Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
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. Adoption fee: $650 Stovepipe: The Puppy Who Believes Personal Space Is Highly Overrated Before we begin, let's address the obvious question. What exactly is a Dachshund-Poodle mix called? A Doxie-poo? A Weenie-poo? A Noodle-Dox? Stovepipe doesn't particularly care what you call him, as long as you're willing to let him sit directly on top of you while you say it. This adorable 3-4 month old, 15-pound puppy came to DPS from a shelter with his brother, Muffler Man. The boys were overwhelmed, frightened, and completely out of their element. Thankfully, DPS stepped in and gave them the chance they deserved. And while Stovepipe may have arrived scared of the world, he's quickly discovering that being a puppy is actually pretty wonderful. A Day in the Life of Stovepipe Stovepipe starts his mornings around 7:00 AM with a trip outside for a potty break. After that, he's ready to greet the day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a healthy appreciation for breakfast. Meals are still a bit of a work in progress. Stovepipe isn't a huge foodie yet, but he's slowly discovering the finer things in life. So far, watermelon and green beans have earned glowing reviews. The rest of the day consists of a delightful rotation of naps, toys, puppy adventures, backyard time, and carefully supervising his foster family. When left home with the resident dogs, Stovepipe happily entertains himself, takes naps, plays, and lets himself outside when nature calls. He's proving to be a remarkably smart little guy. Dinner is around 5:00 PM, followed by an evening of snuggles and playtime before a final potty break and bedtime around 10:00 PM. And where does he sleep? As close to his people as physically possible. His foster family originally tried a crate. Stovepipe strongly disagreed with this plan. Now he sleeps in the bed, often on the pillow, pressed up against his humans, perfectly content and sleeping through the night without any potty breaks. From Terrified Shelter Puppy to Professional Snuggler When Stovepipe first arrived, he was scared...drooling from anxiety, shut down, and unsure of everything around him. He didn't want people reaching for him or trying to interact. He simply wanted to quietly exist nearby and figure things out at his own pace. Fortunately, his foster family gave him exactly what he needed: time. Within hours, he started following the pack around the house. Within a day, he was trying to climb into laps. Within a few days, he discovered toys. And once he discovered toys, there was no going back. He's made tremendous progress, and like many puppies who've experienced shelter stress, he's still building the confidence to feel settled when his people step out - something the right home can absolutely help him grow through. Today, Stovepipe is embracing puppyhood with enthusiasm and learning that life can be full of fun, affection, and adventure. Velcro Puppy Level: Extreme Some dogs like being near their people. Stovepipe would prefer to merge with his people if possible. He is happiest when he knows exactly where his favorite human is at all times. He'll follow from room to room, settle beside you while you work, nap near your feet, and then move closer if you happen to shift positions. If you're sitting on the couch, Stovepipe would like to be touching you. If you're lying in bed, Stovepipe would like to be touching you. If another dog moves away and creates an opening closer to you, Stovepipe considers that a personal invitation. Despite all of this, he's actually quite respectful. He doesn't demand constant attention. He simply wants to be nearby. And when you tell him what a good boy he is? His entire body wags. Sometimes he gets so excited that he starts bouncing up and down in little happy puppy hops. Toy Collector and Puppy-in-Training One of the most fun parts of watching Stovepipe blossom has been seeing him discover toys. At first, he wasn't quite sure what they were. Now he treats the toy box like a treasure chest. He loves sorting through toys, carrying them around, and deciding which one deserves his attention at any given moment. Every day seems to bring a new favorite. Life With Other Dogs Stovepipe absolutely loves being part of a pack. He was initially shy around the resident dogs, but quickly warmed up and now wants to play whenever someone is willing. His favorite playmate is the younger dog in the house, and the two spend their days racing through the yard, wrestling, chasing each other, and generally having the time of their lives. The senior dog, however, occasionally wishes for a little more personal space. Stovepipe hasn't fully grasped this concept yet. He continues to politely—and repeatedly—check whether she has changed her mind about playing. Because of how much confidence and joy he gains from other dogs, his foster family would love to see him join a home with another friendly, playful dog who can continue teaching him the ropes. House Training and Home Manners Stovepipe has made impressive progress with house training. He quickly learned where to potty and now routinely takes himself outside when he needs to go. He can also hold it overnight with no problems. Adventure Potential Because he is still completing his vaccinations, Stovepipe hasn't started leash walks yet. But based on his personality, curiosity, and love of being wherever his people are, his foster family suspects he may grow into an excellent adventure buddy. Whether that's hiking trails, exploring new places, or simply running errands together, Stovepipe seems happiest when he's included. Stovepipe's Perfect Home Stovepipe's ideal home would include another playful dog who can continue building his confidence and showing him how wonderful life can be. He would do best with patient adopters who understand that while he's come a long way, he's still gaining confidence and learning about the world. Because he forms strong bonds with his people and thrives on companionship, he would love a family that enjoys including their dog in everyday life. And perhaps most importantly, his future family should be prepared to share their furniture. And probably their pillow. Why You'll Fall in Love Watching Stovepipe transform has been nothing short of magical. The frightened little puppy who arrived from the shelter is slowly being replaced by a happy, playful, affectionate boy discovering all the joys of being loved. His full-body tail wags. His little play hops. His fascination with toys. His determination to be touching his people at all times. The way he chooses connection over everything else. Stovepipe is proof that sometimes all a scared puppy needs is a little patience, a little kindness, and a safe place to land. Now that he's found his footing, he's ready for the next chapter: a forever family who will cherish the sweet, snuggly, toy-loving puppy he's becoming. July 20, 2026, 11:18 am
