Nopal is currently in San Diego, CA, and his backstory says a lot about his resilience. Born with his siblings under a heap of wood at a plant nursery, Nopal watched his mother do everything she could to keep the family safe. After a tough start, Surfers for Strays stepped in, bringing care and a fresh start for the whole litter. Nopal is now settled into foster care, and it's clear he has a gentle, thoughtful personality. He's affectionate, polite, and friendly with new people once he’s had time to warm up. He gets along great with other dogs and has no problem sharing space with cats. Time in his foster home has brought out his playful side—Nopal is a fan of toys (especially balls), loves to run, and also knows how to settle down quietly. He’s crate trained, sleeping peacefully through the night in his “safe space.” House training is solid, including using a doggy door, and his foster says he listens well and genuinely wants to please. Nopal walks nicely on leash and handles new experiences calmly, continuing to grow in confidence. He’s done well with young children—as playful and gentle as you want in a family dog. He’s sensitive around strangers (especially men), so he appreciates slow introductions and patience, but once a bond forms, he turns into a loving cuddle bug who wants to be close. Nopal thrives in a gentle household that lets him set the pace for trust. A family willing to give him space and let trust bloom naturally will be rewarded with a calm, devoted companion eager to share his big heart. He’s searching for people who see him for the special dog he is and are ready to watch him flourish. Your new best friend is just one click away.