Meet Marshmellow
3 years old 14 pounds
The first thing to know about Marshmellow is that he does not hand out trust like free samples at Costco.
When he meets someone new, he usually hangs back and watches. He wants to know what kind of person you are, whether you are going to respect his space, and—most importantly—whether you have good snack judgment. Trying to rush the friendship will get you nowhere. Sitting nearby, speaking softly, and letting him make the first move works much better.
Then one day, the dog who was carefully observing you from across the room is suddenly standing beside your chair asking for a back scratch.
That is how it happens with him. The cuddles are not immediate, but they are worth waiting for. Once he feels safe, he becomes affectionate, playful, and deeply attached to his person. He will climb into your lap, bring his tug toy over, and position himself so your hand lands directly on the exact spot he would like scratched. Subtlety is not always his strength.
He is a 14-pound Terrier Maltipoo-type mix with a soft, slightly wavy coat and two equally convincing looks. Before grooming, he resembles a tiny woodland wizard who may know your future. After grooming, he looks like a respectable little gentleman with an appointment downtown. Both versions have opinions.
Marshmellow loves car rides. Some dogs tolerate the car because it takes them somewhere fun. He seems to believe the ride itself is the event. Once he is settled in, he is ready to accompany you anywhere—around the neighborhood, out to the coast, or on a weekend trip where he can stare thoughtfully out the window like he has a lot on his mind.
He is also a surprisingly nice walking companion. He does not spend the entire walk pulling your arm out of its socket or zigzagging across the sidewalk. He may get excited when another dog appears, but he recovers and keeps moving. Once he has bonded with someone, he naturally wants to stay close and check in with them and he is great off leash comfortable around dogs of all sizes
Other animals are much easier for him than unfamiliar people. He gets along well with dogs of different sizes and is tolerant with cats.
At home, he is crate trained and does well when left alone. He does not fall apart because you went to work or dared to buy groceries without him. He can settle while you handle your day, then happily reconnect when you return.
What he needs most is someone who understands sensitive dogs.
He has not always felt safe with people, and he cannot be pushed into trusting before he is ready. He needs patience, consistency, and an adopter who will notice the small victories: the first time he chooses to sit nearby, the first time he asks to be touched, the first time he relaxes enough to fall asleep beside you.
Those moments may seem small, but with a dog like Marshmellow, they mean everything.
He will do best in a calm adult home without young children. His ideal person is gentle but steady—someone who can respect his boundaries without treating him like he is fragile, give him structure without being harsh, and let the relationship grow at his pace.
He is not the dog who will meet you and instantly perform a perfect adoption-day love story. He is the dog who will study you, slowly decide you are safe, and then become your funny, loyal little shadow.
And once you earn his trust, prepare yourself: the back-scratch requests are going to become very specific.
Apply to meet Marshmellow:
https://www.welcomehomesanctuary.org/adoption-application
POPTART
Pomeranian
🇺🇸
San Francisco, California
female, small, adult
Pomeranian
San Francisco, California
