* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org. * This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, October 10th from 12PM – 3PM (unless adopted prior to the event). 3910 Middlefield Road
All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.
Adoption fee: $700
Meet Acadia & Prelude: A Sock Thief and a Sweet Symphony in Progress
4–5 months old * Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix
Acadia has a growing collection of stolen socks. Prelude has a pair of thoughtful eyes that seem to know more than a puppy possibly should. Both have discovered that a morning romp through the yard is excellent fun—and that learning to trust people can lead to some pretty wonderful ear scratches.
DPS rescued these girls from a hoarding situation along with 18 other dogs. Before rescue, they had never left their yard, walked on a leash, or lived inside a house. Their world was small, and moving into a foster home meant learning almost everything from scratch. Today, their personalities are beginning to shine, each at her own pace.
Acadia: Adventure Begins in the Laundry Basket
Acadia would like to invite you on an expedition. Possible destinations include the backyard, whatever room you’re heading toward, and the laundry basket, where the finest treasures apparently come in matching pairs.
This budding little adventurer was initially so frightened that she hid in her crate and trembled when picked up. But even then, there were clues that a mischievous puppy was waiting underneath: stuffies mysteriously made their way into her crate overnight, when she thought nobody was watching.
Now Acadia trots alongside her foster as they move around the house, turns getting rounded up into a game of “catch me if you can,” and supplies her own entertainment by relocating dirty socks to her pen. Her expression often suggests she has an idea— and that you should probably check the laundry.
Although she still doesn’t consistently approach people for affection, Acadia has discovered that cuddling feels awfully nice. Once settled in her foster’s arms, she happily naps, enjoys ear scratches, and delivers kisses wherever she can reach. She especially adores the family’s 16-year-old son, following him and showering him with affection when he comes home from school.
Acadia is playful, funny, and increasingly curious about the world. She’ll thrive with adopters who enjoy puppy antics, offer patient encouragement, and let her keep building confidence. Secure sock storage is optional, but advisable.
Prelude: The Best Part Is Still to Come
Prelude is the quiet opening to a beautiful piece of music. You can already hear the sweetness; she just needs time to find her volume.
With wise eyes and a dignified little sitting pose, Prelude sometimes resembles a thoughtful cat surveying the room. She is the more cautious of the two puppies and feels safest in a familiar corner or her pen. But look closely, and you’ll see how much she has already accomplished.
At first, Prelude trembled when held and needed help coming back inside from the yard. Now she willingly returns to the house, doesn't mind being carried, and joins Acadia for playful wrestling sessions on their dog bed. Going outside still takes encouragement—she generally waits to be carried out—but once in the yard with her sister, those little legs can really move.
Prelude’s affection arrives in small, lovely moments. Scratch her ears, and you may earn gentle kisses on your hand. Watch her relax enough to play, and you’ll understand why her foster finds her progress so rewarding.
She currently relies on Acadia for reassurance and may cry when her sister is out of sight. For her separate adoptive home, a friendly, confident resident dog could be a wonderful guide. Prelude will do best with patient adopters, a predictable routine, and a calm environment where she can explore without pressure. Her future family will get to celebrate the little milestones that become very big things: choosing to come closer, investigating a new room, or asking for affection for the first time.
Their Daily Rhythm
The girls start their day around 7 AM with a trip to the yard, followed by approximately ten minutes of glorious puppy galloping. Prelude then heads straight back to her familiar pen, while Acadia often tries to negotiate an extended play session. By 8:15 AM, both are ready for a morning nap.
When their foster works at the computer, they hang out in the same room. They have access to the deck but generally prefer to venture out with their person. Regular potty opportunities come around 11 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM, followed by bedtime in an exercise pen with a crate available. They also settle in their pen when left home alone.
Food is currently available in their pen, and they tend to eat more overnight—although a little chicken with breakfast earns their attention. They enjoy puppy playtime and plenty of naps, and their barking is mostly reserved for play.
Both have done very well with their foster’s potty routine, with no accidents elsewhere in the house and only occasional overnight use of potty pads. Their adopters should continue that consistent schedule as they adjust to new homes. Neither has started neighborhood walks yet, so leash skills are still ahead of them.
Acadia is ready to fill a home with laughter, kisses, and suspiciously relocated socks. Prelude is ready for someone who will treasure every new bit of courage. They’ll be adopted separately, each with a family ready to help her write her next chapter.
EMBER
Maltese
🇺🇸
Palo Alto, California
female, small, baby
Maltese
Palo Alto, California
