Meet Nutmeg!
An eleven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Chicago, IL, whose essence is a bright spark of devotion wrapped in a charming white coat with fawn patches and spots.
At around 30 pounds, this senior girl brings together the curiosity of a terrier, the loyalty of a devoted companion, and a heart that truly shines when she is close to her favorite people. Nutmeg is the kind of dog who would happily spend part of her day curled up beside you for cuddles and the other part exploring the world on a long walk, hike, or sunny outdoor adventure!
Nutmeg is wonderfully intelligent and highly treat-motivated, making training one of her favorite activities. She already knows an impressive list of commands, including sit, stay, place, bed, leave it, down, spin, wait, and house! She enjoys learning, responds beautifully to positive reinforcement, and takes pride in showing off her skills. She is also crate-trained, house-trained, microchipped, spayed, and up to date on her vaccinations.
One of Nutmeg’s most delightful quirks is her love of balls, puzzles, and showing off her impressive jumping ability. She also enjoys car rides, sunbathing, and keeping a close eye on whatever her people are doing. Her affectionate nature makes her a constant companion who thrives on connection and routine.
Nutmeg is looking for a quiet, experienced, adult-only home where she can continue building confidence and enjoying a predictable lifestyle. She needs to be the only pet in the home and cannot live with children or have regular child visitors. Past traumatic experiences, including a period of neglect and attacks by other dogs, contributed to resource guarding and defensive reactivity around other dogs and children. While she has made tremendous progress through extensive training and behavior support, she still requires thoughtful management and an adopter who understands canine body language and positive reinforcement techniques.
Nutmeg has never bitten another dog, but she has displayed defensive reactions around children and recently had two unusual human-related incidents, including a leash lunge toward a child and a nip to an adult family member's hand during a stressful moment. She immediately disengaged afterward, and these incidents occurred during a period of significant household change that increased her anxiety. Nutmeg currently receives daily medication to help manage anxiety and thrives with structure, routine, and clear expectations.
In the right caring environment, Nutmeg offers loyalty, laughter, companionship, and countless cozy moments on the couch. She needs a patient family who will appreciate her intelligence, honor her boundaries, and celebrate all the wonderful qualities that make her unique.
Could Nutmeg be the loyal adventure buddy and cuddle partner you have been searching for? To learn more about adopting Nutmeg, please contact adopt@joyfulpets.com!
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