Shenanigans - 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
Meet Shenanigans, an 8–10 month old, 12 lb Maltipoo who has absolutely earned his name. This bouncy little fellow approaches life with enthusiasm, spring-loaded legs, and the firm belief that whatever you’re doing could be improved by including him. His foster family calls him their “baby little lamb,” although we suspect most lambs spend less time requesting belly rubs.

Small dog, big enthusiasm

Shenanigans is full of puppy energy and delighted to share it. Backyard playtime? Excellent. An evening walk? Count him in. You’ve returned from somewhere—even somewhere terribly uninteresting? A celebration is clearly in order.

He loves his people and follows them around the house, eager to be part of the action. When he wants attention, he can get quite jumpy, so his adopters should be ready to help him practice keeping four paws on the floor. He sometimes needs a little time and guidance to wind down, but once he settles, he enjoys sitting beside someone and soaking up affection. Belly rubs are always welcome.

This is a playful youngster for someone who enjoys engaging with their dog, teaching new skills, and finding fun ways to use that busy puppy brain.

A day in the life of Shenanigans

Shenanigans starts his day around 7 a.m., with backyard activity before breakfast at approximately 8:30–9 a.m. Mornings are for bouncing and playing; afternoons offer opportunities to lounge indoors with his foster family. Dinner arrives around 6–6:30 p.m., followed by an evening walk to catch up on neighborhood news.

On leash, he generally doesn’t pull, though his curiosity can produce a somewhat zigzagging route. He frequently checks to make sure his people are coming along, because an outing is best enjoyed together.

Around 10 p.m., he heads into his crate for the night. He may whine for 10–15 minutes before settling, then sleeps through until morning.

Learning the ropes

Shenanigans is making good progress with housetraining. His foster describes him as about 90% there, and the belly band he wears as a precaution has stayed dry. A consistent schedule, regular potty opportunities, and praise for getting it right will help him continue building those habits. He has not used potty pads or a doggy door.

He has a non-shedding coat that will need regular brushing and professional grooming to keep him comfortable and looking his fluffy best.

He isn’t generally a big barker, although he may join in when the neighbor’s dog starts a conversation. His foster reports that he responds readily to redirection.

Finding his confidence

Being apart from his people is still a work in progress. During his foster family’s school and work hours, Shenanigans has stayed in his crate for approximately five hours. Early on, he shredded towels and neighbors reported whining during those absences. This has improved somewhat as he has become familiar with the routine, but his new family should plan to build alone time gradually and help him feel secure. Because he has chewed up towels, his crate setup will also need careful attention.

There are no other pets in his foster home, so his compatibility with a canine housemate or cats has not been established. His foster thinks a well-matched, confident dog might provide welcome companionship, though introductions would be needed to see whether that is a good fit.

With his enthusiastic jumping and exuberant play style, a home with children over 10 would be the best match.

Ready for a little Shenanigans?

Shenanigans is looking for a family who will appreciate his silliness, give him outlets for his energy, and patiently guide him through the rest of puppyhood. He brings devotion, affection, and an exceptionally enthusiastic welcome to the relationship.

Shenanigans came to DPS with an eye infection and was examined by our veterinarian and treated with medication. Our vet says his eye has healed nicely, but there may be residual effects that require evaluation or care from a veterinary eye specialist. His adopters should be prepared to arrange that follow-up and any additional care if needed.

If your idea of a wonderful companion includes a fluffy little shadow, frequent belly-rub breaks, and a dog who is positively thrilled that you exist, Shenanigans would like to put all four paws forward.

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.

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