Meet adoptable deaf 5 year old, Jack Russell Terrier Patches. He is looking for a loving forever home with someone who is home a lot to help him with his separation anxiety (SA) and redirect him when he is digging at the ground or pouncing on shadows. Since lives with a special needs adult he has not gotten the direction and structure he needs to help him with his SA or his OCD.

From his caregiver: Patches is a handsome, rambunctious, goofy little Jack Russell Terrier. He’s white with a brown half mask on his right eye and small markings on his left eye. He also has an oval shaped brown spot in the lower middle of his back.

We own his Mom and Dad and Patches was the runt of their first litter, born on June 22, 2017. When we discovered he was deaf, we decided to keep him. We have a special needs adult son and they’ve been great for each other.

We have come to a very difficult and heart breaking decision to rehome Patches. My son currently lives with his sister and we are in the process of vetting transitional living options for him. For the first year to 3 years, he’ll be in a partially supervised home setting that doesn’t allow pets. My husband and I have 4 other dogs so we can’t take him in. And we really need someone that understands the unique needs and characteristics of deaf dogs.

He hasn’t been taught any sign language. He’s been pretty sheltered and doesn’t like to be alone or kenneled so he’s like my son’s little shadow. My son has had several appointments over the last few months and I’ve had to bring him along. Thankfully, he LOVES to ride!

He’s really curious, chases leaves and anything that floats or moves if you let him. He loves to run and play, and I haven’t figured out why but he likes digging up roots. My other JRTs do too. Maybe it’s the breed.

He’s gone from having a big privacy fenced in back yard to a much smaller yard and has to stay harnessed most of the time. He doesn’t get along with other males and my daughter has a male Husky in the home, so they have to stay separated. I recently had Patches neutered so that may improve. I’m not sure. When he was younger, he was fine with female dogs and even cats. And he’s been great around other people. He’s not been around children but he has been with teenagers and adults.

He will benefit from some training but he’s easily trained from my experience. When my son had to move in temporarily with his sister, Patches wasn’t harness or leash trained. He didn’t want any part of it but I had him ready to go within an hour. And I had no idea what I was doing hehe! :o)

He has gotten a little snippy with the Vet when getting shots. And with my son if he tried to pick him up to go inside when he wasn’t ready. I really believe that’s just because my son doesn’t know how to communicate with him. I pull his leash a little and take a step and after doing it a few times, he understands he has to come with me. I’m just not around him very often.

He’s up to date on all shots and micro chipped. He recently had 6 extractions from periodontal disease. And his teeth are a little worn, which the Vet said was probably from chewing on harder treats and toys. He’s been given a clean bill of health so no other medical issues.

If you meet him, you’ll fall in love with him. He needs a home with room to play and someone with the love and patience to work with and train a deaf dog. He loves to be held too and will soak your face with kisses. He’s happy playing or being a lap dog. And it would be awesome if I could stay in touch and get pictures every now and then. I helped deliver the little guy so he has a special place in my heart.

Patch’s adoption fee is $150 to a pre-approved home only and you must live within 3 to 4 hour drive of Faytetteville, NC. If you are interested in adopting Patches please email Kim at prov35@earthlink.net so she can send you a blank adoption application to fill out to be considered.