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, May 2nd from 12-3 PM 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: $800
Meet Dahlia: A Tender Little Soul Learning to Bloom
Dahlia is a 1–2 year old, 10-pound Maltipoo with a soft, non-shedding coat and a heart that is slowly but beautifully opening up to the world. She arrived at the rescue alongside her friend Zinnia, unsure and overwhelmed— but with time, patience, and kindness, Dahlia has begun to show her gentle spirit, her quiet loyalty, and her sweet, endearing quirks. Watching her grow more confident each day has been nothing short of inspiring.
Daily Routine & Home Life
Dahlia thrives on routine and predictability, and she has comfortably settled into her foster family’s daily rhythm. She wakes up between 7:00–8:00am for a potty break in the backyard, followed by breakfast. During the day, she enjoys napping in cozy spots around the house— on her dog bed, on the bed, or curled up next to her foster mom’s desk while she works.
She heads outside again for a mid-afternoon potty break around 2:00–3:00pm, has dinner at 5:00pm, and spends the evening relaxing on the couch, which is her favorite hangout spot. At night, she sleeps soundly and quietly in her crate.
Personality & Progress: From Shy to Brave
When Dahlia first arrived, she sought comfort in her crate and found it difficult to trust people, often running away when approached. But with patience and gentle encouragement, Dahlia has made remarkable progress. Within about a week, her confidence began to grow, and her true personality started to shine. Today, she greets mealtime with excitement, complete with her signature little “tappy dance.” She happily explores the backyard, sniffs every corner, and follows her foster sister around with curiosity.
Dahlia has also chosen her person. She forms strong bonds and shows her affection in quiet, devoted ways— following from room to room (yes, even to the bathroom!) and keeping a watchful eye nearby. While she has learned to trust deeply, she can still be a bit reserved, especially with new people or men. With continued patience and positive experiences, she continues to build confidence every day.
Social Life with Other Dogs
Dahlia currently lives with an 8-year-old, 24-pound Cavachon, and their relationship has grown steadily over time. At first, she showed a bit of protectiveness around her crate and favorite spaces, but they have since learned to share their home peacefully.
Now, they can often be found exploring the backyard together or relaxing side by side on the couch. Dahlia even initiates play from time to time, and having another dog around has clearly helped her feel more secure and learn the rhythms of daily life.
Energy Level & Play Style
Dahlia is a laid-back girl who enjoys short bursts of playful energy followed by plenty of lounging. She gets all the exercise she needs by running around the backyard and engaging in light play.
One of her newest discoveries is squeaky toys— she loves to “borrow” them from her foster sibling and stash them on her dog bed or the couch so they’re always within reach. Most of the time, though, you’ll find her happily relaxing nearby, soaking in the comfort of home life.
Leash Skills & Training
Learning to walk on a leash is currently Dahlia’s biggest challenge. When a leash is attached, she tends to freeze in place and feels unsure about moving forward. Her foster family has been working patiently to help her get comfortable with the sensation, starting slowly indoors.
The good news is that she is making progress. With time, patience, and gentle training, she is expected to continue improving.
House Training & Manners
Dahlia has truly impressed everyone with her excellent house manners. She appears to have arrived already house trained, crate trained, and familiar with pee pads. She consistently goes potty outside, has had no accidents in the home, and sleeps quietly through the night in her crate.
She does best when crated while her people are away, as it helps her feel safe and secure.
She is also a very quiet pup. She rarely barks, except for the occasional excited sound at mealtime— or when she spots something puzzling, like her own shadow.
Why Dahlia Is So Special
Dahlia may have started her journey feeling scared and uncertain, but she has shown incredible resilience and heart. Every small victory— every step forward, every wag, every brave moment—has been hard-earned, and it makes her story deeply meaningful.
She wants to love and be loved. You can see it in the way she follows her favorite person, in her gentle presence, and in that adorable little dance she does when she’s happy.
And speaking of that dance— her signature move is unforgettable. She shifts side to side, tapping her tiny feet, then finishes with a dramatic stretch, kicking one leg straight back like a yoga pro. It’s equal parts impressive and completely adorable.
Dahlia is still learning about the world, but with the right home, her confidence will continue to grow—and the family who welcomes her will get to witness that beautiful transformation firsthand.
MONEY: YEN
Havanese, Papillon
🇺🇸
Palo Alto, California
male, small, baby
Havanese, Papillon
Palo Alto, California
