Havapoo puppies and dogs in Palo Alto, California

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, June 6th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption before or at the event, please read the dog’s full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an application.  Can't make it? Check our website after the event for available dogs. All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.Adoption fee: $650 If you’re looking for a dog who believes personal space is optional, allow us to introduce Muffler Man. His favorite place in the world isn’t a dog bed, a couch, or even the backyard—it’s curled up directly against your neck like the world’s cutest living scarf.   At just 3-4 months old and about 15 pounds, Muffler Man is a sweet, sensitive little guy who came to rescue with his brother Stovepipe after the pair found themselves scared and overwhelmed in a shelter. Thankfully, they got their second chance, and Muffler Man has been steadily discovering that the world isn’t such a scary place after all.   From Shaky Shelter Pup to Playful Best Friend   When Muffler Man first arrived in foster care, he was terrified. He shook constantly, barely moved, and wasn't sure who he could trust. Fast forward a few weeks, and you’ll find him zooming around the yard with his four canine foster siblings, soaking up sunshine, and asking for cuddles whenever he gets the chance.   He can still be timid when meeting new people or experiencing new situations, and he isn't quite convinced that being picked up is a wonderful idea. But every day he grows a little braver. Once he decides you're part of his trusted circle, his affectionate personality shines through.   A Day in the Life of Muffler Man   Muffler Man starts his day around 8:30 AM with a potty break and breakfast. After fueling up, it's time for a morning play session with his dog friends before settling in for what may be one of his favorite activities: couch cuddling.   Throughout the day, he balances playtime with plenty of lounging. He enjoys hanging out in the yard while his foster mom works, soaking up the sun and watching the world go by. After lunch, there’s more playtime, more snuggles, and more opportunities to perfect the art of being adorable.   Evenings are spent relaxing nearby while dinner is prepared, followed by his own dinner at 8 PM. After a final round of TV-time cuddles and quality couch lounging, he heads out for one last potty break before curling up in bed—preferably as close to his human as physically possible.   Professional Cuddler, Amateur Explorer   Muffler Man has mastered the rare balance of being both playful and cuddly. He loves wrestling and romping with other dogs, but he’s equally happy spending hours curled up beside his favorite person.   He’s very much a companion dog who enjoys following his humans from room to room. If you move, chances are Muffler Man will move too. He wants to know what you're doing, where you're going, and whether there might be cuddles involved.   His foster family’s favorite thing about him? At bedtime, he snuggles right into the crook of your neck and falls asleep as close as possible. It’s impossible not to feel loved when Muffler Man decides you're his person.   Dog Friends Welcome   Having other dogs around has made a huge difference for Muffler Man. He currently lives with four small dogs and absolutely loves having canine companions to learn from and play with. Watching confident dogs has helped him gain confidence of his own.   He also lives with a cat and doesn't seem particularly interested in feline drama. As far as he's concerned, the cat exists and that's perfectly fine.   He hasn't been tested with children, but because he can be nervous and skittish, older, respectful kids or teenagers would likely be the best fit.   Training and Puppy Progress   Muffler Man is still a baby, so he's very much a work in progress. He's not crate trained, but he does fine when left home with the resident dogs and happily spends his time lounging on the couch. At night, he sleeps in bed with his foster family.   As a growing puppy, he's currently teething and enjoys chewing appropriate bones. He occasionally investigates planter beds and backyard treasures but isn't much of a digger.   When strangers arrive or when someone comes home, he may bark at first because he's unsure. Give him a moment to process what's happening, and his sweet personality quickly returns.   Looking for a Patient, Loving Home   Muffler Man's ideal home is one that understands that trust takes time. He doesn't need perfection—he needs patience, kindness, and people willing to let him move at his own pace.   A home with another friendly dog would be a huge bonus, as canine companionship has helped him blossom tremendously. While he can certainly adapt to different lifestyles, he'll thrive with adopters who enjoy having a loyal little shadow nearby and don't mind sharing their bed with a puppy who thinks cuddling is an Olympic sport.   Why You'll Love Muffler Man   Muffler Man is one of those dogs whose personality unfolds like a gift. Beneath the initial shyness is a goofy, loving, quirky puppy who wants nothing more than to feel safe, loved, and included.   If you already have a playful dog looking for a best friend—or if you're searching for a sweet puppy who will reward your patience with endless affection—Muffler Man just might be your perfect match.June 5, 2026, 12:28 am

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, June 6th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption before or at the event, please read the dog’s full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an application.  Can't make it? Check our website after the event for available dogs. All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.Adoption fee: $650 Meet Triscuit, the belly rub connoisseur!   At 4 years old and just under 10 pounds, Triscuit is a scruffy little Terri-poo with soft cloud-like hair, expressive opinions, and a heart that desperately wants to trust and belong. He came to rescue with his buddy Ritz after being picked up as a stray, and while it’s clear life hasn’t always been easy for him, watching him discover the comforts of home has been incredibly rewarding.   When Triscuit first arrived, the world inside a house seemed completely foreign to him. Leashes? Confusing. Walks? Absolutely not. On his very first evening walk attempt, he froze completely and had to be gently carried to the grass. By the next morning, treats helped convince him to take a few tiny steps. By day three? He was excitedly wagging at the sight of the leash and proudly trotting through the neighborhood like he’d been doing it his whole life.   Now, walks are one of his favorite things.   Daily Life with Triscuit   Triscuit wakes up sometime between 6:30–8:00 AM. Most mornings he quietly waits for his humans to get up, though occasionally he’ll let out a tiny bark to politely remind everyone that breakfast and bathroom breaks are important business.   He eats twice a day and enjoys two walks daily. Depending on the timing, he may choose breakfast first or adventure first — he’s flexible like that.   During the day, Triscuit likes to keep tabs on his people without necessarily being glued to them. He’ll lounge a few sofa cushions away, curl up in a nearby dog bed, sprawl across the cool kitchen tiles, or supervise backyard activities from the yard. He follows his foster around the house in a sweet, quiet way, settling nearby once he decides you’re staying put for a while.   At night, he happily sleeps in his crate in the bedroom and genuinely seems to enjoy having his own cozy little den. Sometimes he’ll even tuck himself in there during the day when he wants to relax.   Professional Belly Rub Solicitor   If Triscuit had a full-time job, it would be convincing humans to rub his belly.   This boy LOVES affection — on his terms. He has perfected the dramatic belly flop maneuver and will happily roll over for scratches whenever an opportunity presents itself. While he’s not exactly a velcro lap dog, he absolutely wants to be near his people and involved in whatever’s going on.   One of the funniest things about him? He sleeps completely upside down with all four legs sticking straight into the air like a tiny fluffy fainting goat. Deep sleep in this house apparently requires maximum dramatic flair.   Smart, Sensitive, and Still Learning   Triscuit is a sensitive little guy who appreciates respectful handling and predictable interactions. While he adores people, there were a couple of moments where he gave warnings when someone reached to pet him without checking in first while he was resting nearby. Because of this, he’d do best in a home with older children or adults who understand canine boundaries and will allow him space when he’s relaxing.   The beautiful thing about Triscuit is that despite whatever hardships he experienced before rescue, he still chooses connection. He seeks out affection constantly, follows his people around, and genuinely wants to bond.   Social Butterfly with Opinions   Triscuit loves seeing people and dogs on walks and would happily greet every living creature in the neighborhood if allowed. He gets excited when spotting dogs from afar and sometimes barks because he’s eager to say hello.   And yes — this boy definitely has opinions.   He barks when dogs pass by the fence, when people move through doors, when mysterious sounds happen outside, and occasionally at things only Triscuit himself can identify. His foster is already working on redirecting him, and he’s making progress, but apartment living may not be his ideal match.   That said, he has also shown he can settle beautifully in public spaces. He accompanied his foster to both an office and a café and, after an initial adjustment period, relaxed quietly on a dog bed or watched the world go by while his human enjoyed coffee with friends.   Future Home Dreams   Triscuit would thrive in a patient, loving home that understands he’s still learning how to “dog” in a family environment. A home with another friendly dog could be wonderful for him since he clearly enjoys canine companionship.   Most of all, he needs adopters who appreciate the incredibly rewarding process of helping a shy, uncertain dog continue blossoming into his best self.   Underneath the cautious moments and occasional barking is a goofy little sweetheart with impossibly soft fluffy hair, an endless desire for belly rubs, and a talent for sleeping upside down like it’s an Olympic sport.   Whoever adopts Triscuit won’t just be getting a dog — they’ll get to be part of his next chapter, and that’s something pretty special.June 5, 2026, 12:28 am

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, June 6th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption before or at the event, please read the dog’s full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an application.  Can't make it? Check our website after the event for available dogs. All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.Adoption fee: $800 Meet Flip Flop, whose life has Flip-Flopped!   Some dogs have every reason to be discouraged by the hand they've been dealt. Flip Flop isn't one of them.   This adorable 2-3 year old, 13-pound Maltipoo came to DPS from a shelter after being abandoned and covered from head to toe in painful mats. He was clearly uncomfortable, neglected, and overdue for some kindness. Yet despite everything he'd been through, Flip Flop greeted our volunteers with a wagging tail and a hopeful heart.   After a visit with a patient and talented groomer, Flip Flop received the glow-up of a lifetime. Underneath all those mats was a handsome little dog who seems to know just how fabulous he looks these days. More importantly, he's finally comfortable, loved, and ready to find the forever family he's always deserved.   Daily Life with Flip Flop   Flip Flop starts his mornings around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, depending on when his foster family wakes up. His first order of business is joining the resident dogs outside for a potty break before heading in for breakfast.   Around midday, he enjoys a leisurely walk before the weather gets too warm. Walks are one of Flip Flop's favorite activities. He loves taking his time, sniffing everything along the way, and soaking up the sights and smells of the neighborhood.   Once he's had his adventure, he's more than happy to settle into his true calling: professional couch potato.   The rest of the day is usually spent following his foster mom from room to room, finding the coziest possible spot nearby, and making sure he's available should anyone need cuddles. Dinner is served around 5:30 PM, followed by more quality time with his people before bedtime.   At night, Flip Flop sleeps in his crate. Crate training is still a work in progress, and he usually voices his opinion about bedtime for 15 to 20 minutes before deciding that sleep is actually a pretty good idea after all.   Overall, he's an incredibly easy dog to live with and asks for very little beyond love, companionship, and a comfortable place to nap.   Personality   If you're looking for a dog who wants to be your best friend, shadow, emotional support buddy, and cuddle partner all rolled into one fluffy package, Flip Flop may be your perfect match.   When he first arrived, he was understandably a little nervous. He was still friendly, but somewhat timid, often dropping into a submissive position if someone approached him too quickly. Thankfully, it didn't take long for him to realize he was safe.   Within just a few days, Flip Flop's true personality began to shine. He blossomed into one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs his foster family has ever met.   To call him cuddly almost feels like an understatement.   Flip Flop doesn't just enjoy cuddles— he believes cuddles are a fundamental requirement of daily life. He wants to be close to his people whenever possible and genuinely seems happiest when he's snuggled beside someone he loves. He is absolutely a Velcro dog, happily following his favorite person from room to room and settling wherever they happen to be.   His foster family describes him as one of the cuddliest dogs they've ever met, and everyone who meets him falls head over heels for his gentle, loving nature.   Dogs, Kids, and Friends   Flip Flop currently lives with two small resident dogs: a 9-pound adult dog and a 14-pound Chihuahua mix puppy.   When he first arrived, he preferred to keep to himself and wasn't quite sure what to make of his canine roommates. Rather than getting upset, he simply communicated politely when he needed some space. As his confidence grew, he began seeking out the older dog for occasional snuggles and has proven remarkably patient with the puppy's endless energy.   He has also met another small dog off leash and got along well. His preference seems to be for calm, respectful dogs who don't play too rough or get directly in his face.   Flip Flop also had the opportunity to meet a one-year-old toddler and absolutely charmed everyone. He was gentle, patient, and happy to be petted, making his foster family think he could thrive in a family environment.   More than anything, Flip Flop simply loves people.   Exercise and Activity   Flip Flop enjoys daily walks and is always happy to join his people for an outing, but he's definitely more lounger than athlete.   He's not particularly interested in wrestling with other dogs or engaging in nonstop play. Instead, he prefers a nice walk followed by quality cuddle time on the couch.   His ideal day includes a little exercise, a lot of affection, and several strategically placed naps.   Walking Manners   Flip Flop is a dream on leash.   He walks beautifully without pulling, takes plenty of time to investigate interesting smells, and remains calm when encountering other dogs. He doesn't bark on walks and seems genuinely happy just being out and about with his people.   He's the kind of walking companion who turns an ordinary stroll into a relaxing outing.   House Training   When Flip Flop first arrived, he occasionally marked around the house, particularly near corners. However, once he learned the household routine, those behaviors quickly faded.   With regular potty breaks every few hours, he has been consistently accident-free and clearly understands that outside is the appropriate place to do his business. He's a smart little guy who adapts quickly to expectations.   The Perfect Home   Flip Flop's dream home is simple: people who love cuddling as much as he does.   Whether that's a single person looking for a devoted companion, a couple wanting a snuggle buddy, or a family searching for a gentle, affectionate dog, Flip Flop is ready to fill that role beautifully.   He would thrive with people who enjoy having a dog nearby throughout the day and who appreciate the special bond that comes from sharing life with a true companion animal.   While he gets along well with respectful dogs, his favorite thing in the world will always be his humans.   Why Adopt Flip Flop?   Because dogs like Flip Flop are rare.   Despite experiencing neglect, he greets the world with optimism, kindness, and a wagging tail. He has every reason to be guarded, yet he chooses love instead.   He's gentle, affectionate, easygoing, wonderful on leash, great with people, and incredibly easy to care for. Most of all, he has an enormous heart and a deep desire to love and be loved.   Flip Flop isn't looking for just a home.   He's looking for his person.   And when he finds them, there's no doubt he'll be their best friend for life.  June 5, 2026, 12:28 am