Shepherd and Rat Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption

If you were meeting Tulip in person your view would likely be of a petite girl at your feet, belly-up, ears flopped back, sparking eyes shining up at you. That’s Tulip! She brings an easy brightness with her, a girl who moves through life assuming new friends, soft beds, and a little affection are all very reasonable things to expect. We like to call her Tulip Tiny Petals because everything about her feels sweet, fresh, and full of good energy.

Go watch Tulip Tiny Petals in Full Bloom on YouTube, then come right back to read more about this happy little sidekick.
https://youtu.be/b9wBJm2zNio

Tulip is estimated to be around 9 months old, weighs 25 lbs, and appears to be an itty-bitty shepherd mix. As always with rescue, her breed and age are our best guess. What we do know for sure is that she is affectionate, bright and very easy to enjoy. She loves belly rubs, opens up quickly with new people, and has those wonderfully floppy ears that somehow make every expression even cuter.

One of the nicest things about Tulip is how naturally social she is. She did great meeting people, approached happily for affection, and was more than willing to roll right over for attention. After getting some playtime outside, she comes back inside and settles nicely, happy to lay nearby and relax, which is such a lovely sign for a young dog. Tulip can have her playful moments, but she also has an off-switch.

With dogs, Tulip showed herself to be thoughtful, friendly, and very good at reading the room. She meets new dogs with a relaxed body and equally enjoyed play with big and small dogs alike. When a large male dog startled her a little at first, she recovered quickly and went back to exploring the yard with the other adult dogs. That bounce-back quality is such a nice thing to see in a puppy. Tulip also interacted beautifully with dogs closer to her age. When another young dog felt unsure and got snappy, Tulip simply walked away. And when that same dog later invited her to play, Tulip happily came back over. She is playful without being pushy, and that kind of social sense will take her far.

She also did well with a small dog, greeting politely off leash and then roaming around the yard together with no fuss. Tulip is the kind of dog who could do well with a pack of dogs or with one medium-energy canine friend, especially one who enjoys a little play but does not need constant action. She does not seem interested in forcing friendships. She pays attention, takes cues well, and adjusts herself accordingly.

On leash, Tulip already has a nice sense of the basics and responds well to gentle corrections, though like any puppy, she will benefit from continued practice and consistency. Because she is still young, an apartment could absolutely be possible in the right setting, but she would need continued leash work, outings, and socialization to help her keep building confidence and good habits. A home with a yard would be lovely too, especially for playtime and puppy zoomies.

Tulip feels like an easy pick for someone wanting a young dog with a friendly heart and a good social foundation. She could fit beautifully with a family, a couple, or someone looking for a cheerful tagalong for walks, errands, and everyday life. She is affectionate, gentle, and open with people, and she carries herself with that happy little “life is good” spirit that makes living with a dog feel extra fun.

If you are looking for a puppy who is sweet without being overwhelming, playful without being rude, and affectionate in that belly-rub-requesting, ears-flopping, happy-to-be-here kind of way, Tulip is your girl! Apply today. 🌷

https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/69c41361a592245a6e081382

Questions? Email kristin@threelittlepittiesrescue.org

We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page!

Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience!

The adoption fee is $900 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship!


We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews:
https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process.

At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress!

We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog.

Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet.


It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS:

Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family
Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test
30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion
A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions
Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training
70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription
Coupons for a fun visit to Petco
20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions
Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer
Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup!

The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another.
Follow our journey and stay connected!
🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org
📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue

Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need!

*Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies.

DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing.

NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.

The Rat Terrier is a lively and intelligent breed known for its versatility and agility. With a compact and muscular build, these dogs are energetic and make excellent companions for active individuals and families. Rat Terriers are adept at a variety of activities, from hunting to obedience training, thanks to their keen intelligence and eager to please nature. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them low maintenance pets. Overall, the Rat Terrier is a spirited and loyal breed, well suited to various lifestyles.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

Three Little Pitties Rescue is revolutionizing animal welfare for dogs and cats in Texas. We have created pathways to permanent,...