Blind Caramel-Colored Mutt Embraces Life and Picks Out His Own Gifts at the Pet Shop

Catatau is a caramel-colored mutt who had a tough start in life — but thanks to the love of Elissa Diaz, everything changed! The 2-and-a-half-year-old mutt is visually impaired due to complications from distemper he contracted while living on the streets — but that doesn’t stop him from being happy or living a full life.

He’s so active and smart that when he walks into a store, he knows exactly where to find his favorite treats or toys — guided by his sense of smell and memory of where things are on the shelves. His human always lets him choose between two items.

After choosing, Elissa says, “Shall we pay?” and without hesitation, the sweetheart takes the product in his mouth and walks to the cashier. Of course, the one who actually pays is Elissa — but still, he’s a smart boy!

In an interview with Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian website about pet news), Elissa shared that Catatau entered her life during a particularly difficult time, as she was battling depression and anxiety.

At the time, she was browsing online listings of dogs available for adoption. That’s when she decided to visit a local adoption center in São Paulo, Brazil, hoping to adopt a puppy that had caught her eye.

“But when I saw Catatau — so cute, curled up on a little bed — I couldn’t resist. I asked to hold him, and the moment I did, he placed his paws on my shoulders and tucked his nose into my neck — as if he were hugging me.That was the moment I hugged him — and didn’t want to let go,” she recalled.

The volunteer told her that the dog was blind — but that didn’t stop her from adopting him. Since then, with love and patience, Catatau and Elissa have learned to adapt together — embracing their new life and its challenges.

Elissa gradually familiarized him with the rooms in the house, taught him to use a training pad, helped him get used to wearing a collar, and guided him through the sounds of the street.

They started with five-minute outings, and as he became more relaxed, she gradually increased their time outside.

“Throughout this journey, since I live near the pet shop, I would carry him in my arms to pick up a few things,” she said. ““The employees fell in love with him and his story — and he became just as attached to them. That was the first place where he had the courage to leave my lap and explore — as if he were at home!”

Catatau has always been eager to learn, so picking things up came naturally to him. Now, he confidently walks the store aisles, knows exactly where his favorite items are, and proudly picks them out to take home. He’s amazing!

But the pet shop isn’t his only passion — he also loves collecting twigs and listening to rock music. According to Elissa, “Whenever we pass a certain bar and there’s a live band playing, he runs inside and sits right in front of the stage.”

Catatau is the love of Elissa’s life. As she puts it: “I didn’t give him a new life — he gave me one! I tell him every day how grateful I am to have him in my life and how hard I try to be a better person for him. He’s my whole world!”

Catatau is a gentle, affectionate, obedient, and well-mannered dog who loves both kids and other animals. As Elissa says, “He’s an angel on earth.”

Now check out the video below of this sweetheart enjoying himself in the aisles of his favorite store!

He’s such a smart pup! Follow him on social media by click here.