Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
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 Pet Food Express Pet Fair - Huntington Beach on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th from 10AM–3PM both days (unless adopted prior to the event). 6952 Warner Avenue Adoption fee: $750 Meet Atlas! Atlas is an approximately 5 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Beagle mix who is ready to leave his past behind and discover just how wonderful life can be! Atlas came to us from a hoarding situation with more than 30 dogs. While he was understandably a little shy and cautious when he first arrived in his foster home, it didn’t take long for his sweet personality to shine through. After just one night, Atlas had already warmed up, seeking out pets, affection, and attention from his people. Atlas is the perfect combination of playful puppy and professional lounger. He loves having fun, exploring the yard, playing with toys, and investigating absolutely everything around him but once the household settles down, Atlas is more than happy to curl up beside his people and relax. This boy is VERY curious. He loves exploring new smells, investigating new objects, and discovering what everything is all about. Like a typical puppy, he thinks just about everything deserves a quick taste test! Throw pillow corners, blankets, leashes, you name it! Fortunately, Atlas isn’t destructive and usually only mouths inappropriate items for a few seconds before happily accepting redirection toward an appropriate chew or toy. And speaking of leashes… Atlas has already decided that walking is a team sport! One day, while his foster family was getting everyone ready for a walk, Atlas suddenly grabbed the leash attached to his foster sibling, started pulling the other dog along, and then proudly looked up at everyone with the leash in his mouth as if to say, “Come on! I’m ready! Let’s go!” Atlas is a total Velcro puppy. He loves following his people from room to room and wants to be wherever his humans are. When you come home from an errand, be prepared for a full-body greeting and a shower of kisses. Atlas is a BIG licker and has plenty of affection to give! He’s also still figuring out where all those puppy legs are. His foster family lovingly describes him as a clumsy baby giraffe, as he occasionally bumps into things, runs into legs, or takes an unexpected tumble while exploring. He’s still developing his spatial awareness and learning about boundaries, but he’s a smart boy who responds well to corrections and seems eager to please. Atlas currently lives with two small dogs and has been getting along well with them. He’s still learning appropriate canine boundaries and can sometimes get a little too close for his foster siblings’ liking. His senior Chihuahua has no problem letting him know when he’s invading her personal space, and Atlas has been very good about accepting her corrections without becoming aggressive or escalating. Atlas may be happiest with confident canine companionship, especially a dog who enjoys playing with a puppy. That said, he could also thrive as an only dog where he can soak up all the love and attention from his humans. Atlas is doing very well with potty training. He has had one pee pad accident inside but otherwise consistently potties outside. He will go to the door when he needs to go out, although he doesn’t bark or make much noise to let his foster know, so his humans need to pay attention to his subtle signals. When left alone, Atlas stays in an X-pen. He cried and howled quite a bit the first time, but he has adapted beautifully and now settles down after a few minutes. He may scratch at the pen door when his people first leave and can sometimes move the pen, but once he settles, he relaxes in his dog bed. Having his canine foster siblings nearby seems to help him feel more comfortable. At bedtime, Atlas sleeps peacefully in his dog bed next to his foster family’s bed. A nice chew before bedtime helps him settle in and get comfortable. Atlas gets a daily one hour walk around the neighborhood and to the park. He’s still learning how to properly walk on leash and sometimes weaves between his person’s legs or crosses in front of them. His foster family is working on teaching him to heel. He can be a little sensitive to sounds while out walking, particularly loud barking from dogs behind fences or loud cars passing by. He doesn’t currently bark at dogs or people, chase squirrels, or cause a scene on walks. He mostly needs continued confidence building and leash-training practice. Atlas would love a family who enjoys keeping him active with walks, sniffaris, playtime, training, and plenty of opportunities to explore. Atlas starts his day around 9 AM with an immediate potty break in the yard alongside his foster siblings. After breakfast in his X-pen, he follows his foster family around while they do chores, plays with his toys, or heads outside for some ball tossing. Afterwards, he enjoys a lick mat before settling in for some sofa time with his people and canine siblings. Around 5:30 PM, it’s time for his daily neighborhood walk and trip to the park. Then comes dinner, followed by some relaxing in his dog bed. If he’s feeling playful, he’ll have another play session in the evening before winding down for bedtime around midnight. Atlas doesn’t need constant entertainment, he simply loves being included. Atlas would thrive with a family that understands that he’s still a baby figuring out how to be a dog in the world. He needs someone patient who will continue helping him learn leash manners, appropriate chewing, boundaries, and confidence. A playful, confident canine sibling could be wonderful for him. Most importantly, Atlas needs a family willing to give him love, structure, patience, exercise, training, and plenty of companionship. Once Atlas gets past those first moments of shyness, his affectionate personality comes rushing out. He’s the kind of puppy who will follow you around the house, investigate whatever you’re doing, make you laugh with his goofy antics, and then happily curl up beside you when it’s time to relax. Atlas has already come a long way from the crowded hoarding situation he came from, and now he’s ready for the next chapter: a forever family of his very own. If you’re looking for a sweet, silly, curious, affectionate puppy who will keep you laughing and happily follow you wherever you go, Atlas may be your perfect match! September 25, 2026, 5:29 pm
