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, March 7th 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: $750 Wisp is a 2–3 year old, 8 lb Westie mix with a low-shed coat who seems to have perfected the art of being both a devoted little shadow and a calm, easy presence in the home. She is petite, prancy, and impossibly charming, with one solid brown ear and one white ear sprinkled with brown spots. When she walks, those ears bounce with every step, and when she’s alert on a stroll they stand close together—only to fan out dramatically at other times. Her expressions alone could win hearts, but it’s her sweet, loyal personality that truly makes her special. Wisp starts her day around 6:30am. She’ll hop out of bed, check to make sure her people are simply brushing teeth and going about their normal morning routine, and then she’ll happily return to her own cozy bed. Once the bedroom door opens, she trots out to the kitchen to head outside for a potty break. She enjoys riding along for school drop-off, typically curling up on the passenger seat and falling asleep like a seasoned co-pilot. After a nice walk around 9am, she’s offered breakfast. Wisp isn’t in a rush to eat— she prefers to graze when she feels like it, often while her person is making their own breakfast. During the workday, she is the definition of a velcro companion. She’ll follow her favorite person from room to room and settle under the desk or in a nearby bed where she can keep watch. She enjoys another short walk late morning, then spends much of the afternoon snoozing peacefully nearby. Whether she stays home during school pickup or spends a little time alone, she handles it well. She may pace briefly or gaze out the window waiting for her family’s return, but she is not destructive and settles back in once everyone is home. Late afternoon brings another potty break, dinner around 6:30pm (again, eaten on her own schedule), and a longer evening walk around 8:30pm. By 9pm, Wisp is ready for bed. She would absolutely choose to sleep in the big bed if given the option and does politely ask— but when redirected to her own bed beside her people, she accepts it and sleeps soundly through the night. When Wisp first arrived, she was gentle and observant, taking in her surroundings thoughtfully. As she settled in, her affectionate nature blossomed. Her very favorite place is in a lap or tucked under a blanket, but she is perfectly content in a dog bed if laps aren’t available. She is deeply attached to her primary person and has a soft spot for the family’s 16-year-old— likely because she gets daily lap privileges. While she clearly has her favorites, she enjoys checking on everyone in the morning and being part of the household rhythm. She is a mellow girl at heart. When the home is calm, she is calm. She’s more of a couch companion than a toy enthusiast; squeaky toys puzzle her more than excite her. She’ll tilt her head from side to side trying to decode the sound and may even attempt to “hide” the toy in her bed. Walks, however, are a highlight. She gets adorably excited at the start and can pull if she spots another animal— especially squirrels, crows, cats, or dogs. Because of this enthusiasm, she does best in an easy-walk harness. She checks in frequently with her handler and has all the potential to become a lovely leash walker with a bit of continued guidance. A few 15-minute walks a day suit her perfectly. Wisp is housetrained with regular potty breaks and is also comfortable using pee pads. She is not crate trained, but she settles nicely in the home environment. She does not bark at doorbells or guests and is generally quiet indoors. TShe has done well with children and has been fine with other dogs both on and off leash in shelter settings, though on walks she can be vocal/excited and eager when spotting other animals. One of Wisp’s most endearing qualities is her balance. She absolutely wants to be close— ideally on your lap or under your blanket— but if you tell her no, she gracefully accepts it and simply curls up nearby. She loves attention but does not demand it. She is affectionate without being overwhelming, attached without being unable to cope alone. She is independent enough to stay home for periods of time, yet devoted enough to make you feel chosen. And if you happen to own a toaster oven or washing machine, be prepared for her to keep a very close eye on them. The mysterious beeping and spinning are, in her opinion, highly suspicious operations that require supervision. Wisp is a tiny dog with a big heart, a prancing step, and a talent for making everyday life sweeter simply by being nearby.