Tesla "Tess"

Owner's First Name
Mike and Colleen

City And State
Agua Dulce, CA

Why is your dog a hero?
Woof! My name is Tesla, but call me Tess! I'm a 15-year-old, recently retired, LAFD, FEMA, Urban Search and Rescue K-9. I served on the department for 13 years with my Handler, Tai. I started training at 18 months old and worked daily to make sure my skills were on point to find you if you needed rescuing! If there was a mudslide, hurricane, earthquake, any disaster and you needed to be found, I was your Girl! I lived, ate and breathed rescue training with Tai who kept me healthy and happy all of those years. Two months ago, I moved in with my new Mom, Colleen and Dad, Captain Mike, so Tai could concentrate on training new K-9s to fill in where I left off. I LOVE retirement! I play, snuggle and get yummy treats. However, I still felt the need to serve the community. I now volunteer as a Physical Therapy Aide in Acton. I help patients recover from their injuries and surgeries by greeting them in the waiting room with my wagging tail, bringing smiles to their faces. I follow them into the gym and sit by their side as the Therapist treats them. But don’t think that’s all work for me. I get my favorite thing from the patients, pats on the head and loving squeezes. At the end of the work day my Mom hugs me with watery eyes and whispers in my ear, “Tess, YOU are a real American Hero!" Do you agree?