacle only to face euthanasia was heartbreaking,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “She deserves another chance for a life filled with love, and that’s exactly what she’ll receive here. Our volunteers will make sure she gets plenty of attention and socialization, and she’ll be safe and happy as she waits for her new family.”

Tessy is thriving at ODHS, where volunteers have found she’s gentle, curious and loving, and she’s great with other dogs and kids. The rescue has a playful personality and loves to hike with the volunteers. They’re sure she’ll make the perfect addition to a loving family.