All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped. * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $700 Ladybug may have come to DPS as one of the “8 in a Crate,” but today she is blossoming into a joyful, affectionate little puppy who is discovering just how wonderful life can be. At just 10–12 weeks old and 6.5 lbs, this petite Poodle mix (whose coat is definitely curly but also does shed) has already settled into a sweet daily rhythm in her foster home. Her day starts bright and early around 6:30 a.m. with a potty break and some playful energy, followed by an 8:00 a.m. nap and more playtime around 9:00. Food is available to her throughout the day, and she heads outside about every hour or so to practice her potty skills (though, like most young puppies, she doesn’t always go every time). During the day she spends time in a large pen or relaxing in the living room with her foster family, and at night she sleeps in a crate in her foster sister’s room. She may cry for about five minutes when first crated, but she settles beautifully and sleeps mostly through the night. If she wakes, she does so quietly. She rarely has accidents in her crate and has clearly learned that her sleeping spots are not for pottying. When Ladybug first arrived, she was understandably nervous. On her first day, she pressed herself against the back of her crate and would retreat there if someone approached. She explored her pen cautiously but kept her distance. Then came day two— and everything began to change. She met the resident 22-pound male dog and wagged her tail for the first time. She watched him confidently interact with the family, especially when he enthusiastically licked their faces. Before long, Ladybug gathered her courage, toddled over, and butted her way in to offer kisses of her own. That was her first voluntary interaction with her foster family, and it marked the beginning of her transformation. Now, she greets her people with a wagging tail. She still does an adorable “bunny hop” backward if someone stands up quickly or makes a big movement, but she recovers almost immediately and clearly feels safe and comfortable. Once she decides you’re her person, she prefers to be in your lap whenever she’s not busy playing. She will hop right up to chew a toy, curl into a soft blanket, or simply nap against you. If you move from room to room, she follows along behind, happy to stay close. Ladybug absolutely adores the resident dog. She goes wherever he goes, watching him carefully and learning from him. While he’s not especially interested in playing, she is respectful and doesn’t pester him. Instead, she observes. If he starts playing with a toy, her excitement bubbles over and she’ll burst into joyful zoomies, racing in circles around the room or chasing after him. It’s remarkable how quickly she learns just by watching him. A confident canine companion would be a tremendous gift to her in her forever home. Though she sleeps more than she plays (as growing puppies do), when she’s awake and engaged, she’s full of spirited energy— running, hopping, and bouncing with enthusiasm. She’s also impressively confident with her environment. Despite her small size, she easily jumps on and off the couch without fear. She happily navigates carpet, hardwood floors, cold concrete, backyard dirt, and different heights without hesitation. Outside, she enjoys sitting quietly and listening to the birds, taking in the world around her. She has only barked once— on her very first day— when startled by a sudden movement. Otherwise, she’s a quiet little observer. If left alone in a room, she may cry softly. She simply prefers company. She loves to chew on toys (as any teething puppy does) and may briefly mouth clothing, but she’s easily redirected with a wiggling toy and quickly loses interest in anything she shouldn’t have. Ladybug is comfortable with her foster family, including a 14-year-old child. She has been on leash in the backyard and generally follows the direction of the leash, though she sometimes pulls in her eagerness to explore. What truly sets Ladybug apart is the visible growth in her confidence. It is incredibly rewarding to watch her choose connection over fear, to see her tail wag instead of tuck, and to feel her climb into your lap because she knows she is safe. Once she trusts you, she doesn’t want to leave your side. Ladybug’s ideal home would be one that enjoys affection and is ready to give a young puppy the interaction and reassurance she thrives on. Another friendly dog will be key in continuing her journey, as canine companionship has already helped her blossom so quickly. From a timid little puppy pressed against the back of a crate to a lap-loving, tail-wagging companion, Ladybug is living proof that with patience and kindness, even the smallest “bug” can bloom.