We are looking for a quiet, and experienced home for our sweet, 11-year-old girl, Nutmeg.
Nutmeg is a loving, energetic, and highly treat-motivated dog who excels at obedience training (she knows sit, down, bed, house-which is crate/kennel, place, leave it, stay, and spin!). She loves walks, snuggles, and showing off her impressive jumping skills. She is in great health, up to date on all her care, and is a wonderful, cuddly companion inside the home.
The Ideal Home:
Because of past traumatic experiences, Nutmeg requires an environment that can support her specific needs:
Adult-Only Household: Due to past reactivity, Nutmeg is not suitable for a home with children. She needs an adult-only environment where she can feel safe.
Only Pet: Nutmeg needs to be the only dog in the home to thrive and feel secure.
Experience Required: Nutmeg requires a consistent routine, daily exercise, and management of her reactivity and anxiety. She is currently on daily medication (Prozac) and is muzzle-trained for safety with other dogs and children.
Pet's Name:
Nutmeg
Dog: Primary Breed:
Jack Russell Terrier
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
April 2015
Age Category:
Senior
Where did you get your pet?:
Rehomed from friend in 2019
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
She was initially adopted from a shelter in 2015. She was 6 months when she was adopted.
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
August 2019
Gender:
Female
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
30
Primary Color:
White (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Nutmeg loves all types of balls, puzzles, sunbathing, cuddles, and long walks and hikes.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, stay, place, bed, leave it, down, spin, wait, house (which is crate/kennel).
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
She does well being left alone for 6 to 8 hours periods.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Nutmeg is scare of thunder storms and is stressed out/reactive around children and other dogs.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Nutmeg thrives on a consistent routine. She is less type to a specific time and more tied to routines. All long as the routine is consistent and predictable she thrives.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
She was diagnosed with arthritis her back legs in fall of 2024 but she has since exhibits not symptoms and does not take anything for management.
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Nutmeg's life has been impacted by trauma, including a week of neglect in a kennel in 2019 followed by two separate attacks by other dogs, which contributed to resource guarding and reactivity toward other dogs. While she has made progress with training, her reactivity and resource guarding does require active management. Nutmeg has also demonstrated anxiety and defensive behaviors around children, including nipping and pushing when she feels uncomfortable. Following a move and the arrival of a new baby in 2026, Nutmeg’s anxiety increased, leading to uncharacteristic incidents of reactivity and aggression with visiting family members.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
once a month
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
Her teeth are brushed every other day. She received a professional dental cleaning in 2025.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Best in a home without children: Has reacted to children and should live in a home without them.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.
How is your dog with cats?:
Best in a home without cats: Has reacted to cats and should live in a home without them.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
She is a true cuddler and would probably be content to lay on a couch receiving snuggles all day if she could.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
An experienced owner in a child free home where she is the only pet.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Baby/Child Safety
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Before a recent move and welcoming a new baby, Nutmeg was honestly a very easy dog. However, she does require a consistent routine and someone willing to work with her to manage her reactivity and triggers. With a new baby, we realized that we couldn't provide that consistency for her any longer.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
North Avenue Animal Hospital in Chicago
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Instinct - Rawboost Adult High Protein Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Dog food
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Chicago, Illinois
Zip Code:
60622
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs