Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
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.* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, July 18th 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 Chauncey is proof that sometimes the sweetest hearts come from the hardest beginnings. This darling 5 year old, 12 lb Maltese mix (with a non-shedding coat) came to us from a hoarding situation, but instead of letting his past define him, he's embracing each new experience with quiet curiosity, unwavering loyalty, and an endless supply of cuddles. Every day, Chauncey grows a little braver, and watching him discover how wonderful life can be is nothing short of magical. A Gentle Soul Who Loves His People If you're looking for a shadow with four paws, Chauncey may just be your perfect match. More than anything, he loves being close to his favorite humans. Whether you're working at your desk, watching television, reading a book, or relaxing after a long day, Chauncey is happiest curled up beside you— or even better, tucked into your lap. He's affectionate without being demanding, content to quietly nap under your arm or rest beside you while you go about your day. His foster says that no matter how stressful the day has been, Chauncey is always there, ready to offer comfort with a cuddle. Smart, Curious, and Ready to Learn Despite his difficult past, Chauncey is eager to experience the world. He approaches new places with cautious curiosity, taking everything in through careful observation and plenty of sniffing. Whether he's exploring the neighborhood, visiting a quiet pet store, or checking out a new walking trail, he wants to see what life has to offer— especially if his favorite person is by his side. He's also incredibly food motivated, making training a breeze. Meals are often served in puzzle toys or snuffle mats because he genuinely enjoys using his brain. In foster care he's already learned 'up,' is making great progress with 'sit' and 'wait,' and absolutely lights up when treats are involved. You can practically see the wheels turning as he figures things out. The Perfect Mix of Adventure and Couch Companion Chauncey is wonderfully adaptable. He's happy to head out for a neighborhood stroll, ride along for errands, or simply spend the afternoon lounging nearby. His daily walks are a highlight, and he even does adorable little bunny hops when he's excited to head out. When it's time to relax, though, he's all about snuggling. He's truly a go-with-the-flow companion who doesn't need constant entertainment—just the company of the people he loves. A Social Butterfly in Training Chauncey has made incredible progress learning that the world is a safe place. He warmed up surprisingly quickly in his foster home and has built wonderful relationships with the resident dog and even the household cats. At first he kept his distance, but now he happily follows his canine foster sibling around and has even been known to nap beside the cats. He's polite with new people, especially those who let him approach at his own pace. Offer him a treat and a calm introduction, and you'll likely earn a gentle sniff and a new friend. While he can still be nervous around busy environments and lots of activity, his confidence continues to blossom with patient guidance. Home Sweet Home Chauncey thrives on routine. His day starts around 7:00 a.m. with a potty break, followed by breakfast (preferably in a fun puzzle feeder) and then a relaxing morning spent near his people. He enjoys a midday walk, afternoon naps, dinner, and sometimes an evening adventure before settling into his crate for bedtime. He's crate trained for overnight sleeping and does very well once tucked in. He's also nearly housetrained and has made excellent progress, especially with consistent potty schedules. Since he has a speedy metabolism, regular potty breaks throughout the day help set him up for success. His Perfect Match Because of his past, Chauncey can still be startled by sudden movements and is particularly cautious about feet—he seems worried about accidentally being stepped on. His ideal family will understand that building confidence takes patience and kindness. He'd love a quieter home with adults or older, gentle children who can respect his space. A calm canine companion could be a wonderful bonus, but he'd also be perfectly happy soaking up all of the attention as your one-and-only. He also has an alert bark and likes to let you know when someone is at the door, so a home rather than a busy apartment would likely be the best fit. Why You'll Fall in Love Chauncey doesn't ask for much. He isn't looking for grand adventures or endless excitement. He's simply searching for someone who will love him, help him continue building confidence, and save a little room on the couch. In return, you'll get a loyal best friend, an enthusiastic cuddle buddy, a smart little student who's eager to learn, and the joy of watching a dog discover just how wonderful life can be. If you're ready to open your heart to a gentle soul who's already proven how resilient love can be, Chauncey is ready to meet you. He has survived his past—now he's ready for the forever family that will help him write the happiest chapter yet. July 14, 2026, 12:24 am
