Brussels Griffon puppies and dogs in Hayward, California

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   Adoption fee: $700 Born on January 8th to the ever-devoted Mama Punctuation (affectionately known as Punky), the Punctuation puppies are now 8 weeks old and ready to start writing the next chapter of their lives with families of their very own. Raised in a loving foster home from the very beginning, these pups have had the best possible start— plenty of structure, socialization, and affection. Currently weighing between 6 and 8 pounds, they are expected to grow a bit larger than their Brussels Griffon mama. While the rescue originally suspected another Brussels named Boyfriend might be their father, their size suggests that dad was likely a somewhat bigger mystery guest. Whatever the mix may be, one thing is certain: these puppies inherited their mama’s charm, personality, and zest for life.   The Punctuation pups have settled into a wonderfully predictable daily routine in foster care. Mornings start quietly, but the moment their foster family enters the puppy area, the entire crew springs to life with excitement. Around 7:00–7:30 a.m., the puppies tumble out of their pen for their first potty break and a burst of morning playtime. Breakfast follows shortly after, and then the pups either relax back in their x-pen while mama heads out for her walk or enjoy more outdoor playtime in the backyard.   Like most growing puppies, they operate in enthusiastic bursts of energy followed by dramatic group naps. After about an hour of running, wrestling, and exploring outside, the entire gang collapses into a heap on the dog beds for a well-earned nap. Lunch arrives around 1:00 p.m., followed by more playtime and exploration before a quiet afternoon rest. Around 5:00 p.m., the puppies are back in action again for another lively play session before dinner at 6:30 p.m. By 7:00 p.m., they settle back into their x-pen, with one final potty outing before lights out at 9:30. Impressively, the puppies sleep quietly through the night.   Each puppy already has a personality that shines through, though like most young litters, they share many of the same joyful traits: curiosity, playfulness, and a deep love of both food and fun.   Comma is the undeniable leader of the group. She is the boldest and most confident puppy in the bunch— an energetic little ringleader full of spunk. Comma is always ready to launch into a wrestling match or a game of tug-of-war. Her tail is almost always wagging, and she brings a contagious enthusiasm to every activity. Comma is feisty, playful, and full of personality.   Hyphen shares some of Comma’s adventurous spirit and is often right in the middle of the action. She loves to run, wrestle, and play with the foster family’s 40 lb doodle puppy, happily keeping up with the bigger dog during playtime. Hyphen is outgoing, energetic, and always eager to join whatever game is happening.   Exclamation Point, aka Pointy, has a wonderful balance of playfulness and sweetness. While he enjoys rough-and-tumble games with his siblings, he also seems to have a natural peacemaker instinct. When play gets a little too intense, Pointy sometimes walks right between the puppies as if to gently break things up. He’s social, affectionate, and loves attention, while still being playful and curious.   Ampersand, aka Amp, is the laid-back observer of the group. While the others may be wrestling or chasing toys, Amp often takes a moment to wander off and investigate something interesting nearby. He has a relaxed, mellow personality and a charmingly goofy look that reminds his foster family of a tiny Ewok— especially when he runs. Amp is happy to play with his siblings and the doodle puppy, but he’s just as content exploring his surroundings or curling up for cuddles. He and Pointy are the most likely to settle happily on a lap for some quiet affection.   All of the puppies are wonderfully social and have been raised around both people and other dogs. They get very excited whenever they see their foster family or their canine playmate and greet everyone with wagging tails and eager curiosity. None of the pups are shy or timid— they all enjoy human attention and affection, even from strangers. They'll greet you with a wagging tail and give little puppy kisses. Puppy breath: is there anything better??   Toys are a favorite pastime for the whole group, especially games of tug-of-war. They are enthusiastic chewers, as most puppies are, and are provided with plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them busy.   Like most puppies their age, the Punctuation pups are curious, adventurous, and always ready to explore something new. They run, play, wrestle, and investigate the world around them with endless enthusiasm. They also share one universal trait: they absolutely love food and never miss a mealtime. The photographer pulled out some Pupperoni for their photo shoot and all four were obsessed! They gobbled up every bite and then went searching for crumbs. They'd all be great at puzzle toys and 'find it' games.   These puppies will thrive in homes ready for the joyful chaos and commitment that comes with raising a young dog. They will benefit from continued structure, socialization, training, and plenty of playtime as they grow into well-rounded companions.   With their expressive faces, big personalities, and affectionate hearts, the Punctuation puppies are sure to bring laughter, love, and a whole lot of punctuation to their future families’ lives. Each one has their own unique style—whether bold like Comma, adventurous like Hyphen, gentle like Pointy, or mellow like Amp—but every single one is ready to make a lasting impression in the perfect forever home.March 5, 2026, 9:14 pm

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   Adoption fee: $700 Born on January 8th to the ever-devoted Mama Punctuation (affectionately known as Punky), the Punctuation puppies are now 8 weeks old and ready to start writing the next chapter of their lives with families of their very own. Raised in a loving foster home from the very beginning, these pups have had the best possible start— plenty of structure, socialization, and affection. Currently weighing between 6 and 8 pounds, they are expected to grow a bit larger than their Brussels Griffon mama. While the rescue originally suspected another Brussels named Boyfriend might be their father, their size suggests that dad was likely a somewhat bigger mystery guest. Whatever the mix may be, one thing is certain: these puppies inherited their mama’s charm, personality, and zest for life.   The Punctuation pups have settled into a wonderfully predictable daily routine in foster care. Mornings start quietly, but the moment their foster family enters the puppy area, the entire crew springs to life with excitement. Around 7:00–7:30 a.m., the puppies tumble out of their pen for their first potty break and a burst of morning playtime. Breakfast follows shortly after, and then the pups either relax back in their x-pen while mama heads out for her walk or enjoy more outdoor playtime in the backyard.   Like most growing puppies, they operate in enthusiastic bursts of energy followed by dramatic group naps. After about an hour of running, wrestling, and exploring outside, the entire gang collapses into a heap on the dog beds for a well-earned nap. Lunch arrives around 1:00 p.m., followed by more playtime and exploration before a quiet afternoon rest. Around 5:00 p.m., the puppies are back in action again for another lively play session before dinner at 6:30 p.m. By 7:00 p.m., they settle back into their x-pen, with one final potty outing before lights out at 9:30. Impressively, the puppies sleep quietly through the night.   Each puppy already has a personality that shines through, though like most young litters, they share many of the same joyful traits: curiosity, playfulness, and a deep love of both food and fun.   Comma is the undeniable leader of the group. She is the boldest and most confident puppy in the bunch— an energetic little ringleader full of spunk. Comma is always ready to launch into a wrestling match or a game of tug-of-war. Her tail is almost always wagging, and she brings a contagious enthusiasm to every activity. Comma is feisty, playful, and full of personality.   Hyphen shares some of Comma’s adventurous spirit and is often right in the middle of the action. She loves to run, wrestle, and play with the foster family’s 40 lb doodle puppy, happily keeping up with the bigger dog during playtime. Hyphen is outgoing, energetic, and always eager to join whatever game is happening.   Exclamation Point, aka Pointy, has a wonderful balance of playfulness and sweetness. While he enjoys rough-and-tumble games with his siblings, he also seems to have a natural peacemaker instinct. When play gets a little too intense, Pointy sometimes walks right between the puppies as if to gently break things up. He’s social, affectionate, and loves attention, while still being playful and curious.   Ampersand, aka Amp, is the laid-back observer of the group. While the others may be wrestling or chasing toys, Amp often takes a moment to wander off and investigate something interesting nearby. He has a relaxed, mellow personality and a charmingly goofy look that reminds his foster family of a tiny Ewok— especially when he runs. Amp is happy to play with his siblings and the doodle puppy, but he’s just as content exploring his surroundings or curling up for cuddles. He and Pointy are the most likely to settle happily on a lap for some quiet affection.   All of the puppies are wonderfully social and have been raised around both people and other dogs. They get very excited whenever they see their foster family or their canine playmate and greet everyone with wagging tails and eager curiosity. None of the pups are shy or timid— they all enjoy human attention and affection, even from strangers. They'll greet you with a wagging tail and give little puppy kisses. Puppy breath: is there anything better??   Toys are a favorite pastime for the whole group, especially games of tug-of-war. They are enthusiastic chewers, as most puppies are, and are provided with plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them busy.   Like most puppies their age, the Punctuation pups are curious, adventurous, and always ready to explore something new. They run, play, wrestle, and investigate the world around them with endless enthusiasm. They also share one universal trait: they absolutely love food and never miss a mealtime. The photographer pulled out some Pupperoni for their photo shoot and all four were obsessed! They gobbled up every bite and then went searching for crumbs. They'd all be great at puzzle toys and 'find it' games.   These puppies will thrive in homes ready for the joyful chaos and commitment that comes with raising a young dog. They will benefit from continued structure, socialization, training, and plenty of playtime as they grow into well-rounded companions.   With their expressive faces, big personalities, and affectionate hearts, the Punctuation puppies are sure to bring laughter, love, and a whole lot of punctuation to their future families’ lives. Each one has their own unique style—whether bold like Comma, adventurous like Hyphen, gentle like Pointy, or mellow like Amp—but every single one is ready to make a lasting impression in the perfect forever home.March 5, 2026, 9:14 pm

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $700 Born on January 8th to the ever-devoted Mama Punctuation (affectionately known as Punky), the Punctuation puppies are now 8 weeks old and ready to start writing the next chapter of their lives with families of their very own. Raised in a loving foster home from the very beginning, these pups have had the best possible start— plenty of structure, socialization, and affection. Currently weighing between 6 and 8 pounds, they are expected to grow a bit larger than their Brussels Griffon mama. While the rescue originally suspected another Brussels named Boyfriend might be their father, their size suggests that dad was likely a somewhat bigger mystery guest. Whatever the mix may be, one thing is certain: these puppies inherited their mama’s charm, personality, and zest for life.   The Punctuation pups have settled into a wonderfully predictable daily routine in foster care. Mornings start quietly, but the moment their foster family enters the puppy area, the entire crew springs to life with excitement. Around 7:00–7:30 a.m., the puppies tumble out of their pen for their first potty break and a burst of morning playtime. Breakfast follows shortly after, and then the pups either relax back in their x-pen while mama heads out for her walk or enjoy more outdoor playtime in the backyard.   Like most growing puppies, they operate in enthusiastic bursts of energy followed by dramatic group naps. After about an hour of running, wrestling, and exploring outside, the entire gang collapses into a heap on the dog beds for a well-earned nap. Lunch arrives around 1:00 p.m., followed by more playtime and exploration before a quiet afternoon rest. Around 5:00 p.m., the puppies are back in action again for another lively play session before dinner at 6:30 p.m. By 7:00 p.m., they settle back into their x-pen, with one final potty outing before lights out at 9:30. Impressively, the puppies sleep quietly through the night.   Each puppy already has a personality that shines through, though like most young litters, they share many of the same joyful traits: curiosity, playfulness, and a deep love of both food and fun.   Comma is the undeniable leader of the group. She is the boldest and most confident puppy in the bunch— an energetic little ringleader full of spunk. Comma is always ready to launch into a wrestling match or a game of tug-of-war. Her tail is almost always wagging, and she brings a contagious enthusiasm to every activity. Comma is feisty, playful, and full of personality.   Hyphen shares some of Comma’s adventurous spirit and is often right in the middle of the action. She loves to run, wrestle, and play with the foster family’s 40 lb doodle puppy, happily keeping up with the bigger dog during playtime. Hyphen is outgoing, energetic, and always eager to join whatever game is happening.   Exclamation Point, aka Pointy, has a wonderful balance of playfulness and sweetness. While he enjoys rough-and-tumble games with his siblings, he also seems to have a natural peacemaker instinct. When play gets a little too intense, Pointy sometimes walks right between the puppies as if to gently break things up. He’s social, affectionate, and loves attention, while still being playful and curious.   Ampersand, aka Amp, is the laid-back observer of the group. While the others may be wrestling or chasing toys, Amp often takes a moment to wander off and investigate something interesting nearby. He has a relaxed, mellow personality and a charmingly goofy look that reminds his foster family of a tiny Ewok— especially when he runs. Amp is happy to play with his siblings and the doodle puppy, but he’s just as content exploring his surroundings or curling up for cuddles. He and Pointy are the most likely to settle happily on a lap for some quiet affection.   All of the puppies are wonderfully social and have been raised around both people and other dogs. They get very excited whenever they see their foster family or their canine playmate and greet everyone with wagging tails and eager curiosity. None of the pups are shy or timid— they all enjoy human attention and affection, even from strangers. They'll greet you with a wagging tail and give little puppy kisses. Puppy breath: is there anything better??   Toys are a favorite pastime for the whole group, especially games of tug-of-war. They are enthusiastic chewers, as most puppies are, and are provided with plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them busy.   Like most puppies their age, the Punctuation pups are curious, adventurous, and always ready to explore something new. They run, play, wrestle, and investigate the world around them with endless enthusiasm. They also share one universal trait: they absolutely love food and never miss a mealtime. The photographer pulled out some Pupperoni for their photo shoot and all four were obsessed! They gobbled up every bite and then went searching for crumbs. They'd all be great at puzzle toys and 'find it' games.   These puppies will thrive in homes ready for the joyful chaos and commitment that comes with raising a young dog. They will benefit from continued structure, socialization, training, and plenty of playtime as they grow into well-rounded companions.   With their expressive faces, big personalities, and affectionate hearts, the Punctuation puppies are sure to bring laughter, love, and a whole lot of punctuation to their future families’ lives. Each one has their own unique style—whether bold like Comma, adventurous like Hyphen, gentle like Pointy, or mellow like Amp—but every single one is ready to make a lasting impression in the perfect forever home.March 5, 2026, 9:14 pm

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   Adoption fee: $700 Born on January 8th to the ever-devoted Mama Punctuation (affectionately known as Punky), the Punctuation puppies are now 8 weeks old and ready to start writing the next chapter of their lives with families of their very own. Raised in a loving foster home from the very beginning, these pups have had the best possible start— plenty of structure, socialization, and affection. Currently weighing between 6 and 8 pounds, they are expected to grow a bit larger than their Brussels Griffon mama. While the rescue originally suspected another Brussels named Boyfriend might be their father, their size suggests that dad was likely a somewhat bigger mystery guest. Whatever the mix may be, one thing is certain: these puppies inherited their mama’s charm, personality, and zest for life.   The Punctuation pups have settled into a wonderfully predictable daily routine in foster care. Mornings start quietly, but the moment their foster family enters the puppy area, the entire crew springs to life with excitement. Around 7:00–7:30 a.m., the puppies tumble out of their pen for their first potty break and a burst of morning playtime. Breakfast follows shortly after, and then the pups either relax back in their x-pen while mama heads out for her walk or enjoy more outdoor playtime in the backyard.   Like most growing puppies, they operate in enthusiastic bursts of energy followed by dramatic group naps. After about an hour of running, wrestling, and exploring outside, the entire gang collapses into a heap on the dog beds for a well-earned nap. Lunch arrives around 1:00 p.m., followed by more playtime and exploration before a quiet afternoon rest. Around 5:00 p.m., the puppies are back in action again for another lively play session before dinner at 6:30 p.m. By 7:00 p.m., they settle back into their x-pen, with one final potty outing before lights out at 9:30. Impressively, the puppies sleep quietly through the night.   Each puppy already has a personality that shines through, though like most young litters, they share many of the same joyful traits: curiosity, playfulness, and a deep love of both food and fun.   Comma is the undeniable leader of the group. She is the boldest and most confident puppy in the bunch— an energetic little ringleader full of spunk. Comma is always ready to launch into a wrestling match or a game of tug-of-war. Her tail is almost always wagging, and she brings a contagious enthusiasm to every activity. Comma is feisty, playful, and full of personality.   Hyphen shares some of Comma’s adventurous spirit and is often right in the middle of the action. She loves to run, wrestle, and play with the foster family’s 40 lb doodle puppy, happily keeping up with the bigger dog during playtime. Hyphen is outgoing, energetic, and always eager to join whatever game is happening.   Exclamation Point, aka Pointy, has a wonderful balance of playfulness and sweetness. While he enjoys rough-and-tumble games with his siblings, he also seems to have a natural peacemaker instinct. When play gets a little too intense, Pointy sometimes walks right between the puppies as if to gently break things up. He’s social, affectionate, and loves attention, while still being playful and curious.   Ampersand, aka Amp, is the laid-back observer of the group. While the others may be wrestling or chasing toys, Amp often takes a moment to wander off and investigate something interesting nearby. He has a relaxed, mellow personality and a charmingly goofy look that reminds his foster family of a tiny Ewok— especially when he runs. Amp is happy to play with his siblings and the doodle puppy, but he’s just as content exploring his surroundings or curling up for cuddles. He and Pointy are the most likely to settle happily on a lap for some quiet affection.   All of the puppies are wonderfully social and have been raised around both people and other dogs. They get very excited whenever they see their foster family or their canine playmate and greet everyone with wagging tails and eager curiosity. None of the pups are shy or timid— they all enjoy human attention and affection, even from strangers. They'll greet you with a wagging tail and give little puppy kisses. Puppy breath: is there anything better??   Toys are a favorite pastime for the whole group, especially games of tug-of-war. They are enthusiastic chewers, as most puppies are, and are provided with plenty of appropriate chew toys to keep them busy.   Like most puppies their age, the Punctuation pups are curious, adventurous, and always ready to explore something new. They run, play, wrestle, and investigate the world around them with endless enthusiasm. They also share one universal trait: they absolutely love food and never miss a mealtime. The photographer pulled out some Pupperoni for their photo shoot and all four were obsessed! They gobbled up every bite and then went searching for crumbs. They'd all be great at puzzle toys and 'find it' games.   These puppies will thrive in homes ready for the joyful chaos and commitment that comes with raising a young dog. They will benefit from continued structure, socialization, training, and plenty of playtime as they grow into well-rounded companions.   With their expressive faces, big personalities, and affectionate hearts, the Punctuation puppies are sure to bring laughter, love, and a whole lot of punctuation to their future families’ lives. Each one has their own unique style—whether bold like Comma, adventurous like Hyphen, gentle like Pointy, or mellow like Amp—but every single one is ready to make a lasting impression in the perfect forever home.March 5, 2026, 9:14 pm

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   Adoption fee: $750 Mama Punctuation— affectionately known as Punky— is a 1–2 year old, 16-pound Brussels Griffon whose story began with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve arrival. Abandoned at a local shelter while heavily pregnant, Punky was rescued and brought to the DPS Safehouse, where she greeted everyone she met with a friendly spirit and wagging tail despite her circumstances. Just days later, on January 8th, she gave birth to four beautiful puppies and settled right into the role of devoted mother. She has spent the last two months lovingly raising her babies in foster care, and now that her pups are ready to venture off to homes of their own, it’s finally Punky’s turn to find the family who will spoil her the way she deserves.   Punky has proven herself to be a wonderfully affectionate little dog who truly adores people. From the moment she arrived in foster care, she made it clear that human companionship is her favorite thing. If you sit down, don’t be surprised to find Punky gently placing her tiny paws on your legs and gazing up at you with her big, soulful brown eyes as if to say, “Please pick me up.” Once she’s in your arms or curled on your lap, she melts into cuddles and happily soaks up all the scratches and attention she can get. She is incredibly gentle, loving, and eager to connect with her people.   Her days in foster care are structured but full of activity. Punky typically wakes up quietly in the morning alongside her four puppies in their x-pen. Around 7:00–7:30 a.m., she heads outside to stretch her legs, take care of business, and enjoy breakfast. Most mornings include a walk with her large foster brothers— sometimes a mile, sometimes as long as nine miles. Punky absolutely loves to walk and impressively keeps pace with the bigger dogs. Once she sees the leash, she sits politely while it’s clipped on, ready for the adventure ahead.   After her walk, if the weather cooperates, she enjoys some time exploring and playing in the backyard before heading back into the x-pen with her puppies. Lunch comes around midday, followed by a few hours of quiet time. Later in the afternoon she gets another chance to stretch her legs, play, and enjoy the outdoors. Dinner is served in the early evening, and by around 9:30 p.m., Punky and her little family settle in for the night with lights out.   While Punky is wonderfully affectionate, she also has a curious side and enjoys exploring her surroundings. She’s a great balance of playful and mellow— happy to investigate what’s happening around her but equally content to curl up on the couch once she’s had some activity. She’s also quite the foodie, though it’s hard to say whether that enthusiasm comes from raising four hungry puppies or simply from a genuine love of snacks.   Out on walks, Punky is a little star. People are constantly stopping to admire her unique Brussels Griffon charm, and she absolutely loves the attention. She happily greets people she meets along the way and soaks up every bit of admiration. She does start off walks with some enthusiasm and can pull at first, though she settles into a steadier pace once she gets going. A harness may help her channel that excitement more comfortably.   Punky’s foster home includes two large dogs— a mellow hound and a young doodle— and her relationships with them have evolved as she raised her puppies. She was a typical protective mama dog when the babies were young but has since mellowed out and coexists well with them.   When it comes to walking past other dogs, Punky can get quite excited and vocal— especially with smaller dogs. She may bark, jump, or pull toward them. Interestingly, when given the opportunity to calmly greet another dog, she often settles right down and simply sniffs politely. This suggests her reactions are more about excitement than displeasure, but it will be important for her adopter to continue working on leash manners and social skills with training and consistency.   Punky has shown no interest in chewing on inappropriate items. She does enjoy digging— but only when she’s convinced a gopher or ground squirrel might be hiding underground. Squirrels and other critters definitely capture her attention, and if given the chance she would likely chase them. While she will bark when reacting to other dogs on walks or when she hears something outside, she is not a dog who barks constantly without reason.   Above all, Punky is a sweet, soulful little dog with a huge heart. She is friendly with everyone she meets, eager for affection, and happiest when she’s close to her people.   Her foster family says their favorite moments are the simplest ones: sitting down and instantly finding Punky gazing up at them, patiently waiting to be scooped into their arms. With those enormous dark eyes and that hopeful expression, it’s nearly impossible to resist.   After bravely raising her puppies and being such a devoted mama, Punky is more than ready for the next chapter of her life—a forever home where she can trade motherhood for cuddles, adventures, and all the love she has been so eager to give.March 5, 2026, 9:14 pm

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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, March 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $750 If you’ve ever wanted a Girlfriend who is loyal, adoring, slightly dramatic, toy-obsessed, and always down for a walk, this is your moment. Meet Girlfriend, a 2–3 year old, 16-pound Brussels/Shih Tzu mix with a non-shedding coat who is ready to commit to YOU. She’s not the high-maintenance type — unless you count demanding belly rubs and stealing your heart!   Girlfriend starts her day promptly at 7:30am with breakfast, followed by a potty break and a solid 15-minute play session with her doggy foster brother, Ollie. She believes in cardio before coffee. After zooming around and likely instigating a chase (she absolutely starts most of them), she powers down for a serious morning nap. And when we say serious, we mean it — this girl snores with confidence. Her foster has heard her snores through work headphones during online meetings. If you’re looking for white noise, she’s got you covered ;).   Around 1pm, it’s time for her lunchtime walk. Girlfriend approaches walks as if she’s the lead detective in a very important sniff-based investigation. She loves to explore every scent and occasionally plants herself to ensure you fully appreciate whatever fascinating leaf or invisible woodland rumor she’s discovered. She can be a little stubborn in her curiosity and benefits from steady leash guidance, but she’s manageable and responsive. She may occasionally let out a tiny growl at another dog in passing (just asking to give space!), though it never escalates, and she moves along appropriately.   Dinner is served around 6:30pm, followed by an evening walk to wrap up her day. At bedtime, she trots into her pen like a pro. She sleeps in her pen at night and understands the routine well. Outside of bedtime, she free roams the house confidently — on the couch, in Ollie’s bed, or wherever Girlfriend decides the VIP lounge is located that day.   When she first arrived, Girlfriend was incredibly curious and remains so. She explores like she owns the place — including Ollie’s toy basket, which she regularly shops from without hesitation. She is silly, playful, and proudly toy-obsessive. She loves her toys so much she can be a little possessive, so structure and supervision help keep things harmonious.   She is also wonderfully affectionate and has absolutely no concept of personal space — in the best way. If you move rooms, she’s coming with you. If you sit down, she may try to jump up for attention. If you’re on the couch, she assumes that is an invitation for snuggles. She is a cuddler, a snuggler, and a professional lap warmer. She follows her people around happily and truly enjoys being part of whatever is happening.   Girlfriend is very food motivated. In fact, she eats with impressive efficiency and then immediately checks to see if Ollie might need help finishing his meal. For this reason, she currently eats in her pen and would benefit from a slow feeder in her forever home.   She gets along beautifully with Ollie, a small-to-medium doodle around 22 pounds. They chase, nap together, and coexist happily. She has been gently petted by elementary-aged children and remains her sweet, loving self. She can live with another dog or be perfectly happy soaking up attention from her humans — she truly enjoys both.   Her energy level is beautifully balanced. When it’s playtime, she’s all in. When her foster sits down at the desk to work, she seems to read the room, settles herself, and naps until it’s time for the next adventure. Sometimes she’ll even entertain herself with toys before deciding it’s nap o’clock.   Girlfriend is very close to fully housetrained. She understands pee pads and makes a strong effort, though she occasionally misses the mark. Overall, she’s about a 9 out of 10 and improving steadily. She may bark briefly from the balcony if someone passes outside, and when left home alone she might protest with a few whimpers or barks for about 15 minutes before settling down calmly. She does not bark at hallway traffic or delivery people.   One of her standout qualities? She is an excellent car passenger. She rides in a little car seat like a true passenger princess — calm, composed, and ready for errands, drive-through runs, or weekend adventures. She doesn’t pace or panic. She just sits there like she owns the vehicle.   In short, Girlfriend lives up to her name. She’s affectionate, a little dramatic, devoted, playful, and always ready to hang out. She’ll follow you around, nap near you, inspect your snacks, and be your built-in best friend. If you’re ready for a committed relationship filled with laughs, cuddles, and the occasional snore soundtrack, Girlfriend is ready to make it official.March 2, 2026, 11:19 am