Pacifier - Maltese and Poodle Dog for Adoption in Palo Alto, California

* 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, November 7th 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: $800
Pacifier: Professional Cuddler, Couch Supervisor & Side-Eye Specialist

Age: 2–3 years old
Weight: 20 lbs
Breed: Maltipoo
Coat: Nonshedding
Pacifier came to DPS from the shelter with his friends, and he’s ready to trade shelter life for a permanent spot beside his favorite person. This sweet Maltipoo has simple priorities: a comfortable couch, someone to cuddle, and a perch with a good view of the household. His contribution? Devoted companionship and some truly award-worthy skeptical side-eye.

A Little Shadow with a Big Heart

Pacifier likes his cuddles with a generous helping of physical contact. Beside you is good; touching you is better; slightly on top of you might be perfect. He’s curious about whatever his people are doing and will follow along or keep an attentive eye on their activities from his chosen lookout.

When he first arrived in foster care, Pacifier was a bit anxious and confused. Once he got to know the household, however, he settled in quickly and revealed his affectionate, easygoing personality. A little patience while he learns a new routine will help this loving boy feel at home.

King of the Couch

If your idea of a lovely afternoon involves relaxing together, Pacifier would like to submit his application to be your companion. He’s a lounger at heart, especially fond of finding the highest comfortable spot on the couch so he can supervise everything below.

His day starts around 7 a.m. with a trip outside, followed by breakfast. Then it’s time for the important business of lounging, observing, and collecting affection. Dinner is around 6 p.m., and he sleeps overnight in a crate in the family room.

Friends, Felines & Family

Pacifier has been very good with the cats in his foster home, mostly ignoring them with an occasional curious sniff. He loves the family’s teenagers and peacefully shares space with their large dog, although he hasn’t shown much interest in playing with her. His favorite social activity appears to be spending time with his humans.

Learning the Ropes

Pacifier walks fairly well on leash, though he sometimes pulls toward something he wants to investigate. His foster family hasn’t encountered other dogs on their walks, so his reactions to passing dogs are still unknown.

He’s making progress with housetraining but will need continued consistency and supervision.

His first night in foster care included plenty of barking when left alone, but he has made excellent progress. He now settles well in his crate overnight and when his family goes out, with just an occasional whine. Stressful transitions may temporarily make being alone harder for him, so a predictable routine will be helpful as he adjusts.

Pacifier hasn’t shown interest in chewing or digging. He occasionally barks when startled or joins in when the resident dog sounds the alarm, but he has become much more settled as he’s grown comfortable.

His Perfect Match

Pacifier would thrive with someone who enjoys a relaxed pace and plenty of affectionate togetherness. A quieter household, a cozy place to lounge, and people who appreciate a devoted little companion would suit him beautifully. He enjoys attention and companionship without needing a packed activity calendar.

If you’re looking for a loving, loyal couch companion who will keep you company—and occasionally question your decisions with one perfectly delivered sideways glance—Pacifier may be your boy.

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its glamorous white coat, which is long, silky, and virtually hypoallergenic. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs that thrive on human companionship and make wonderful family pets. Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and alert, with a confident demeanor despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and are suitable for apartment living due to their size and adaptability.

The Poodle is a highly intelligent and elegant dog breed known for its distinctive curly coat and graceful appearance. Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles come in three size varieties Standard, Miniature, and Toy each with their unique characteristics but sharing the breed's alert and friendly nature. Renowned for their hypoallergenic qualities and keen sense of humor, Poodles excel in various dog sports and activities, making them versatile companions suitable for different lifestyles and living situations.

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