Pug 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 Pinwheel – Sweet, Easygoing Pug with a Happy-Go-Lucky Heart
Pinwheel is a 4 year old, 11 lb Pug who came to us from a shelter and immediately made herself at home like she’d always belonged. From the moment she arrived, she greeted every volunteer at intake like they were long-lost best friends— and she’s been charming everyone ever since with her gentle, friendly nature.

Personality

Pinwheel is the definition of pleasant and uncomplicated. She adjusted instantly to her foster home without hesitation or fear and has continued to grow more confident and relaxed as she settles in. In the mornings, she’s happy to see her people and starts her day with a calm, cheerful energy.

She’s not a big snuggler, but she does enjoy being nearby—following from room to room or settling close by while you go about your day. She’s playful, easygoing, quiet, a natural follower, and has a nice balance of mellow and energetic.

Daily Routine

7:30–8:00 AM – Outside for potty
8:00–8:30 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – 1–2 mile walk
Daytime – Lounges in the family room, kitchen, or yard; enjoys sunbathing and relaxing
Every 1.5–3 hours – Outside potty breaks on the grass
5:00 PM – Dinner
Evening – Settles in on her dog mat and relaxes
9:30 PM – Last potty
10:00 PM – Crate for the night

House Manners

Pinwheel is very low maintenance in the home. She is quiet, doesn’t chew or dig, and only occasionally barks when she hears unusual noises— but her bark is soft and not disruptive. She enjoys plush toys and will happily squeak them during downtime.

Training & Habits

She is nearly fully house trained as long as she is let out regularly. She is also learning to signal at the door when she needs to go out and responds well to routine. She’s crate trained and sleeps peacefully through the night without complaint or fuss.

Leash & Walk Behavior

Pinwheel enjoys her walks, though she does tend to pull and explore in all directions. She is not reactive— no barking, lunging, or fixation on squirrels or other dogs—making her easy to take out despite her enthusiastic wandering style.

Social Life

Pinwheel is socially easygoing and adaptable. She has been around other dogs with no issues and shows no aggression or reactivity. While she hasn’t lived with cats or children, she is neutral and calm when encountering kids in public spaces and doesn’t appear bothered by them.

Ideal Home

Pinwheel would fit beautifully into almost any home—families with children, homes with other pets, or individuals of any age. She is friendly, steady, low-drama, and genuinely easy to live with.

She’s not demanding, not complicated, and not high-maintenance— just a sweet, cheerful companion who brings a calm, happy presence to the home.

The pug is a small yet sturdy breed known for its charming personality and distinctive appearance. With a wrinkled face, curled tail, and expressive eyes, pugs are beloved for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor. Originating from China, these compact dogs have a smooth coat and require minimal grooming. Pugs are known to be excellent companions, suitable for owners of all ages due to their adaptable and social temperament.

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