Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
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.* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, August 29th 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 Calliope: The Muse of Cuddles Calliope may have been named for the muse of epic poetry, but this little girl’s specialty is inspiring love at first sight. At 10–12 months old and just 14 pounds, this Maltipoo is a fabulous combination of affectionate, easygoing, and quietly playful. She was rescued from the shelter alongside her much bigger buddy, Fanboy, proving that she may be petite, but she is perfectly comfortable keeping company with dogs of all sizes. Calliope has a non-shedding coat and was an absolute angel for the groomer, who declared her a “perfect little baby.” Like most dogs with her coat type, she will need regular brushing and professional grooming to keep her looking and feeling her best. A Professional Snuggle Bug Calliope’s greatest passion in life is being loved. She would choose pets over treats, belly rubs over snacks, and a lap over just about anything else. When she settles onto her foster mom’s lap, she presses herself as close as physically possible, almost as if she is trying to give a full-body hug. She simply cannot imagine why there should be even an inch of space between herself and her favorite person. This affectionate girl likes to follow her foster mom from room to room and make herself comfortable nearby. If another dog is receiving attention, Calliope will politely—but enthusiastically—insert herself into the situation because surely there are enough hands for everyone. She and her foster sister Rhyme are equally devoted to belly rubs, which means their foster mom frequently finds herself operating a two-dog petting station. Despite her deep appreciation for attention, Calliope is wonderfully low-maintenance around the house. She does not chew, dig, beg for people food, or create unnecessary commotion. She is generally quiet and only joins in barking when the other dogs decide that something deserves an announcement. Calliope’s Daily Composition Calliope wakes around 6:30 AM and starts her day with a potty break before having breakfast at 8:00. While her foster mom works, Calliope lounges happily on the bed beside her, providing excellent moral support without disrupting productivity. Throughout the day, she follows her person around the house, relaxes with the other animals, and independently uses the dog door when she needs to go outside. She is doing very well with housetraining and has had only one accident, which happened while adjusting to new food. When she first arrived, she was hesitant to venture outside and would retreat to the safety of her crate. With a little patience and reassurance, she quickly gained confidence and now uses the dog door without any trouble. Dinner is served around 5:30 PM. Afterward, Calliope is ready for her favorite evening activity: curling up on the couch beside her people to watch television while requesting pets and belly rubs. At bedtime, she is flexible. She is comfortable sleeping in her crate, which she enters easily, but she is equally delighted to sleep in bed with her people. Lounging With a Playful Side Calliope is more of a lounger than a nonstop athlete, but she has an adorably playful streak. She likes chasing balls and carrying around stuffed toys, and one of her foster’s favorite moments was watching Calliope joyfully race Rhyme to retrieve a ball. The two dogs can chase and share toys without squabbling, and seeing Calliope relax enough to play has been especially rewarding. She is also a lovely walking companion. Calliope walks beautifully on leash, ignores passing people and animals, and checks in naturally with her handler. When her person stops, she stops, sits, and looks up attentively. She already knows “sit” and should be a delightful student for anyone interested in continuing her training. Friends Big and Small When Calliope first entered her foster home, she was timid and uncertain around the resident dogs and cat. She did not know what to make of toys and preferred seeking reassurance from people. As she has settled in, her sweet and playful personality has blossomed. She enjoys cuddling and playing with her younger poodle foster sibling, Rhyme. She mostly ignores the older Shih Tzu and the resident cat, although she may give a brief growl if one of them approaches her unexpectedly. Once they settle beside her, she relaxes and has even snuggled up with them. She does not snap, lunge, guard her food, or fight over toys; her little growl is simply her way of saying, “Please give me a moment.” She may do the same when someone first enters the bedroom—even someone familiar—but quickly gets over it and asks that person for pets. Calliope has not been left entirely alone for long periods because other animals have been present, but she is comfortable in her crate and goes inside easily. She could be happy as an only dog soaking up all the available affection, or with a compatible canine companion who does not mind sharing the spotlight. Although she has not had direct experience with children, her foster believes she could do well with respectful kids who understand how to give a small dog space when she asks for it. Her Forever Encore Calliope is a loving, gentle, and wonderfully easy companion. She can entertain herself with a ball, relax quietly while her person works, walk politely through the neighborhood, and finish the day curled against her favorite humans. More than anything, she wants to belong—to have people she can follow, a lap she can occupy, and someone willing to provide a lifetime supply of belly rubs. If you have been waiting for a small dog with a huge capacity for love, let Calliope work her magic. This affectionate little muse is ready to inspire a beautiful happily-ever-after. August 25, 2026, 8:03 pm
