At 20 years old, Tessa the terrier mix has one favorite thing in the world: her cherished stuffed banana toy. Though she’s still fiercely protective of her family, this old girl’s heart truly belongs to her little yellow banana. It’s soft, a bit worn, but priceless to Tessa.
Five years ago, Tessa’s mom, Shanna Lauren, picked up the banana toy on a whim after her previous toy was destroyed. “I found it in the trash at a pet store, but I knew it was the size of a toy she loved,” Lauren recalls. “As soon as I gave her the banana, she took it.”
Now, Tessa proudly shows off her banana to any visitors, almost like she’s introducing them to a family member. She’ll wait patiently, banana in her mouth until they acknowledge her precious treasure before settling down. Lauren shares, “She wants people to acknowledge her before she leaves her.” Lauren has even created a little ritual for Tessa’s guests: “When you put him down, you put him in what you think is the best bed.”
Tessa is determined to stick with her banana no matter her age or limitations. Despite her hearing loss, she’s still keen on guests recognizing her prized possession. Lauren adds with a laugh, “We asked guests to tell her they saw her banana so she could lie down. It’s funny that now that she’s deaf, our friends are yelling at her, ‘I love your bananas, Tessa!’”
To Tessa, the banana isn’t just a toy; it’s her comfort, her pride, and a reminder that age doesn’t limit a heart full of love. “She never made it a game,” Lauren explains. “It is her only small possession, and it is her life.”
Tessa’s love for her banana reminds us that sometimes the simplest treasures mean the most, proving you’re never too old to hold onto what brings you joy.
