The Underdog Diaries 04: JESSE
This week we have a VERY special underdog to feature...JESSE!
We call Jesse and her Mom, Kristin, our cheerleading captains because that's what they are! Jesse is our little mascot and Kristin is always there to cheer us on and hype us up no matter what the occasion is.
TLRD rescued Jesse 5 years ago. She was a scruffy little 3-month-old puppy who was extremely sick with parvo and pneumonia. She was also born without nasal passages making it difficult for her to breathe.
Kristin and her family adopted Jesse at 6-months-old in June of 2015. They cared for Jesse through multiple setbacks and 5 surgeries to improve her breathing. These surgeries are where she got her famous underbite from (seriously, she was on TV for her underbite).
Today, the McDaniel family now has a pack of 3 rescue dogs and Kristin is apart of our senior team. When Kristin isn't busy teaching, she is advocating for underdogs like Jesse on social media and teaching her two kids to be confident pack leaders. We are so thankful for this family!
We asked Kristin what it was like to take home an underdog and here's what she shared...
What were some of the challenges you faced when you first brought Jesse home?
Jesse was recovering from parvo and pneumonia. She was weak, wheezy, and fragile. We also learned she would need a series of surgeries to help her breathe better. She ended up having 5 surgeries!
And what were some of the rewards once you adjusted to those challenges?
The greatest reward was being a part of saving a life. Watching her transform from this tiny and vulnerable puppy to a cartoon come to life with wild scruffy fur, and epic underbite, and endless energy! She was my kids’ first dog and she taught them compassion, responsibility, and how transformational love is!
What's something unique about Jesse's personality?
She loves to talk to us! She is very verbal and can express a variety of feelings from excited to annoyed with her communication skills!!
What's your favorite trait about Jesse?
Her personality! She is full of energy and loves being the center of attention!
How does Jesse match up to your lifestyle? As in, do you both like to hike? Couch potatoes? OR did you have to adjust your lifestyle once you got your dog?
Jesse loves going on adventures with us! She loves hikes and enjoys the road trips we take as a family! She also is a lady of leisure and enjoys naps in the sun and sleeping on our bed!
How does Jesse make you a better human?
I am a better human because Jesse opened my heart to helping TLRD save more “underdogs” just like her. I have never loved a dog the way I love her and she will forever be a symbol of beauty, perseverance, strength, and second chances.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about going to a breeder to get a dog?
I would urge them to adopt a dog instead! There are so many amazing dogs just like Jesse waiting for a family of their own! Adopting a dog is an incredible feeling that can be shared by an entire family!
Anything else you want to share about Jesse?
Jesse is a very special little mutt who has made a huge, forever imprint on our hearts! Her wild physical transformation brings us so much joy!!!
Follow Jesse on Instagram here!
We want to give a huge thank you to Kristin and the McDaniel family for their dedication and unwavering support towards TLRD over the past 5 years. We are so lucky!
Well, we hope you enjoyed another entry of The Underdog Diaries. Check back weekly for new features! In the meantime, here's where you can find more from TLRD:
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