Maltese puppies and dogs in Half Moon Bay, California

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, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $800 Cherub may be tiny, but she has the spirit of a lion! This 13–14 week old Maltipoo was abandoned at a shelter at just eight weeks old after being born blind, and despite that heartbreaking start, she has grown into one of the happiest, spunkiest, most determined little puppies you will ever meet. She required surgery to remove her eyes so she wouldn’t live with chronic pain, and true to her name, she bounced back with the resilience of an absolute angel. Her blindness doesn’t slow her down one bit— if anything, it seems to have made her even more joyful.   In her foster home, Cherub has developed a lively, comforting routine. She rises early— typically around 5 a.m., or even a bit earlier if she didn’t get enough exercise or scent-work the day before. After a trip to the yard to pee and poop, she snoozes or hangs out until breakfast around 9–10 a.m. Meals are an adventure of their own: her kibble is scattered across a large scent mat in her pen, and she expertly snuffles her way through every piece. Once she’s done, she comes out to play, nap, chew on a favorite bone or beef collagen chip, and enjoy supervised yard breaks throughout the day.   Cherub is not a fan of confinement— she’ll bark in her pen for up to twenty minutes before settling— and she much prefers to nap on the floor near your feet. Her adopters will want to work on alone-time training with her. She loves feet, socks, and slippers with a passion, and if given the chance, she’ll curl up right next to them. During the day she is into adventuring, but at night she becomes a total snugglebug. She now sleeps in bed with her foster, curling up beside the pillow and falling asleep only once she feels someone next to her. She likes to sleep on top of the covers, and she will happily stay tucked in as long as you’re there with her.   Her personality has blossomed beautifully. When she first arrived, she was cautious and anxious, trying to understand her new environment through smell, sound, and touch. Now she’s confident, spunky, and full of energy. She knows her name— Cherub or Cherry— and already understands “sit.” She responds wonderfully to treats and is smart enough to learn many more commands. She is a Velcro puppy through and through: if she knows the space, she will follow you everywhere; if the environment is unfamiliar, she may hesitate and sit in place whining for guidance. Calling her name and clicking your tongue helps her navigate, or she’ll follow the sound of kibble shaking in her bowl.   Cherub currently lives with two Boston Terriers and tries enthusiastically to play with them, though neither quite knows how to interact with a blind puppy yet. She barks excitedly at them, chases them gently, and interacts to the extent she feels comfortable. Walks happen in a stroller for now (until she gets her additional vaccinations), which she enjoys more than a backpack.   Her play style is adorable and contained— typical puppy energy in a small package. She loves the stretchy-cord ball in her crate, tug toys, and chew items for teething. She may nibble toes, especially because she can’t see where your hands are, but she isn’t a picky or persistent biter. When excited, she may lunge toward what she thinks is a toy, so faces should stay out of her reach during high-energy moments.   She reliably uses pee pads when confined, and she will signal that she needs to go out by heading toward the mat near the yard doors. With easy yard access and a straightforward layout, she will very likely learn to potty outside consistently. For now, she requires close supervision when free in the home, as she will have accidents if left to roam unsupervised.   Cherub barks when playing, when seeking attention, when wanting to join other dogs, and sometimes simply because she’s excited about her toys. She doesn’t bark at visitors; instead she greets them by wagging her whole body, circling their feet, and twirling with delight. Watching her celebrate a new person is pure joy.   What sets Cherub apart is how fully she embraces life. You truly wouldn’t guess she is blind unless told— she runs around the yard like a little cotton ball bounding through the grass, plays with her toys like she’s sparring in a boxing match, and showers every human she meets with full-body enthusiasm. Once she bonds to you, she rolls right onto her back, belly up, trusting and content. She has an unshakable spirit and the sweetest heart.   And finally, an important medical note: during her spay and enucleation (that’s removal of eyes for those who don’t speak vet), the vet discovered that she has a tooth that is growing in wrong and is poking into her gums. They were unable to remove it at that time because she could not stay under anesthesia for longer, so her adopters will need to get this taken care of within a month or so of adoption. But trust us - Cherub is 100% worth it! :)November 25, 2025, 9:21 pm

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, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $750 Butterbeer is a 2 year old, 11-pound Maltipoo who came to us from the shelter and has fully embraced life as a cherished little housemate. He is gentle, affectionate, funny without trying, and has the perfect balance of independence and companionship.   Daily Routine & Home Life   Butterbeer would happily spend every hour of the day right next to his person. If you sit, he sits; if you lounge, he lounges. He sleeps overnight in his x-pen without issue, although if given the option, he’d much prefer a cozy bed or the couch.   Mornings begin with a burst of enthusiasm: zoomies, snacks, and his much-loved walk. After that, his favorite activity resumes— napping. He rotates between his bed, a patch of sunlight, or your side on the couch. Occasionally he needs the motivational “click” of the leash to remind him it’s time to get up, but once he’s outside, he happily trots along.   Personality   When he first arrived, Butterbeer was easygoing but kept a little distance while figuring things out. Now that he knows he is safe, he has become a charming blend of independent and velcro. He adores being near his person but is also content napping downstairs while you work. He is affectionate, sweet-natured, and absolutely a snuggler. If he senses an opportunity to curl up next to someone, he’ll find a way to get there— literally. His foster once put him back in his pen to return to bed, only to discover minutes later that Butterbeer had escaped and was snuggled beside them. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.   Other Animals & People   He lives with an older Shih Tzu named Benji, and the two get along wonderfully. They nap together, share treats, and coexist peacefully. Butterbeer has also greeted other dogs on walks with perfect manners, preferring calm, friendly introductions. He has not shown any concerning behavior around people and is gentle and welcoming.   Energy Level & Playfulness   Butterbeer is proudly a couch potato. He enjoys his daily walk and takes it seriously, but his true calling is relaxing in soft places. He is the kind of dog who makes doing nothing feel like an activity.   Leash Manners   He has excellent leash manners— steady, polite, and easy to walk. No pulling, no chasing squirrels, and no unnecessary barking. He’s happy to greet other dogs as long as they aren’t overly exuberant.     Housetraining Exceptionally good. After a day of settling in and figuring things out, he has been perfect. He keeps his x-pen and crate clean, goes when taken on walks, and recently mastered the doggie door.   Behavior in the Home   He does not chew, dig, or bark excessively. He is respectful, quiet, and wonderfully well-mannered. His foster describes him as simply sweet.   Ideal Home   Truly any loving home. Butterbeer is adaptable, gentle, and affectionate. He loves companionship and warmth, but he isn’t demanding. He would fit into many lifestyles and family types.   Special Notes   Butterbeer is becoming somewhat of a treat connoisseur. He has opinions, preferences, and the confidence of a dog who knows he was born to be adored. He is gentle, social, and completely free of aggression. He is, in every way, a little prince.   Why You’ll Fall in Love   Butterbeer’s sweetness is effortless. His calm presence, his desire to be close, and his thoroughly charming antics—like escaping his x-pen just to wedge himself beside his foster— make him a dog who brings warmth into every room. He is affectionate, easy, loving, and ready to become someone’s cherished companion.November 25, 2025, 9:21 pm

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, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption Fee: $550 **Kitten is available for Foster-to-Adopt!** Breed: Maltese–Shih Tzu mix Age: 5 years old Weight: 11.6 lbs Coat: Non-shedding Her name may be Kitten, but this 5 year old Maltese–Shih Tzu mix is 100% dog—adorably fluffy, quietly loyal, and full of surprising little joys. She was rescued from the shelter, and after a slow, careful start, she’s been blossoming into the kind of dog who makes your heart swell with every small step forward. Kitten is a gentle soul who takes her time to trust, but once she does, she becomes a loyal little shadow—especially to her favorite humans. In her current foster home, she’s built a sweet and special bond with her 10-year-old human buddy, and the two have become a devoted fetch-playing duo. She’s also warming up to younger kids and has begun seeking pets and connection on her own terms. With the people she trusts, she is affectionate, playful, and full of personality. Her daily routine is peaceful and predictable—just how she likes it. She wakes up early and heads outside for a potty break, enjoys some morning playtime, then settles into her crate for a long nap. Mealtimes are relaxed, and she has plenty of quiet time in between spurts of play and affection. Evenings are her favorite, when she gets the zoomies and enthusiastically chases toys with her favorite girl. Kitten is house-trained, sleeps calmly in her crate, and communicates when she needs to go outside. She’s playful but not demanding, cuddly but not clingy. She’s still learning to feel safe around new people and visitors, and while she’s made great strides, she’ll always do best in a calm home where her people understand that some dogs need time to feel safe. While she’s making progress around other dogs (and can ignore them on leash in the yard), she’s not comfortable sharing her space with them and is protective of her pen. Kitten must be the only pet in her home. With professional support and time, she may eventually feel more neutral around dogs, but right now she needs a home where she can feel completely secure and not have to share her space or her people. Kitten’s ideal home is quiet, structured, and patient. She doesn’t need a lot—just someone who can offer routine, security, and a lot of love on her terms. She’s not a dog for someone expecting instant affection, but for the right person, she’s a deeply rewarding companion who offers a special kind of devotion. If you’re someone who finds beauty in the quiet moments, and joy in the slow unfolding of trust, Kitten may be the perfect match. She doesn’t need fireworks. She just needs someone to see her, to give her the space she needs, and to celebrate each step she takes toward love.    November 25, 2025, 9:21 pm

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, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance. Adoption fee: $700 Meet Lambie – A Fluffy, Friendly, and Fully-Healed Lovebug! Lambie is a 10 month old, 11 lb Maltipoo with a non-shedding coat — perfect for those with allergies or anyone who simply prefers a dog that won’t leave fur on the furniture. This sweet, playful pup is all healed up and ready to start his next chapter in a forever home that will adore him as much as he adores his people. Lambie came to us in rough shape, with a skin issue and infection that needed some care — but we’ve done the work, and now he’s a healthy, happy, and thriving little guy. His coat is growing back beautifully, and so is his confidence. His foster describes him as the perfect blend of playful and chill. He enjoys a quick game of fetch in the morning, followed by a cozy nap in his x-pen. He loves people, is gentle and affectionate, and will gladly follow you around the house like your own fluffy little shadow. Though he was timid when he first arrived — uncertain about new surroundings and doorways — Lambie has come a long way. Now he struts home from walks like he owns the block, tail held high, curious and content. He’s good on leash and happy to coexist and even play with other dogs of his size.  He’s fully crate trained, sleeps peacefully through the night, and is doing great with potty training — especially in his x-pen and crate. He’s a quick learner and eager to please. Lambie’s favorite things? Greeting you like you’ve been gone for days. Playing ball. Snuggling in your lap. Just being close. This little guy is the total package — loving, resilient, and ready for a home that will continue the love and care he’s already received. If you’re looking for a sweet, non-shedding companion who’s already come through the hard part and is ready to give you his whole heart, Lambie is waiting.  November 25, 2025, 9:42 pm

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, November 29th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $750 Smurfette is a 1 year old, 10 pound Morkie whose sweetness was evident from the moment she left the shelter. She stepped out of her carrier and into her foster home on day one with quiet confidence, immediately exploring her new surroundings and settling in as though she had always been part of the household. Affectionate, curious, and calm, she has only become more playful and connected as she’s found her footing in foster care.   Daily Life and Routine   Smurfette lives a steady, comfortable rhythm in her foster home. She and her canine foster brother, Pascal, enjoy three short walks each day— usually late morning, early evening, and just before bed. During the day, both dogs use a pet door to access the courtyard, which Smurfette mastered almost immediately. Mealtimes are a shared social event; two bowls are filled with about three-quarters of a cup of kibble twice daily, and Smurfette happily rotates between bowls, certain that food is always tastier from someone else’s dish.   Wherever her foster is, that’s generally where Smurfette wants to be. She loves sharing a chair— sometimes in a lap, sometimes perched behind the shoulder, sometimes wedged sweetly between the backrest and her human. She has an endearing habit of launching herself up from behind the chair; even if it takes her a few tries to stick the landing, her determination never wavers. When she’s not in the chair, she may be curled on the couch blanket, tucked into a dog bed, or lying in the office doorway with Pascal, supervising work with quiet contentment.   Personality and Attachment   Smurfette is affectionate and snuggly, but not overly needy. She likes to keep her foster in view, though she is not a full velcro dog. Her sweetness is consistent and easy; she integrated into the home quickly and has shown a natural adaptability to new routines and environments. At night, Smurfette now sleeps on the bed— a change prompted by her early crate protests. She settles beautifully and understands boundaries, including which spaces belong to the resident cat.   Dog, Cat, and Child Interactions   Smurfette shares the home with Pascal, a 20-pound dog who was initially uncertain about her. She read his cues well, giving him space until he warmed up. They now walk comfortably together and coexist peacefully. She has met several small- to medium-sized dogs on leash and always greeted them gently.   She has also been respectful with the elderly resident cat, treating him with calm deference even though he’s larger than she is. With children—particularly elementary-age— Smurfette has been friendly and relaxed, happy to be gently petted.   Energy, Playfulness, and Behavior   Smurfette is mostly a calm companion, though she has delightful bursts of excitement when it’s time for a walk. She has grown more playful in foster care, especially enjoying stuffed toys that she can chase after when tossed. And no matter how long her foster has been gone—even less than an hour— Smurfette greets her return with joyful enthusiasm.   She walks nicely on leash, though squirrels do tempt her into a small tug. Occasionally she will bark or growl at another dog across the street, but this tends to happen only when Pascal instigates it. Her bark is sweetly high-pitched, and she sometimes adds an unexpected “honk” for emphasis.   Smurfette generally barks only when Pascal does or when she’s very excited. She can be a little mouthy in moments of enthusiasm, such as gently grabbing the leash or her foster’s hand during greetings.   Housetraining and Crate Habits Smurfette is mostly housetrained. She uses the doggy door reliably. While she now sleeps on the bed, she handled early crate time well enough to be considered crate-trained if needed.     Smurfette is charmingly scruffy, with whimsical Yoda-like ears and a coat that springs back to its natural tousled state moments after being brushed. She is gentle, easy to handle, and wonderfully resilient. Her ability to settle so quickly and gracefully into a new home speaks to her adaptable, trusting nature.   She has a few quirks that make her even more lovable: a squeaky little bark, occasional honks, and an enthusiastic belief that Jergens Ultra Healing lotion is the greatest delicacy ever invented. Her foster’s favorite moment was watching Smurfette visit an elderly friend— where she flipped onto her back, legs straight up, blissfully falling asleep mid–belly rub on a stranger’s lap. It captured her essence perfectly: open-hearted, trusting, and ready to be loved.   Smurfette is more than ready for her forever home— one that appreciates a calm, affectionate, delightfully scruffy companion who will settle into their life as effortlessly as she has in foster care.November 26, 2025, 11:24 am

Meet Tao, a fluffy white bundle of love with the sweetest heart. This little soul is searching for his forever home—one filled with patience, kindness, and the gentle guidance he needs to truly blossom. Behind his shy beginnings is a curious spirit, eager to explore and discover all the joys life has to offer. Tao would love to join you on walks where he can take in the sights and smells of the world around him. He’s already shown what a fast learner he is—he’s crate trained, making wonderful progress with his manners. Tao is also a sociable pup who feels at ease with both men and women and has happily shared space with other dogs. What Tao needs most is a loving, gentle home—whether with a single adopter, a couple, or a family with older children—where patience and experience can help him continue to build his confidence. If you have the heart and love to help Tao discover that the world is a safe and wonderful place, he’s waiting for you—ready to give his trust, his devotion, and his unconditional love.