Cupcake, lovingly called Shelby by her adoring foster, is fostered in Topsham, ME.
Location changes but she is still the same big-hearted, ball-chasing, couch-cuddling goofball who genuinely believes she’s a lap dog. She is a happy girl with excellent house manners, a soft spot for her people, and a social calendar that currently includes living peacefully with five large dogs (and recently surviving a holiday “dog party” of about nine dogs plus toys everywhere). Spoiler: she nailed it! Her foster says she’s “eager to please and a quick learner,” and that tracks, because this girl is smart, motivated, and happy to be doing life by your side.
Want to see Cupcake’s ball tricks, cuddle melts, and social skills in action? Head to YouTube for “Cupcake | Shelby Sweet-Spot Snuggler”
If Cupcake had a signature move, it would be this: circus-ball-artist meets full-body snuggle. She’ll toss a tennis ball around like she’s auditioning for a halftime show, catch it mid-air, then hop onto the couch to roll around with her prize. And if you’re sitting there? Perfect. That’s her cue to “melt into you” (yes, her foster’s exact words: “she melts into you”), ideally, for the cuteness, she will still be proudly holding her ball like a tiny champion. She’s affectionate in the sweetest, most intentional way, too. She leans in for pets and nudges your hand for more and if you sit down… well, as her foster put it: “If you sit down, then that is an invitation to cuddle.”
Cupcake is also the kind of dog who loves being included, her foster shared “She loves to be with her people,” and it shows. She’s house trained, crate trained, and does great overnight in her kennel. She’ll happily crate with the classic “treat tax” and settles in naturally easy. She also loads in the car well and rides nicely once she gets past the initial excitement. She does claim to have called shotgun everytime but she gives up the seat if you ask nicely, then she’ll move on to lie down in the back and chill.
Now let’s talk dog-friendliness, because Cupcake’s social skills are genuinely impressive. She’s playful, loves tug-of-war, squeaky toys, and balls, and she’s great at sharing toys and going with the flow even in a busy multi-dog home. Over the holidays, her foster reported she was cohabitating with about nine dogs and toys around, and Cupcake stayed cool and cooperative. She is also great with little dogs and less playful dogs. We watched a little dog snap at her just being grumpy, and Cupcake simply… walked away. No drama, no pestering, no tiny grudge. She even did the polite “sniff from behind” move before wandering off again. When any dog doesn’t want to play, Cupcake makes the mature choice and is off to find a new friend.
Cupcake is smart, treat motivated, very trainable and responds well to praise and simple corrections when needed. Cupcake already knows some basics like sit, down, come, and “no.” Out meeting new people, she’s friendly, affectionate, and wants head scratches, kisses, and occasionally does try to test the lap-dog waters. Her foster also included an important public service announcement: “Ladies beware she will steal your husband or boyfriend.” Consider that your official warning label. 😄
Cupcake would thrive with regular exercise, training sessions and enrichment. She has alllll the makings of an awesome adventure buddy. A yard is a nice bonus, but not a dealbreaker for the right home that’s committed to walks, outings, and play sessions with friends. A playful dog sibling would be the cherry on top, though her foster believes it’s not required as long as her people meet her needs. She loves kids, she’s been around all ages, and she’d make a fantastic family dog. She is gentle but playful and so happy to tag-along with the kids during back yard adventures. At this time we believe a cat-free home is best for Cupcake but if you are interested we can arrange a sleepover with feline friends to confirm her good manners include cats, over an extended time in a home setting.
Cupcake is sweet, funny, affectionate, and full of personality, the kind of dog who truly makes a house a home. If you’re ready for a dog who brings sunshine, snuggles, and squeaky-toy fun to your daily life, she is ready and waiting.
Questions? Email kristin@threelittlepittiesrescue.org
Adoption Application: https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/68629792f4ef0b91060639d5
We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travel 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.
