For some gals fashion is the staple of who they are. Theresa is no exception. Even in the heat of summer she found a way to maintain her stylish side, without being over dressed. Not bad for a scrappy gal from the streets.

As best we can tell, five-year-old Theresa was “rescued” (a.k.a. bought) from a homeless man in Las Vegas. Her rescuers (a.k.a. hoarders) probably never recognized the fashion queen they had in their paws. Either that or they could not maintain her pricy up-market taste. Could that be why they abandoned her here at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary? Apparently these would be rocket scientists forgot accessories make the wardrobe. Theresa was wearing a microchip that was traced back to the folks who dumped her (a.k.a. dumb move).

Nonetheless for Theresa being left on Best Friends’ doorstep was her big break. Her favorite wardrobe staple is a giant red rubber ball she carries everywhere. Much like a pacifier, she only spits the ball out when she is content. Once she’s given prolonged attention by a favorite caregiver or visitor, poof, out launches the ball. Much like any style-driven woman she only drops her glitz, glam and bling around those she truly trusts.

When Theresa visits the salon at Best Friends, her groomer/style consultant, Molly Cook always tries to find a bandana which coordinates with the flaming red ball. Molly has impeccable taste. Instinctually she knows the right bandana for the right dog. Be it a florescent retro design for a pug mix or red and white polka dots for a pretty pitty gal, Molly has it on hand.

In a recent interview I asked Theresa what she felt it was that made her such a slave to style. She obviously had given this question a lot of thought.

“If I’m beautiful I might find a family sooner. You wouldn’t know it now, but to see me without my designer duds, I actually look like a 48 lb wedge of moldy Helvetia Cheese. Plus, my ears are quite massive. But, when I’m all dressed up I feel quite pretty. The ball accessory is an old Oscar de la Renta trick I learned browsing People Magazine. Oscar is a personal hero of mine. He’s the one who discovered that if you place an orb the size of a small Central American country in your mouth no one even notices your ears.”

It’s true! When visiting Best Friends most people never notice Theresa’s ears. Oscar knows his stuff. In fact we’re enhancing this diva’s designer duds. Two weeks ago a volunteer brought Theresa a chic new rubber ball, only this one was orange. The result was a fashion renaissance! Molly promptly produced a new bandana covered with a color coordinating, orange slice pattern to complete the look.

Theresa is already reveling in the versatility of her expanded wardrobe. Little does she know, a caregiver has ordered her a white rubber ball for more formal occasions (never after Labor Day, of course). Endless possibilities exist for this fab feminine pooch.

We occasionally get search and rescue organizations at Best Friends who look for dogs with strong ‘ball drive’ to work with. Theresa often dreams Tommy Hilfiger will drop in with a similar request. Though for this funny girl a forever home would be the ultimate accessory. Her Gucci suitcase is already packed with hope.

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By: Nola Lee Kelsey

Zoologist Nola Lee Kelsey is a Dog Caregiver at Best Friends Animal Society in Southern Utah. She is also the author of numerous published humor/satire articles. Her books include; B*tch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin’ Country and the political satire Keeping the Masses Down. Read more of Nola’s work on her rarely up to date website: www.nolakelsey.com. Dogs mentioned in this story are available for adoption to loving forever homes. Lean more at Best Friends at: www.bestfriends.org or inquire at info@bestfriends.org.