Nut

In 2019, a blind puppy was rescued from the streets of Thailand. He was named ‘Thua’, (meaning ‘Nut’), and adopted (via BDRUK) by a family in Cornwall.

But now, regretfully, due to dog dynamics in the house, we must find Nut a new home.

Nut (18kg) is an unusual dog. He has milky eyes, an intelligent dark face, a gorgeous soft coat, flop ears and a perfect curly tail that will curl around your wrist like a bracelet if you tickle his bum.

But more than that, Nut has real personality. He is incredibly clever, a little stubborn, very affectionate and very funny. He comes looking for you, talking in his low chatty noises, hugging your leg when he has found you. If you want a character dog.... one who will put you through your paces but is totally worth it… Nut may be the dog for you.

Nut is low maintenance at home. He responds to his name, knows several commands, and is the perfect ‘nap buddy’, spending most of his life at home lounging around and being cuddled. A 30 min walk fine for Nut, and he is good on the lead, knowing ‘up’ and ‘step’ and ‘no’ to avoid obstacles.  Nut can be left alone (free range, not enclosed), travels well (on an empty stomach and in the footwell) and sleeps through the night.

But Nut is unsettled by and reactive towards other dogs. He has had the fortune (or misfortune, you might say) to live with two active collies. They have never got along perfectly, and as time has gone on, Nut has become increasingly uncomfortable living with one (and now both) of them. There have been several altercations (Nut wasn’t always the perpetrator), and now, despite best efforts to make it work, the family have taken veterinary advice and decided Nut cannot stay safely in the home any longer.

Nut is looking for a home as an only pet. His owner says he might tolerate a very docile dog companion, as in some ways he seems to like dog company, but we are playing it safe and insisting he is the only dog in the home in his new place.

Nut’s new owner or family will need experience or willingness to manage a dog who can be reactive - aggressive, loud and lungy towards other dogs out on walks.  He has walked perfectly happily with other dogs on some occasions. But he also has the potential to be very unsettled and reactive once he gets the scent of or hears another dog - at the first signals he will need restraint.  In the garden he is territorial and tries to aggress the neighbour’s dog.

Nut can also be unsettled by loud traffic, thunder and fireworks. He is sometimes wary of new people, espeically men, although once he has your trust you can do anything with him! 

Security is important for Nut, he’s a potential escape artist so doors need closing and gardens need to be secure.  He’s a sensitive boy and at home his anxiety can be eased by talking to him and wrapping him up in a duvet, but outdoors Nut will need an owner who is ready to keep him away from threats as much as possible, and restrain him should one approach.

Nut’s current family have offered to give extensive advice on how to manage Nut and read his signals.  But the easiest way to keep him from reacting is to walk him in quiet areas or in enclosed fields.

We are also engaging a behaviourist for Nut. 

Although technically blind, we think Nut can see a little of shadows. He has eye drops for his right eye.

Nut isn’t an easy dog. But in the right environment and without his current triggers, he will be a lot easier. And, anyway, who says the things worth having are easy? Nut is a special boy and we are looking for a special home for him; the right people will know he is worth a little extra effort.  Please help us find Nut’s special people.