My name is Little Lion Man!

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: $750

Little Lion Man is a stunning 10–12 month old, 20-pound Spaniel mix who turns heads wherever he goes thanks to his magnificent, fluffy mane. It’s easy to see how he earned his name— he looks like a tiny lion, but his personality is all gentle sweetness.

Lion Man has settled beautifully into a daily routine. His mornings begin with a 10–15 minute neighborhood walk to take care of business and enjoy some fresh air. After breakfast, he’s perfectly content to lounge on the couch or relax nearby while the household gets ready for the day. He spends much of the workday quietly rotating between the kitchen, living room, and a cozy dog bed in the bedroom, always choosing a spot where he can keep an eye on his people. Midday brings another short walk, followed by more peaceful downtime. In the evening, when the kids return home, Lion Man enjoys another walk before dinner, then settles in again for a calm night. Before bed, he goes out one last time and then happily curls up on his dog bed at the foot of the bed, where he sleeps soundly through the night.

When Lion Man first arrived, he was understandably a bit unsure, sticking close to his people and following them from room to room. Within just a few days, his confidence blossomed. Now that he knows he’s safe, he’s relaxed, comfortable, and wonderfully easygoing. He’s not demanding or clingy, but he does like knowing his people are nearby. Once reassured, he’s perfectly happy stretching out on his side, curling up, or flopping onto his back for a nap in one of his favorite lounging spots. He has a calm, steady presence that makes him a joy to have around.

Lion Man lives with two other dogs—a small Poochi and a Malshi—and after a brief adjustment period, he’s integrated beautifully. Any initial tension passed quickly, and now all three dogs coexist peacefully, often sharing the same couch with Lion Man contentedly claiming the main seat. He’s respectful of other dogs’ space and easy to have in a multi-dog household.

He’s also been fantastic with children. Lion Man lives with kids ages 10, 12, and 15, and he’s been affectionate and gentle with all of them. He enjoys attention, pets, and hugs and has been equally sweet with visiting friends and family of all ages, from toddlers to teens. His calm nature and affectionate demeanor make him a great family companion.

While Lion Man loves his daily walks and perks up with excitement when heading out the door, he’s very much a couch potato at heart. Indoors, he’s quiet and relaxed. He doesn’t bark when people come and go— he’ll simply wander over to the door and stand up to see what’s happening. He has access to plenty of toys but only shows mild, occasional interest in plush toys and chews. Fetch and tug aren’t really his thing; lounging nearby and enjoying the household energy suits him just fine.

On leash, Lion Man truly shines. He enjoys walking and exploring and may pull a bit at times, but he’s responsive and easily redirected. He doesn’t chase squirrels or lunge, and while he’s mostly quiet, he may bark back if another dog barks at him first. Overall, he’s a pleasant and manageable walking companion who looks forward to his outings.

Housetraining is mostly established, as Lion Man is accustomed to going outside on walks. He does not enjoy being crated and has made it clear that a crate is not the right fit for him. He prefers sleeping freely on a dog bed and does best with a routine that includes regular walks and clear signals for potty time. He will sometimes wait by the front door when he needs to go out, and adopters should be mindful that he can get enthusiastic about walks and may try to dart out the door if not asked to pause.

Lion Man is not a chewer, digger, or frequent barker. He’s past the teething stage and generally very well-mannered. For a young dog, his calmness and adaptability are impressive.

What truly sets Little Lion Man apart is how seamlessly he’s transitioned from a shelter environment into a loving home. He’s gentle, affectionate, and remarkably easy to live with. Despite his young age, he has an old-soul quality— happy to be near his people, content to lounge, and grateful for companionship. One of his foster family’s favorite moments was realizing just how quickly he settled in: within a day, the shy newcomer was sprawled on his back, snoring away on the couch.

Little Lion Man is a handsome, sweet-natured dog who would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a calm, loving presence and a loyal walking buddy. His quiet charm, gorgeous looks, and affectionate heart make him truly special.