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.Adoption fee: $650 Meet Tiptoe: The Gentle Little Shadow Learning to Be Brave Tiptoe is a 5–6 month old long-haired Dachshund mix puppy who came to us from the shelter. With patience, structure, and the comfort of a loving home, he has already made incredible strides. This petite pup is blossoming into a sweet, affectionate companion who simply wants to be near his people and feel safe. Watching his confidence grow day by day has been truly special, and we know his very best chapters are still ahead of him. Daily Routine & Favorite Hangouts Tiptoe thrives on a predictable routine, which has helped him feel secure and continue building confidence. He wakes up around 6:30 AM—though he would happily sleep in if given the chance. His day begins with a potty break, followed by breakfast and a walk alongside his foster sibling, Ziggy. Walking with a confident dog buddy has made a huge difference for Tiptoe, helping him feel braver and more comfortable exploring the neighborhood. After his morning walk, Tiptoe’s favorite place to relax is the couch, ideally with a soft blanket. By about 9:00 AM, he settles into his crate for a nap while his foster family heads to work. He enjoys lunch around noon, followed by a solo neighborhood walk and some quiet time in his crate with a Kong. He rests comfortably until the afternoon when his people return home around 4:00–4:30 PM. Evenings are spent in the living room, alternating between snuggling, lounging, and gently playing with toys. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, followed by a final potty break around 9:30 PM, after which he heads to his crate in the bedroom for a restful night’s sleep. Personality: A Velcro Pup with a Tender Heart When Tiptoe first arrived, he was very shy. New environments could cause him to freeze or “pancake” himself to the ground when he felt unsure. But with a steady routine, gentle encouragement, and positive reinforcement, he has made remarkable progress. Today, Tiptoe is the definition of a Velcro dog. He loves being near his people and will quietly follow you from room to room, making himself comfortable wherever you are. He is deeply affectionate, gentle, and sensitive, with a soft, soulful personality that draws you in. As his confidence has grown, so has his playful side. He now gets bursts of happy zoomies, enjoys collecting his toys, and proudly carries them between his favorite spots—the couch and his dog bed. Watching him discover joy and playfulness has been one of the most rewarding parts of fostering him. Social Skills with Dogs, People & the World Tiptoe lives with two resident dogs (one medium-sized and one small), and he interacts beautifully with both. He has shown an intuitive understanding of how to coexist respectfully with dogs of different sizes and ages. He enjoys their company without being pushy or intrusive, which is impressive for such a young puppy. With new visitors, Tiptoe is polite and thoughtful. He prefers to observe from a distance at first, and after about 10–15 minutes, he relaxes and settles into the environment, happily entertaining himself with toys or resting nearby. Energy Level & Play Style Tiptoe is more of a lounger than a whirlwind. He clearly appreciates the comforts of home and loves relaxing on the couch with a cozy blanket. That said, he does enjoy playtime and has begun to show delightful bursts of puppy energy. He especially loves gathering his toys and moving them from place to place, as if organizing his own little collection. His play style is gentle and sweet rather than wild or rough. He strikes a lovely balance between playfulness and calm companionship. Walking & Leash Manners Tiptoe has made tremendous progress on leash walking. Initially, he was very nervous and would freeze when the leash was put on. Walking alongside a confident dog friend has helped him tremendously, and he now walks with growing confidence, especially on familiar routes. He also does well on solo walks in the neighborhood. He does not pull on the leash, chase squirrels, or bark at other dogs. If a new person comes too close, he may pause or freeze briefly, but with reassurance and encouragement, he continues on his way. Each walk builds his confidence a little more. House Training & Crate Skills Tiptoe appears to have lived in a home before and has excellent house manners. Crate training is progressing very well. While he initially cried when left alone, the comfort of a predictable routine has helped him learn to settle and nap calmly in his crate during the day and overnight. Puppy Behaviors: Teething & Learning Like many puppies his age, Tiptoe is currently teething. He may occasionally mistake items like cushion edges or carpet corners for toys when bored, but he is very responsive to redirection and quickly understands when told “no.” Providing appropriate chew toys keeps him happily occupied. He is not a frequent barker. He may join in if other dogs start barking, but he rarely initiates it himself. What Makes Tiptoe Special Tiptoe is a gentle, affectionate puppy with a deeply tender spirit. His journey from a frightened shelter pup to a loving companion has already been remarkable, and he continues to grow braver every single day. For such a young dog, he shows an impressive ability to read social cues and coexist respectfully with both dogs and people. He doesn’t demand attention—he simply wants to be near you, quietly sharing your space. A Foster’s Favorite Thing About Tiptoe For such a young puppy, Tiptoe has shown incredible maturity in how he interacts with older dogs. He plays appropriately, respects their boundaries, and understands how to share space without being overwhelming. That kind of emotional awareness is rare in a puppy and speaks volumes about his gentle nature. Tiptoe is the kind of dog who will form a deep, loyal bond with his person. With a little patience and love, he will reward his family with unwavering companionship and a lifetime of quiet devotion.