Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
* 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, August 8th from 12–3 PM (unless adopted prior to the event). All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption. Adoption fee: $650 Pez may not be the kind of dog who comes running into your arms on day one— but if you're the kind of person who believes the greatest relationships are built on patience, trust, and tiny victories, this adorable little guy might just be your perfect match. At just 9–10 months old, Pez is a 10-pound Beagle-Dachshund mix with irresistibly floppy ears, a long low-rider body, and the sweetest soulful eyes. After arriving at DPS from a Central Valley shelter, he's slowly learning that life can be safe, toys are wonderful, and humans might not be so scary after all. Every single day, Pez gets a little braver— and watching that transformation is something truly special. Pez's Daily Routine Pez is an easy roommate who loves a predictable schedule. He sleeps quietly through the night in an X-pen in his foster family's bedroom until everyone wakes up around 8:00 a.m. His day starts with a potty break outside, followed by breakfast. He's becoming more confident about mealtime, though he still occasionally prefers to graze instead of finishing everything at once. Since his foster family lives in a condo, Pez heads outside every few hours for potty breaks. During the day, he's happy lounging quietly in the living room, entertaining himself with toys or simply observing the world around him. Dinner is around 6:30 p.m., followed by one final potty break between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. Once tucked into his X-pen for the night, he settles immediately and sleeps peacefully until morning. A Gentle Heart That's Learning to Trust Pez is one of those dogs who reminds us that healing doesn't happen overnight. When he first arrived, he was frightened and confused, and while he's still very shy around people, he's already making beautiful progress. He now spends time relaxing in the same room as his foster family. He happily accepts treats from their hands. Sometimes he'll wander over just to see what they're doing in another room. Occasionally he'll even sneak over to sniff a foot—or offer a tiny lick—before quietly retreating again. He isn't ready for cuddles yet. If someone reaches to pet him unexpectedly, he'll usually scoot away. Being picked up still makes him nervous, and he's much more comfortable simply existing nearby while he builds trust at his own pace. One of his biggest milestones came during a family gathering with seven people in the house. Instead of hiding all day, he gradually relaxed enough to play with his toys and even nap peacefully in the same room. For a shy puppy like Pez, that was enormous progress. Toys Are His Love Language If you want to see the real Pez, hand him a toy. His playful personality immediately shines through as he proudly trots around carrying his latest prize. One of his foster family's favorite memories happened during his first few days. Pez discovered the basket of dog toys tucked under a bench— and decided every single one belonged in his safe space. For days, he made countless trips, proudly carrying one toy after another back to his little collection. Watching him carefully build his treasure pile was equal parts adorable and hilarious. He's still learning that socks and slippers are not toys, but he responds well to gentle redirection and has never shown interest in chewing furniture. Looking for a Four-Legged Best Friend While humans still make Pez a little nervous, other animals bring out his happiest self. He adored spending time with another DPS foster dog and desperately wanted to play. He's done wonderfully with his foster family's cat, frequently following her around in hopes she'll join the fun (she hasn't quite agreed yet). He has also interacted politely with other dogs, reading their social cues well and backing off appropriately when another dog asks for space. And at his former shelter, he was in playgroup with the big dogs - he's not scared of any of them! Pez seems to gain confidence simply by being around other animals. During one walk, he happily followed another dog all the way around the block. When his canine friend stopped to chat with a neighbor, Pez refused to continue until the whole 'pack' was together again. A confident resident dog would likely be the greatest gift his forever family could give him. Quiet, Thoughtful & Learning Every Day Pez is still developing his leash skills, but he's already making great progress. He enjoys leisurely sniffing adventures and willingly follows gentle guidance. Loud noises can still startle him, but he quickly recovers. He's also doing well with housetraining. After a few early accidents while adjusting to his foster home, he's been reliably keeping his condo clean. Like many young rescue dogs, he'll likely need a little refresher when transitioning into a new home and routine. He sleeps calmly in his X-pen, settles nicely when left home alone, and has grown from initially howling during absences to simply curling up for a nap. His Perfect Forever Home Pez isn't looking for perfection—he's looking for patience. His dream family will understand that trust can't be rushed and will allow him to blossom at his own pace. His ideal home would include: A friendly, confident resident dog who can show him that people are safe. A calm household with adults or older, respectful children. Patient adopters who won't expect instant cuddles but will celebrate every small breakthrough. Plenty of toys to collect, carry around, and proudly show off. Why You'll Fall in Love Some rescue dogs wear their hearts on their sleeves. Pez keeps his tucked away—for now. But every tiny step he takes toward trusting people feels like winning the lottery. The first treat taken from your hand. The first curious sniff. The first time he chooses to stay in the room instead of running away. Those moments are unforgettable because you know how much courage they require. Behind those floppy ears and shy eyes is a playful, gentle, incredibly sweet young dog who wants so badly to connect—he just needs someone willing to let him get there on his own timeline. If you have a kind heart, a little patience, and maybe a friendly dog looking for a new best buddy, Pez has all the potential to become the loyal companion you've been waiting for. His happily-ever-after won't happen overnight, but it will be one of the most rewarding journeys you'll ever take together. August 7, 2026, 12:20 am
