Meet Nessie!
A tender-hearted seven-and-a-half-year-old Boxer mix currently in East Lansing, MI, whose soulful eyes and velvety tan coat (with a white blaze down her chest) reflect a life spent longing for connection, calm, and comfort.
At 48 pounds of snuggly sweetness, Nessie is what you'd call a professional cuddler! If there were an award for being a cozy couch companion, she'd win paws down. Her greatest joy? Stretching out beside you, resting her head close, and quietly soaking in the warmth of your presence. She’s house-trained, crate-savvy, and knows a whole vocabulary of helpful commands like “sit,” “come,” “leave it,” and “kennel up.” Whether she’s nibbling on a hard chew toy or curling into a donut shape in her crate (her personal sanctuary), Nessie lives for the simple pleasures of a peaceful, predictable life.
Nessie experiences anxiety and has struggled with other dogs, especially sharing space with her canine sister. Over the years, the two have had occasional altercations that have been unpredictable. Despite years of dedicated management (including professional behavioral support, training, and carefully structured reintroductions) the tension between them never fully resolved. Because of this, Nessie needs a home that's quiet, adult-only, pet-free, and steady. A secure, fenced yard would be her dream! A space to sniff, explore, and sunbathe without encountering other dogs.
She’s not a fan of thunderstorms and finds being left alone tough, but with loving companionship and a steady routine (meals twice a day, her cozy crate always accessible), she finds comfort. Nessie has a slight incontinence issue that has been well managed with medication for years and doesn't slow her down one bit.
What shines brightest in Nessie is her devotion. She doesn’t just want to be near her person, she needs to be. She’s the kind of dog who will press her head into your hand, lean into your side, and make you feel like the most important person in the world!
Could your heart and home be the peaceful place this sweet girl needs to settle into the next chapter of her life? To learn more or meet Nessie, reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com!