Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
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, December 13th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance. Adoption fee: $650 Meet Elf, a 2–3 year old Frenchie/Pug mix weighing about 23 lbs, who is equal parts soulful companion and laid-back couch buddy. Elf has a wonderfully predictable routine that makes him easy to live with, paired with a deeply affectionate nature once he feels safe and settled. Elf usually wakes up between 7:30–8:00 am, though he’s flexible— he’s happy to sleep in with you or start the day a bit earlier if that’s your routine. Despite going to bed early, he never wakes his people up. In fact, you’ll have to start getting out of bed before he even considers following you. Evenings are his favorite time of day. Around 8:30–9:00 pm, he’s officially “done” and will gently try to convince you to sit on the couch so he can begin his very serious bedtime ritual of snuggling next to you. If you’re busy, he’ll sigh internally and settle down on his own without complaint. Elf loves sleeping next to his people—ideally close, preferably near your head. When he first arrived, he slept on the couch, but once he felt comfortable and decided he belonged, he confidently joined the family bed. No objections accepted. On weekends, after greeting everyone with kisses, he sprawls out, claims his space, and offers his belly as tribute. During the week, mornings start with a walk followed by breakfast. Elf enjoys taking his time outside— his potty routine is unhurried and exploratory— so walks are usually 30–40 minutes long. The upside? After that, he’s perfectly content without another walk until the evening. He is fully housetrained and very reliable in that department. Elf spends most of his day snoozing in his bed or on the couch. He’s not especially playful, but he will occasionally make a few lazy attempts to engage. He enjoys puzzle toys, sniffing mats, and anything involving food. Chewing on bones or pig ears is one of his favorite pastimes. He may briefly follow you into the kitchen to investigate, but once he realizes food isn’t on the menu, he retreats to resume resting. Elf can stay home alone for about 8–9 hours. Like many dogs, he has good days and bored days. On the bored days, he may express himself by relocating shoes, dismantling empty Amazon boxes, or placing pillows artistically on the floor. Other days, he keeps things tidy. Evenings include another walk, dinner, and then winding down for the night. Elf is calm indoors but surprisingly energetic outside. He loves long walks and is endlessly curious about the world, stopping to sniff everything along the way. On leash, he doesn’t pull, though he may get excited if he sees another dog. Redirecting him is easy, and he follows guidance well. He’s very food-motivated and shows clear potential for training, especially with positive reinforcement. When Elf first arrived, he was frightened and unsure, trying to escape and clearly overwhelmed by change. Within a few days, he chose his person and settled in beautifully. Now, it feels like he’s always been part of the family. He isn’t a velcro dog, but he likes to check in— especially if you head to the bedroom or kitchen— before returning to his favorite resting spot. Elf is an exceptional cuddler. Once you’re on the couch, you belong to him. He’s deeply trusting with his people and feels safe enough to fully relax. If someone knocks on the door while he’s cuddled with a family member, he often doesn’t even bother barking. He does take a little time to warm up to strangers. With new people, he may be cautious at first, quietly observing until he feels comfortable. Given a bit of patience and space, he adjusts well and shows his sweet, affectionate nature. Elf is great with kids. He doesn’t jump on them unless invited and is especially gentle. He tolerates bigger kids picking him up and carrying him from room to room. Elf occasionally barks if someone is at the door, but overall he’s a quiet, calm presence in the home. He snores a bit when first falling asleep— a charming Frenchie trait future adopters should be prepared for. Elf is incredibly loving and bonds quickly. His world revolves around a small number of things: his person, food, bones, and walks— with you always coming first. He can be a little jealous and may try to insert himself between people during hugs, so continued training and structure will help him thrive. Thankfully, he’s highly food-motivated and eager to learn. A fun fact about Elf: during one of his bored moments, he repeatedly chose a math notebook as his target for destruction— twice. After that, he never touched it again. Clearly, he has strong feelings about math. Elf is a lovebug through and through, and once he chooses you, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him.December 14, 2025, 4:46 pm
