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: $700 Mushu is a 4–5 year old, 10 pound Westie-Yorkie type mix with a non-shedding coat, the heart of a devoted companion and the playful spirit of a younger dog. With her expressive eyes, fluttery eyelashes, and wiggly little ears when she runs, she has the kind of face that makes people stop and smile. Her fosters say she looks like she could have jumped straight out of The Wizard of Oz— the kind of tiny pup Dorothy might have tucked into a basket and carried everywhere. Mushu thrives on routine and quickly settles into the rhythm of home life. Her day typically begins early when the household wakes up. She heads out through the doggie door to take care of business in the yard, then enjoys a little morning nap before breakfast. Once she’s fueled up, she’s ready for the best parts of the day: time with her people, a walk around the neighborhood, and a little playtime. She absolutely loves her walks and will happily do a little dance of excitement when she sees her leash come out. Sniff walks are her specialty, and she enjoys taking in all the sights and smells along the way. During the day, Mushu is content to lounge nearby while her humans go about their routines. She likes to hang out close to her people, whether that means relaxing on the couch, curling up in a sunny spot, or keeping a quiet watch from nearby while someone works. If the weather is nice, she enjoys exploring the yard or stretching out in the sun for a while. As evening approaches, she looks forward to another walk and some playtime before settling in for the night. By around 8:30 pm, Mushu is ready for bed and happily snuggles in for a full night of peaceful sleep. Her foster says she sleeps so soundly you barely hear a stir— except for the occasional adorable little snores. Once Mushu feels comfortable, her affectionate and loyal personality really shines. She loves being near her people and often follows them from room to room just to keep them company. She’s not overly demanding and can relax on her own if you step away for a bit, but she clearly enjoys being part of whatever her humans are doing. Every so often she will trot over and ask to be picked up, happily riding along in your arms while you go about your day. She is also a surprisingly enthusiastic little athlete when toys come out. Mushu is absolutely obsessed with balls and squeaky toys. When she locks onto a ball, her entire focus sharpens— eyes tracking every movement with such intensity that her foster jokes she could teach yoga eye exercises. Toss the ball and she’ll race after it, retrieve it, and bring it back again and again, ready for the next round. When she wants you to keep playing, she may sit on your lap and make the cutest low growly sound that almost resembles a contented purr. It’s simply her way of saying, “Throw it again!” Mushu also has plenty of charming little habits that make her fosters smile every day. She does happy little circles while waiting for dinner, and when she gets especially excited, her tiny tongue sometimes peeks out in concentration. When she runs, her ears bounce and wiggle in the most delightful way. She’s playful and fun, but she also knows how to relax and enjoy a cozy afternoon lounging nearby. She is fully housetrained and has excellent indoor manners. Mushu reliably uses the yard through the doggie door, and if the door is closed she will politely sit beside it to let you know she needs to go out. In the rare case she can’t get outside, she will use potty pads. She is not a big fan of crates but does very well sleeping peacefully in a pen at night in the same room as her humans. Mushu walks nicely on leash and truly looks forward to her outings. She may bark at unfamiliar dogs or people while on walks, more as a warning to keep a little distance than anything else. At home, she may also bark when the doorbell rings or when someone new arrives, but once she has a chance to do a proper sniff check, she warms up quickly. Like many dogs who have had a stressful start, Mushu needed a little time to decompress when she first left the shelter. She arrived feeling under the weather and understandably nervous, sometimes reacting if someone got too close to her paws. But after just a few days of feeling safe and cared for, she began to relax and show her true personality. As her confidence grew, she became affectionate, playful, and deeply attached to her foster family. Mushu currently lives with other small dogs and generally coexists peacefully, though she prefers interacting with people more than playing with canine companions. Because she can be protective of her toys or food, she may do best as the only dog in the home where she can soak up all the love and attention. A home with children over 10 years old would be fine, as long as they understand how to give a dog space while she settles in. Her ideal home will be one that gives her a little patience in the beginning. Once Mushu understands her new environment and builds trust, she blossoms into a devoted and loving companion. The reward for that patience is a dog who will follow you loyally, snuggle beside you on the couch, and greet you with enthusiastic tail wags and a ball in her mouth whenever she’s ready for playtime. Mushu may be small, but her personality is full of heart. She is sweet, playful, and deeply loyal— the kind of dog who forms a special bond with her people and stays close by their side. For someone looking for a tiny best friend with big devotion and an endless love of fetch, Mushu just might be the perfect match.