Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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 application. * This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, June 27th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption. Adoption fee: $800 Meet Splash: From Matted Shelter Pup to Adorable Adventure Buddy 10-12 months old | 10 lbs | Bichon Mix Splash's story began when he was rescued from the shelter alongside his friends Beach and Wave. When he arrived, he was a matted mess— his curly coat had grown so long that it completely covered his face, making it difficult for him to see the world around him. Thankfully, a volunteer groomer worked her magic, and Splash emerged looking— and feeling— like a brand-new dog. The transformation was remarkable. Once his overgrown fur was removed and he could finally see clearly, Splash's puppy personality began to shine. The groomer even pointed out his puppy teeth, confirming what everyone suspected: underneath all those mats was a young, playful pup just waiting to blossom. Daily Life with Splash Splash is an early riser and starts his day around 6 a.m., helping his foster mom say goodbye to her husband before he heads off to work. After that, he's perfectly content to return to his cozy dog bed next to her side of the bed for a few more hours of sleep. Around 8:15 a.m., Splash is ready to greet the day, especially if breakfast is involved! He happily enjoys his kibble and fresh water while his foster mom prepares for her workday. Since she works from home, Splash spends much of his day nearby, usually napping beside her in the home office. He's currently learning independence and has made great progress. While he loves being close to his people and will happily follow his foster mom from room to room, he's becoming more comfortable with short periods of separation and is gaining confidence every day. A Sensitive Soul with a Growing Confidence When Splash first arrived, he was incredibly shy. These days, while still a sensitive and thoughtful little guy, Splash has come a long way. Once he feels safe, his playful puppy side comes out in full force. He has discovered the joy of toys, games, treats, and adventures. Splash tends to be more concerned about what's happening behind him than what's ahead. On walks, he often glances back to make sure everything is okay. Every day brings a little more confidence. Smart, Trainable, and Treat-Motivated Splash is a bright little dog who loves learning—especially when treats are involved! He already knows: Sit Spin Watch Me Touch In fact, Splash is so eager to earn treats that he'll sometimes cycle through all of his tricks without being asked, hoping one of them will earn him a reward. His foster mom often catches him offering spins all on his own, just in case there might be a snack coming his way. His intelligence and food motivation make him a wonderful candidate for continued training. Fetch Champion in Training One thing that makes Splash especially adorable is his love of fetch. Not only does he chase after squeaky toys, but he actually brings them back and drops them at your feet, ready for another throw. Watching his puppy excitement as he races after a toy is one of his foster mom's favorite things. Walks and Adventures Splash has made huge strides with leash walking. When he first arrived, walks were intimidating. Now, whenever he hears the word 'walk,' his tail starts wagging and he eagerly runs over to have his leash put on. He doesn't pull, chase squirrels, or act overly energetic on walks. Instead, he's more of an observer, carefully taking in his surroundings. While he can still be a little uncertain around unfamiliar dogs and strangers, his confidence is steadily growing. His foster family has taken him on all sorts of adventures! No matter where they go, Splash wants to be part of the fun. He would much rather accompany his people than stay home. At restaurants, he's polite and well-mannered, never begging for food or trying to steal anything from the table. He simply enjoys being included. A Perfect Work-From-Home Companion If you work from home, Splash may be your ideal coworker. He's happy to curl up nearby while you work and quietly nap beside your desk. He enjoys being close to his people without constantly demanding attention. In the evenings, he's content to lounge beside you on the couch, occasionally accepting some lap time before settling next to you with a favorite chew. His current favorite? A bully stick ring that he happily works on while relaxing with his foster family. House Training and Home Skills Splash is doing very well with potty pad training and consistently uses pee pads. He's also learning appropriate chewing habits. Like many puppies, Splash is currently teething. Fortunately, he's easily redirected to approved chew toys and bully sticks. With Other Dogs and People Splash has not lived with another dog in foster care, but his foster mom believes he would benefit from having a confident canine companion to learn from. Around unfamiliar dogs and strangers, Splash can sometimes be a little growly when he feels unsure. However, his reactions have improved significantly with continued socialization and positive experiences. At home, he's generally quiet and rarely barks. He may occasionally growl when people pass by the yard or when his foster dad returns home from work wearing his uniform, which seems to make him a bit nervous. What Makes Splash Special? Perhaps the most special thing about Splash is his resilience. Despite whatever hardships he experienced before rescue, he remains incredibly sweet, gentle, and eager to trust. His groomer, who spent hours patiently helping him through his makeover, absolutely fell in love with him and described him as one of the sweetest dogs she's worked with. Splash seems happiest when he feels secure, loved, and included. Once he knows he's safe, his affectionate, playful, adventurous personality shines through. Splash's Dream Home Splash would thrive in a patient, loving home that understands he may need a little time to settle in and build confidence. A home with another friendly dog could be wonderful for him, but it's not required. What's most important is a family willing to continue helping him learn that the world is a safe and happy place. Whether it's a quiet evening on the couch, a walk around the neighborhood, a training session with treats, or an adventure across town, Splash is ready to be your loyal sidekick. If you're looking for a sweet, smart, adorable young dog who wants nothing more than to be part of your life, Splash may be the perfect match. June 25, 2026, 10:45 pm
