Ballerina - Yorkshire Terrier 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
Ballerina: A little dancer looking for her forever partner
6–8 months old | 10 lbs | Yorkie mix | Non-shedding

Ballerina’s next big performance? Dancing her way into your heart. This sweet Yorkie mix came to DPS with her friend Pirouette after the two were found running through a parking lot. A kind Good Samaritan spent two hours patiently earning their trust so she could bring them to safety, then contacted DPS to help find them loving homes. Now Ballerina is discovering just how wonderful life can be when there’s a soft couch, a dependable routine, and someone to snuggle.

Her favorite position? Right beside you.
Learning the Ropes
Bella is a gentle soul with a very affectionate heart. She was cautious when she first arrived, following her foster closely while she figured things out. By day two, she was already coming out of her shell and following the resident dogs around, too. Her devotion to her person, however, appears to be a permanent feature!

If you’re on the couch, Bella settles beside you. Working at your desk? She might curl up at your feet or squeeze in behind you on your chair. At bedtime, her preferred spot is next to her foster’s head. Personal space is apparently negotiable when you’re this small and this cuddly.

She tends to prefer her familiar people and canine companions over being the center of a big social scene, but she has been friendly with the neighborhood adults and children she’s met. She doesn’t need to greet the entire world to enjoy being part of it.

A lovely little member of the ensemble

Bella currently lives with a young Mini Schnauzer mix and a senior Dachshund mix. She gets along well with both and happily joins in when her Schnauzer buddy invites her to play, though she usually lets other dogs make the first move. Her previous foster also reported that she did well with both a dog and a cat.

Her energy level is a lovely middle ground: she’ll play when invited, enjoy a walk with her pack, and then happily settle in for a nap. Chew toys and treats are favorites, and her enthusiasm for food makes training especially rewarding. She’s already practicing sitting politely before meals and is proving to be a smart, eager student.

Walks, snacks, snuggles, repeat

Bella’s day starts around 8 a.m. with a potty break and breakfast at about 8:30. She enjoys several walks throughout the day, including a longer late-afternoon outing to a nearby park. Between adventures, she plays, naps, and keeps track of her favorite humans. Dinner is served around 6 p.m., followed by a final potty walk before bed.

She’s still learning the finer points of leash walking, including choosing a side and sticking with it, but she doesn’t pull and likes to stay close to her canine companions. She checks in frequently with her foster for reassurance and has shown no interest in chasing animals or barking at passing people and dogs. Loud traffic, clanging gates, and gardening equipment can make her nervous, so calm encouragement helps her feel secure.

Car rides are another favorite. Ballerina loves watching the scenery and gets quite excited about her own personal sightseeing tour.

Practicing her puppy basics

Bella is comfortable in her crate when her foster goes out for errands. She settles with toys and a chew, keeps her crate clean, and has shown no signs of separation anxiety in her foster home.

Bella has also been a wonderfully quiet houseguest. Her foster hasn’t heard her bark—even when the resident dogs join in—and reports no destructive chewing or digging.

Her next chapter

Bella would love a home where affection is plentiful and someone appreciates a little shadow with four paws. She could do well with compatible canine companions or as the only dog soaking up her humans’ attention. Her gentle nature and willingness to learn could also make her a lovely match for a first-time dog family prepared to continue her puppy training.

After a frightening start in a parking lot, Ballerina is ready for a softer landing: a loving home, a reassuring hand, and a permanent place beside her favorite person. If your life could use a little more sweetness—and your couch could use a tiny dance partner—Bella is ready to take her place.

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is a small and glamorous toy dog breed known for its long, flowing coat and spirited personality. Originating from England, these affectionate and intelligent dogs make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. With a weight of around 7 pounds, Yorkies are portable and adaptable, thriving in both city apartments and rural settings. Despite their small size, they possess a bold and confident nature, always ready for fun and adventure.

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