Tenna the dog has just turned five, and the living room of her home is decked out with festive balloons, presents, popcorn and cake.
True, most of it is for her human Ashley, with whom she shares the same birthday – but it’s also very much Tenna’s day, one that is celebrated with great joy and love.
“We adopted her when she was about a month old,” Ashley tells FMT, recalling how the little pup and 10 other siblings had been discovered abandoned in a dirty box in front of a pet shop.
“We can’t be sure about her parentage but she looks like a mini German Shepherd.”
Since that day in 2016, Tenna has not failed to put a smile on her human family’s faces. “She greets us every day as though she has not seen us for a year, with her tail wagging excitedly each time,” Ashley shares.
“She’s also very intelligent – Tenna barks each time it rains to tell us, ‘Guys, it’s raining, better bring in the clothes!'”
The pooch has also demonstrated a very cheeky personality, choosing to bark at bigger dogs “but only when we are around”, Ashley laughs. Obviously Tenna places great trust in her human protectors!
She looks forward to her morning walks and loves to watch the world go by in the evenings when she relaxes on the porch.
The sweet dog is also partial to “peek-a-boo” and the occasional game of tug-of-war and tumble.
According to Ashley, Tenna must have been French in her past life as she loves butter. “That croissant heating up in the oven? Oh yeah, Tenna’s sitting right in front of the oven watching and waiting for it, too!”
Tenna’s name is derived from the family’s surname, which humorously makes her full name Tenna Ten.
“She’s absolutely the kiddo in the family and most-loved by all. Life has never been the same since we adopted her,” says Ashley, who adds: “On that note, please adopt and not shop!”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.