About Uni
Uni is a playful, people-loving boy who gives great cuddles, adores his toys and is happiest being part of whatever his humans are doing. He is energetic, affectionate and incredibly food motivated, and once he bonds with you, you can expect to have a devoted shadow following you around the house.
Uni is looking for his forever home after being career changed from the Seeing Eye Dogs program.
While Uni has many wonderful qualities, continuing in the program wasn't the right fit for him due to some unpredictable startled barking reactions towards people and children while out and about. He can also bark when frustrated, particularly when he can't access his favourite person, and may vocalise when excited or wanting something.
Uni is very responsive to his handler and is generally great to walk on lead. He loves playing with other dogs and can happily match the energy of dogs big and small. His best friend has even been a toy poodle!
He is an energetic boy who enjoys running, playing with toys, a bit of rough-and-tumble fun and, once he's worn himself out, settling in for a good cuddle.
Where I grew up
Uni grew up in a suburban home with two adults, an older dog and a cat, so he is used to sharing his home with other animals.
He formed a lovely relationship with the older dog in his home, and his playful energy helped bring out her playful side again. Uni generally gets along very well with dogs and cats, although he can get overexcited during play and may be a little much for older or quieter dogs. He may also chase a cat if they run.
Uni is accustomed to everyday home life, including making himself comfortable on couches and beds!
A good fit for me is...
Uni's ideal home would be with people who enjoy an active, affectionate dog and can provide him with plenty of company, exercise, play and structure.
We think he would be best suited to:
A home with young teenage children or older.
Someone who is home for a good portion of the day, as Uni can become very attached to his favourite person and may find separation difficult.
A family prepared to continue building his confidence around unexpected people, sounds and objects.
A home that can provide regular exercise, enrichment and play.
Potentially another playful, compatible dog who can be a companion and help burn off some of Uni's energy.
Owners who can be vigilant about scavenging, as Uni is very food focused and will try to eat things he finds on walks or in the yard.
Health Information:
Uni has experienced gastrointestinal issues during his early development and has undergone two surgeries for intussusception. He continues to have gastrointestinal sensitivity and requires a long-term hypoallergenic diet. His history is also likely to mean some ongoing variation in stool quality.
Because of his gastrointestinal history, his new family will need to be particularly careful about preventing him from scavenging or eating inappropriate items.
Seeing Eye Dogs has reduced Uni's adoption fee by 50% in recognition of this ongoing management. We will also offer Uni's prospective adopters a complimentary telehealth consultation with our veterinary team prior to adoption, providing an opportunity to discuss his medical history, diet and likely ongoing needs in more detail.
My personality traits
Affectionate: Uni loves his people and gives excellent cuddles. Expect him to be your little shadow.
Playful: Toys, other dogs and a good run are some of his favourite things.
Energetic: Uni loves being active and will suit a home that enjoys getting out and about.
Food obsessed: Food is definitely the way to Uni's heart! He's highly motivated by treats, although his enthusiasm means some boundaries around the kitchen and dinner table will be important.
Social: Uni loves engaging with people and other dogs and enjoys being part of family life.
Sensitive: Occasionally, an unexpected person, dog, sound or unfamiliar object can startle Uni and result in barking. His reactions aren't always predictable, so his new family will need to be comfortable recognising these moments and helping him work through them.
A little impatient: Uni likes life to keep moving. Stop for too long on a walk and he may have something to say about it!
Uni isn't a perfectly polished pup, but that's part of what makes him Uni. For a family prepared to manage his medical needs, give him plenty of companionship and continue working on his confidence and independence, he'll bring plenty of personality, play and affection into the home.
