Adopt

My name is Merry!

Posted 2 days ago | Updated 2 days ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Interview

3

Approve Application

4

Pay Fee

5

Meet the Pet

6

Pay Fee

My basic info

Breed
Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd Dog
Color
Age
Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Female
Pet ID
22108841

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped. 

* If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.



Adoption fee: $650

Meet Merry – the Sweet, Sensitive “Wiggle-Butt” Who Blossomed Into a Cuddly, Playful Companion

 

Merry is a 5–6 month old Australian Cattle Dog/Shepherd mix in the 20 lb range who arrived at the rescue with her brother, Bright. Shy at first glance but overflowing with love once she trusts you, Merry is one of those special pups who blossoms a little more every single day. Her foster family calls her “wiggle butt” because the second you walk through the door— whether after a long day or a 30-second trip to the bathroom— she wags so hard her whole back half wobbles with joy.

 

Daily Rhythm

 

Merry wakes up between 7–8 AM and kicks off her day with an impressive 2–4 mile walk. She enjoys several walks throughout the day (typically 3–4), and after each outing she’s happy to nibble on some food— especially if offered gently by hand. At home, her preferred spot is curled up on the couch right next to her human. By 10 PM she settles into her crate and sleeps through the night.

 

Personality: From Timid to Tenderhearted

 

When Merry first arrived, she was a quiet, scared little girl who found comfort almost exclusively in cuddles and sleep. She bonded most deeply with the female foster in the home and quickly became her little shadow— following her everywhere, curling up beside her, and seeking her out for reassurance. When “mom” isn’t around, she’ll happily snuggle with “dad,” though she doesn’t trail him room-to-room.

 

Over the weeks, Merry has blossomed. She discovered toys. She rediscovered joy. And she found her voice! A pup who was silent for her first few days now gives soft barks when she wants to play or get attention. She goes from cozy couch-potato to energetic playmate in seconds— then back to nap mode once that burst is spent. She is a lovely balance of gentle cuddler and lively pup.

 

She is still learning to feel safe with new people. Visitors can be scary for her, and she may bark when someone unfamiliar walks inside. With patient introductions and space, she warms slowly, and she’s making progress every week.

 

Other Animals, New Environments & Kids

 

Merry has met one dog off-leash and, after some initial barking and uncertainty, did well with mutual sniffing and enjoyed their walk together. She’s curious but nervous when dogs approach too quickly.

 

She has interacted with children ages 1, 2, and 8. She was most comfortable with the 8-year-old but was still timid. Toddlers overwhelmed her, so she would do best in a home with older, dog-savvy kids—or none at all.

 

Energy & Play

 

Merry is the perfect mix of mellow and spunky. After a long walk, she becomes a warm, snuggly little couch companion. Then, after a nap, she’ll pop awake full of enthusiasm and ready for playtime.

 

Walking Style

 

On leash, Merry does fairly well overall, though she may zigzag, get underfoot, or wrap the leash around you while she’s figuring things out. She generally walks best at a brisk pace. She doesn’t chase squirrels or bark at other dogs, but she may become shy if they try to greet her. She’s very proud of herself when she gets to carry a stick.

 

House & Crate Training

 

Merry has made huge strides in potty training, now consistently going on walks and accident-free for several days.

 

She is fully crate-trained and sleeps peacefully through the night.

 

Puppy Behaviors

 

Like most young dogs, Merry has some normal puppy quirks:

 

Chewing: If she’s bored, she may go for pillows, etc— but she redirects easily to toys and then happily sticks with them.

 

Digging: She likes to dig if left alone in the yard.

 

Barking: She barks when someone unfamiliar enters the home but is quiet with people walking by outside.

 

What Makes Merry Special

 

Merry isn’t just loving— she is deeply affectionate with her people. Once she trusts you, she lets her full personality shine: wiggly, cuddly, goofy, and earnest. Her clumsy charm is irresistible: she once got so excited to greet her foster that she fell off a curb, bounced right up, and leaped back into their arms.

 

She is one of those dogs who reminds you every day that you are her whole world.

 

Why You’ll Fall in Love

 

If you’re looking for a tenderhearted young dog who wants to adore and be adored, who will wiggle with joy every time you walk through the door, and who is ready to continue building confidence with a loving, patient adopter— Merry is your girl.

 

She’s sweet, loyal, silly, snuggly, and so deserving of a home where she can continue blossoming.

December 7, 2025, 8:14 pm
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
22108841
Contact
Phone
Address
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

Please read the biography on the dog first and if the dog sounds like a match, pls fill out an application on our website.

2.

Interview

We review applications and we choose the application(s) that appear to be the best match and we do a phone interview.

3.

Approve Application

If the Interview Team agrees it is a match, then we approve the home.

4.

Pay Fee

In order to make an appointment to meet the dog you are interested in, we require a $50 deposit that goes towards your adoption fee.

5.

Meet the Pet

Once the deposit is paid we then set up the home to meet the dog.

6.

Pay Fee

Pay the Fee and take the dog home!

Additional adoption info

Doggie Protective Services is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization. Our rescued dogs and cats live in foster homes until we can find them appropriate, responsible, loving homes. We carefully screen potential adoptors through an application and interview process. We are a community-based group and invite you to check out our website at www.dpsrescue.com or our very active Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/DPSRescue and keep in touch with real-time adoptions at www.twitter.com/dpsrescue

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Visit dpsrescue.org for a list of our upcoming Meet & Greet events!

More about this rescue

We are passionate folks who love dogs and love people! We strive to make the most appropriate match between human and canine. Because our dogs live in foster homes we know about their temperament and personality and therefore can help families and individuals decide if the dog is a good match or not. We are excited to help people find the right pooch for them and look forward to meeting great folks and welcoming them into the DPS Family.

Other pets at this rescue