Julie McClaren and Nut

Her Caregiver and Companion

The American Dog reports
Photos by Abe Ortiz of LAFMIL Photography

Julie McClaren, a kennel manager and dog show handler for most of her youth, now has one service dog: Peanut - a.k.a., "Nut" - a Jindo-mix. Julie found this little vagabond on the streets by her home when Nut was only a few months old.

"Jindos are known for guarding their 'hood'," Julie explains. In this case, Nut had adopted their entire cul-de-sac as her territory. "Every night, she'd pull the welcome mat off the neighbor's front porch and drag it to the middle of the circle to sleep on," Julie says. Every morning, her neighbor would have to retrieve it. Julie was so charmed by this little "scruff," that she set food out for her daily. Soon thereafter, Nut was welcomed into the McClaren family.

This Jindo-mix came into Julie's life just a few months after a serious accident and has helped her throughout her therapy. When Julie is in pain, Nut won't leave her side. She gives doggie-hugs when Julie is in tears by leaning forward into her chest and placing her head on Julie's shoulder. Nut also locates Julie's keys, her brace, purse, and leash and brings them to her. "I once joked with the kids that this was her job," Julie laughs.

Besides being Julie's caregiver, Nut has other fun "duties" around the house. During the weekends, Nut, along with Julie, is a Dinner Garden volunteer. She's added personal touches to garden boxes by tossing in her stuffed toys. She's made public volunteer appearances and has been on television. "She has made a memorable appearance on Texas Country Reporter - a butt-lick seen around Texas." At night, she chases "blankie monsters" out of the bed and is the official pillow warmer. But, even during the fun times, Nut is ever on guard. "She sleeps behind my legs and once woke me from a sound sleep for a serious heart arrhythmia," Julie says.

After twelve years, Julie and Nut are a little more arthritic. Julie says, "It's my turn to take care of her." Nut once pulled Julie in a manual wheelchair; now she rides on Julie's lap in the electric wheelchair, when possible. Julie also listens more closely when Nut orders her to bed. "She goes out of her way to check on my well-being throughout the day. I get nose-checks as she passes, as if to say 'well done!' or 'I'm here.'"

Throughout the years, both residences and diagnoses have changed, but Nut continues to watch over Julie. She accompanies Julie on San Antonio's mass transit and while shopping. One day, some Lackland AFB (Air Force Base) dog trainers approached them in a grocery store. They commented that Nut was "the best-trained dog they had ever seen." Julie explains, "that a well trained dog comes from both the dog's ability to read her owner as well the owner's willingness to read her dog."

For more information: Find Julie on Facebook at: Julie McClaren or visit www.dinnergarden.org