Dachshund and Chihuahua Dogs Available for Adoption in Palo Alto, California

* Interested in adopting? Please read the dog’s full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an application at www.dpsrescue.org.
All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.Adoption fee: $650
Meet Dodgeball: a ray of sunshine in canine form!

Some dogs need time to settle in after leaving the shelter. Dodgeball walked into his foster home like he’d already lived there for years.

This 2 year old, 12 lb Chiweenie has one of the happiest, most outgoing personalities we’ve ever seen. He greets every human and every dog like they’re his long-lost best friend, and his enthusiasm for life is impossible not to love. If you’re looking for a cheerful little sidekick who will bring joy and laughter into your home every single day, Dodgeball is your guy.

Personality

The best word to describe Dodgeball is joyful. He wakes up happy, goes through the day happy, and somehow gets even happier when you walk through the door. His foster family says he’s basically a ray of sunshine in dog form, and honestly, that feels pretty accurate.

Unlike many rescue dogs, Dodgeball never went through a shy adjustment phase. From the minute he arrived, he was confidently exploring the house, romping around the backyard with resident dog Benji, and making himself completely at home. He’s social, adaptable, and incredibly easygoing.

He’s definitely a Velcro dog and likes to keep tabs on his people, following them from room to room throughout the day. But he’s also gaining confidence and independence as he settles in. Recently, his foster family discovered him curled up independently on a couch in another room — a major milestone for this little guy who usually prefers to be wherever his humans are.

Dodgeball isn’t especially snuggly, but he absolutely makes up for it with nonstop affection in the form of happy tail wags, excited greetings, and lots of kisses. He has a way of making every person feel like the most important person in the world.

Daily Routine

Dodgeball has settled beautifully into a predictable routine. He sleeps quietly through the night in his crate next to his foster family’s bed and patiently waits to be let out around 7:30 each morning. After a potty break and some backyard time, he often heads back into his crate for a few extra hours of beauty sleep before officially starting his day around 9:30 or 10.

He enjoys hanging out in the backyard throughout the day, running around with Benji, lounging in the sunshine, and checking in regularly with his people. In the evenings, he loves a nice 20–30 minute walk before winding down for bedtime around 11 PM.

Dogs, Kids, and Social Life

Dodgeball is exceptionally social and friendly with everyone he meets. The resident dog absolutely adores him, and it’s easy to see why — Dodgeball knows how to play appropriately and can adjust his energy level when another dog lets him know it’s time to settle down.

He’s also wonderful with kids and has been great with the foster family’s teenagers. Visitors coming to the house are always greeted warmly, but impressively, he doesn’t bark or create chaos when people arrive.

Training and Manners

Dodgeball may genuinely be one of the easiest foster dogs his family has ever had.

He is fully potty trained with zero accidents since arriving in foster care. He sleeps perfectly in his crate overnight, doesn’t chew inappropriate items, doesn’t dig, and rarely barks. He’s also quickly adapted to the household routine and seems eager to learn.

On walks, he gets very excited and can pull on leash, but he’s responsive to correction and already improving. He especially enjoys stopping to sniff around with Benji and has learned to pause patiently while his foster brother checks all the neighborhood “pee mails.”

Favorite Things

One of Dodgeball’s most entertaining talents is his incredible vertical leap. When he gets excited, he springs straight into the air with shocking height for such a tiny dog. His foster family jokes that he must have been a basketball player in a past life. He can even balance on his hind legs like a tiny circus performer.

But more than anything, what makes Dodgeball special is the happiness he brings into a home. He has that rare kind of personality that instantly lifts the mood of everyone around him. He’s sweet, uncomplicated, affectionate, and just genuinely delightful to live with.

The Chihuahua is a small breed famous for its confidence, loyalty, and big personality, despite its tiny size. Originating from Mexico, these dogs are known for their large, expressive eyes and alert, curious nature. Chihuahuas make excellent companions, forming strong bonds with their owners and displaying a protective nature. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, with both long and short coats, making them a diverse and adorable addition to any family.

The dachshund is a small dog breed known for its long body, short legs, and distinctive appearance. Originally bred for hunting badgers, these playful and loyal dogs make loving companions for families. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired each with its own unique charm. Despite their size, dachshunds are bold and courageous, with a curious nature that can sometimes lead to mischief. Their endearing personality and adaptability make them popular pets worldwide.

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was incorporated in 2001. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs, cats and even...