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
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, February 21st 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 Dreamcatcher—“Dreamy” to his foster family— is a 6 month old Dachshund mix weighing just 10 pounds, though he somehow looks and feels even smaller. One of the “8 in a Crate,” Dreamy arrived unsure of the world. Today, he’s a blossoming, playful little shadow who is discovering how to be a puppy— one brave step at a time. His day starts around 8:00 a.m. when foster mom lifts him from his crate and carries him straight outside. With the help of his resident foster dogs, Dreamy has begun going potty outdoors in the morning. When he does, it’s met with big celebrations and treats— something he’s starting to understand is a very good thing. After that, it’s game on with his foster puppy brother. The two wrestle, chase, and tumble through the morning, pausing occasionally for a nibble of kibble before collapsing for nap time. Dream doesn’t understand the leash yet, so gentle encouragement is needed to guide him into the yard to explore. Within just a few days, he learned to follow the other dogs in and out of the house, watching closely and mimicking what they do. He is learning by example. During the workday, he stays in the kitchen and dining area with the other dogs while foster mom works, happily entertaining himself with toys, his foster brother, and any sticks or leaves they manage to bring in from the yard. Dinner is served around 5:00 p.m., and Dreamy loves his kibble. At bedtime, he knows exactly where to go— into his crate in the bedroom. He insists on being in the room with his pack and then sleeps quietly until morning. When Dreamy first arrived, he was completely shut down. For two full days, he would not come out of his crate unless no one was watching. He would sneak out to potty and then dart right back in. And then something shifted. His young foster brother began patiently drawing him out. Slowly, Dreamy started to watch. Then he started to participate. A few days in, he was rolling around in a dog bed, letting foster brother pounce on him. After that, his transformation sped up. He began initiating play, bouncing around like a proper puppy, grabbing toys, and positioning himself wherever the action was. While still timid with people, he clearly wanted to be near them. Today, Dreamy will approach new people to sniff them. He offers gentle nose taps and even little kisses. He is still afraid of hands reaching to pet him and prefers affection on his own terms, but he loves being close—watching, observing, and sometimes curling up against legs for a nap if he feels safe. It truly feels like a matter of time before this shy boy grows into the full “puppy package.” Watching him bloom has been a joy. He plays non-stop with his small, 1-year-old foster brother and is completely devoted to his 15-year-old foster sister. She is his quiet anchor. He follows her in the yard, tries to give her kisses, and is learning from her that outside is the right place to potty. He was cat-tested at the DPS Safehouse and proved curious but respectful. He recently met a pre-teen girl and gently put his paws on her to sniff her face. Dreamcatcher is very much a playful puppy, balanced with solid nap skills. He will pile onto the couch or into bed with the rest of the pack for rest, but when he’s awake, he’s energetic and engaged. He does not yet understand leash walking and will need patient, trust-based training. Dreamy loves to chew and needs appropriate outlets for it. And while his sweet, delicate face might suggest pure innocence, there is a mischievous streak hiding behind those eyes. Leave clothes on the floor and he will proudly parade them around the house. He has a surprising vertical leap and considers tables perfectly reasonable climbing platforms. One day, foster mom heard a noise and turned to find him calmly staring at her from the dining room table. He also enjoys chasing and nibbling at moving feet under blankets— perhaps channeling his inner Dachshund. Dreamcatcher must go to a home with at least one confident, friendly resident dog. He relies heavily on canine leadership to feel safe and to learn appropriate behaviors. A home with rescue experience and patience will set him up for success. He needs adopters who understand that trust is earned gently and consistently. His transformation so far has been remarkable, and he is only just beginning. Once Dreamy feels safe enough to fully be himself, he is going to be an extraordinary companion— loyal, playful, brave in his own mischievous way, and deeply attached to his people and his pack.February 16, 2026, 5:04 pm
