Maltese puppies and dogs in Pleasanton, California

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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, December 13th 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.    December 12, 2025, 3:44 am

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.Adoption fee: $700 Shakespeare is a 5 year old Morkie weighing about 11 pounds, with a non-shedding coat, an expressive little face, and a very funny grin that seems to appear just when you need it most. He is a gentle, thoughtful dog with a big heart who is learning that the world — and the people in it — can be safe and kind.   Shakespeare starts his day around 6:30 a.m. when he comes out of his crate and heads straight out for a quick potty break. After that, he enjoys a short burst of playtime that usually includes belly rubs and a game of catch for about ten minutes. Breakfast follows around 7:00–7:30 a.m., and then he settles into one of his favorite activities: lounging in his bed. His morning walk is usually between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and lasts about 15–30 minutes. Shakespeare prefers exploring and sniffing over long-distance walking, and he’s still learning leash manners, so he does tend to pull a bit (though he doesn't weigh much so it's not an issue). When the weather is nice, he especially enjoys spending time in the backyard. Throughout the day, he’s happy to lounge and relax, with a few short strolls or play sessions mixed in if his people are home. Dinner is around 5:30–6:00 p.m., followed by another short walk at about 7:30 p.m., and bedtime in his crate is between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m.   When Shakespeare first arrived at his foster home, he was understandably unsettled. He cried during transport and was overwhelmed at first, but once he arrived, his friendly nature quickly came through. He eagerly sought out attention, wanted pets, and explored his new surroundings. Early on, he made it clear that he had some sensitivities. He was uncomfortable being picked up and did not like certain areas of his body being touched, especially around his belly and sides, and he communicated this clearly with growling. He also showed resource guarding behaviors around food, toys, and when resting in his bed.   His foster family immediately began working patiently and thoughtfully with him, focusing on trust-building and positive reinforcement. Shakespeare is very food-motivated, which helped him make quick progress. With consistent training, his resource guarding around food and resting has improved dramatically in just a short time. He has learned that people approaching mean good things, not something to fear. He now allows belly rubs, side rubs, and being picked up — big milestones for him — and his comfort level continues to grow. Toy guarding is improving more slowly, but he is learning that calm behavior keeps the game going. His adopters will need to be patient and willing to put in the work to earn his trust.   Today, Shakespeare is a laid-back, easygoing little guy who enjoys both independence and affection. He is content relaxing in his bed on his own but is always happy to cuddle when invited. He is not a velcro dog and does not need to follow his people from room to room, but he enjoys spending time with everyone in the household. He has lived with children ages 9 and 13 and has done very well with them, especially when they respect his boundaries. He does not favor one person over another and happily rotates his affection among family members.   Shakespeare is more of a couch potato than a high-energy dog, though he does enjoy short walks and games of catch. He does not chew, dig, or bark excessively. In fact, he rarely barks at all, except for the occasional squirrel sighting. He loves visitors and greets them happily, welcoming pets and attention without hesitation.   He is mostly housetrained, with only a couple of marking incidents early on. He does not consistently signal when he needs to go out, so a routine schedule works best for him. He is crate-trained and sleeps quietly through the night. Rain is not his favorite, and he prefers potty breaks where he can stay dry.   Shakespeare would thrive in a home that understands that trust is something built over time and is willing to continue gentle, positive training around boundaries and resource guarding. He would do best with children who are old enough to understand dog communication and respect a growl as a warning. He loves being part of a household with multiple people and truly enjoys human company.   What makes Shakespeare special is his willingness to try, even after what appears to have been a difficult past. Despite needing time to fully let his guard down, he is eager to trust and clearly wants to connect. Beneath his cautious moments is a sweet, affectionate, loyal little dog who just wants to feel safe and loved. Shakespeare is proof that patience and kindness can bring out the very best in a dog — and in return, he offers a truly special kind of companionship.January 2, 2026, 4:26 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.Adoption fee: $800 Meet Platinum, a 6 month old Maltipoo with a heart as bright as her name. Platinum was found as a stray and brought into the shelter in very rough shape, severely matted and clearly having had a hard start. Thanks to the patience and skill of one of our volunteer groomers, she received a full glow-up and is now absolutely stunning. Even more impressive than her looks, though, is her resilience, sweetness, and joyful spirit.   Platinum is still settling into a routine, but she has proven to be incredibly adaptable and intuitive about the flow of the day. She wakes up when the household starts moving— sometimes as early as 5 a.m., sometimes closer to 8— and once she’s up, she heads straight to her potty pad and takes care of business. After that, she’s perfectly content to curl up on the couch with a toy and drift back to sleep, or climb back into bed with her person if that’s the plan. She’s a flexible little soul who just wants to be included wherever the cozy option happens to be.   Platinum free feeds and has access to food and water throughout the day. She’s more interested in playing and napping than meals, so a tasty topper helps remind her that eating is important too. Her foster keeps a close eye on her intake, and Platinum has done well with this arrangement so far.   During the day, Platinum has spent time gated in the kitchen, and it’s become clear that she feels lonely quickly when she’s separated from the action. She gets worked up and sad when she doesn’t understand why she’s been left out. While she is not destructive and is respectful of her surroundings, long periods of isolation aren’t her favorite. Her foster has found creative solutions, like playdates with other foster pups, to help her feel connected and engaged. Because of her sensitivity to being alone, she has not been crated for extended periods, as that would likely feel overwhelming for her. At night, Platinum sleeps with her foster mom. Once placed on soft, cozy blankets, she settles immediately and sleeps quietly through the night. She’s able to get off the bed on her own if she needs to use her potty pad, though she rarely needs to during the night and has had no overnight accidents.   Personality-wise, Platinum is an absolute delight. She seeks out anything warm and cozy and will approach her foster mom, gently placing her tiny front paws up as a polite request to be picked up and loved on. She adores couch time, soaking up body heat and gentle pets, and has recently started giving little nose kisses as a sign of trust and affection. She follows her people from room to room to make sure she’s not missing out, but she’s not overly clingy. Once she forms a deep bond, she has all the potential to become a very devoted companion.   Platinum currently lives with two large doodle foster siblings and has impressed everyone with her social awareness. She arrived with enthusiastic puppy energy but quickly learned that her big friends were not jungle gyms. She accepted their gentle corrections beautifully and adjusted her behavior right away. Now she plays thoughtfully, keeps respectful distances, and navigates the couch without disturbing the peace. She’s smart, observant, and incredibly tuned in to the dogs around her. She has also encountered a cat, whom she observed with curiosity but no negative reaction. While she hasn’t directly interacted with children yet, she shows clear interest in their movements in public and seems eager to make new friends.   Platinum’s play style is the perfect balance. She enjoys toys and will happily entertain herself on her bed or chew on a rubber ring next to you on the couch. A few times a day, she erupts into joyful zoomies, using the couch as her personal racetrack. After a few laps, she turns the corner into a full-on comedy routine— rubbing her face on the couch, grumbling, growling, barking at herself, kicking her back feet, sneezing, and hyping herself up for another round. It’s a one-dog party, and she is thrilled if you’re watching. Once the zoomies are out of her system, she crashes hard, often falling asleep instantly, and happily settles in next to her person for a movie or quiet evening.   Platinum has been out in public on a leash and finds the world very exciting. She’s still learning leash manners and doesn’t pull in any specific direction, just taking everything in. At a busy farmers market, a loud noise briefly startled her, but once she was picked up, she recovered quickly and was happy to continue the outing. Surrounded by dogs, children, people, smells, and constant stimulation, Platinum remained friendly, curious, and quiet— no barking, just enthusiasm and happiness to be included.   She has been excellent with potty pads from day one and knows exactly where to go. She will also potty outside in the yard when timing and opportunity line up, and she’s very proud of herself when that happens. With a consistent routine in her forever home, she is expected to continue making great progress with potty training. She is not crate trained and currently does best with alternative safety setups that allow her to feel connected rather than isolated.   Platinum only vocalizes when she feels lonely or during play, when she growls and barks at herself for fun. She is gentle with her mouth, sticks to chewing her toys, and happily trades any forbidden item for an approved toy when redirected. She responds beautifully to praise, lights up when she knows she’s done something right, and has never needed harsh correction. Her intelligence and eagerness to please are obvious.   Platinum is adaptable and would do well in many environments as long as love and attention are part of her day. She’s already proven herself to be an excellent errand buddy, happily riding along in a bag and fully embracing the “copilot” lifestyle.   With her adorable underbite, expressive face, and unmatched zest for life, Platinum leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. She is sweet, resilient, and full of joy, and her future family is going to be incredibly lucky to have her as part of their world.        January 13, 2026, 2:55 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.Adoption fee: $750 Meet Ollie!   Ollie is a petite 10–12 month old Maltipoo weighing 10 lbs who came to the rescue after his previous family no longer had the time to care for him. While the change was understandably confusing for him at first, Ollie has shown just how much love he has to give. He also has a non-shedding coat, which makes him a great option for adopters with allergies or anyone who prefers less fur cleanup.   Ollie starts his day around 7:00 a.m., when the household wakes up. He goes straight out for a potty break (he reliably holds it all night), then enjoys some playful time with the resident dog, Benji. Ollie isn’t very interested in structured mealtimes— he prefers to graze— so his foster leaves out a small bowl of kibble for him to nibble on throughout the day. He’s not a big eater and usually finishes about one small bowl daily.   During the day, Ollie likes to hang out in the kitchen area, which is gated and has hardwood floors. He goes on daily walks, usually in the late afternoon around 4–5 p.m., and these are truly one of his favorite parts of the day. Evenings are spent close to his people, and he settles down for the night around 11:00 p.m. Ollie is not a fan of crates or pens and prefers sleeping near his person; he curls up on his own little bed next to the couch. His fosters have been working with him on feeling okay when he's away from his humans, and this has been steadily improving with consistency and reassurance.   When Ollie first arrived, he was very skittish and easily startled, and that sensitivity is still part of who he is. New people make him nervous, and he will bark when unfamiliar faces come around. With time and patience, though, his true personality shines through. Ollie is a total love bug and a classic velcro dog. He follows his favorite person from room to room and initially bonds closely with one person before gradually warming up to others. Once he trusts you, he absolutely melts— he’ll happily sit on the couch beside you while you work or curl up at your feet while you eat. When he sees someone he knows and loves, his entire body wiggles with excitement.   Ollie lives with a 4-year-old Cavachon named Benji, and the two are best buddies. They play together in the backyard, enjoy walks side by side, play-fight, and occasionally steal each other’s treats. Ollie has also done wonderfully with kids and has been gentle and affectionate with his foster’s daughters, ages 11 and 16.   He is an energetic young dog who likes to stay active and engaged, though he’s learning how to relax and enjoy downtime as well. Daily walks are incredibly important for Ollie— they help calm his nervous system and make him much more settled and comfortable overall. On leash, he may pull a bit, but it’s easily corrected. He sometimes barks at other dogs but responds well when asked to stop.   Ollie is mostly potty trained. He currently goes out every 2–3 hours during the day and can hold it overnight after his final potty break.   Behavior-wise, Ollie does not chew when bored, doesn’t dig, and isn’t destructive. His main challenge is barking at unfamiliar people, which is tied to his anxiety and sensitivity rather than reactivity. With time, consistency, and positive exposure, he continues to make progress.   Ollie would thrive in a home that understands shy, sensitive dogs and is willing to let him build trust at his own pace. He truly loves companionship and does especially well with another friendly dog in the home or with people who enjoy including their dog in daily life and routines. Once he bonds with you, he is deeply devoted and wants nothing more than to be near you.   What sets Ollie apart is how loving he is once he feels safe. He is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and loyal, and his attachment to his person is genuine and heartwarming. And of course, his adorable underbite deserves a special mention—it perfectly matches his endearing, slightly quirky charm.   Ollie is a gentle soul who is ready for a patient, loving home that will give him the time he needs to feel secure—and once he does, he will love you with his whole heart. He would love a confident doggy BFF who can show him the ropes.January 12, 2026, 3:09 pm

      &#226&#156&#168 Meet Boq Wicked — 6 lbs of tiny, determined heart &#226&#156&#168 Available for Adoption through Umbrella of Hope Boq Wicked is a 9-year-old, 6-pound Maltese mix with a soft black and white coat, a gentle spirit, and a lifetime of stories behind his cloudy eyes. He may be small, but this little gentleman has preferences, routines, and a quirky charm that make him unforgettable to those lucky enough to earn his trust. His Personality Boq is happiest when the world is quiet, steady, and predictable. His absolute favorite part of the day? His walks. He walks beautifully on leash and will trot right alongside you like the world’s tiniest hiking buddy. He gets along well with other dogs, but people are a different story — Boq needs time, patience, and a calm approach before he feels safe with new humans. Once he trusts you, he’s sweet, affectionate in his own gentle way, and very food-motivated. (Blueberries, watermelon, and chicken? Yes, please.) Because Boq is deaf and has limited vision, he can be reactive if startled. He’s not recommended for a home with small children. His perfect match is someone experienced with shy or special-needs pups — someone who recognizes that progress may be slow… but absolutely worth it. Daily Life with Boq • Not fully housebroken, but does well if taken outside regularly • Doesn’t enjoy crates, carriers, or car rides • Likes to explore, sniff, and take in the world on his walks • Occasionally plays with small toys (when the mood strikes) Boq isn’t a turnkey dog — he’s a relationship dog. He needs someone who sees beyond first impressions and understands the quiet magic of earning the trust of a fearful pup. In return, you’ll get loyalty, routine, companionship, and the joy of being his safe place. If you’re patient, compassionate, and looking for a small senior buddy who just needs someone to believe in him, Boq Wicked might be your perfect match. Interested in adopting this little wizard of a dog? Send us a message!       GENERAL INFO:   Housebroken?: Yes, partially Crate Trained?: No Leash Trained?: Yes Rides Well in Car?: No Non-Shedding?: No Good with cats?: Unknown Good with dogs?: Yes Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5 Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.  Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.  Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.   We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.  We are on all social media at @umbrellaofhope and we invite you to follow us and share which helps more people see and adopt our pets.  To help our ALL VOLUNTEER team rescue more senior, special needs, medically needy and hospice animals (and a few 'typical' ones along the way, please consider making a tax-deductible (TAX ID 45-4103375) donation online at www.paypal.me/UOH or Venmo @umbrellaof-hoperescue or Zelle beourpet@gmail.com.   You can also buy tees, tanks. sweatshirts, hats and bandannas where all proceeds benefit our animals https://ruff-life-rescue-wear.myshopify.com/collections/umbrella-of-hope We also have an Etsy store where the merchandise is made by volunteers and supporters, changes regularly and 100% of the proceeds benefit our medical fund https://www.etsy.com/shop/Umbrellaofhope Amazon Wish List tinyurl.com/pineapplewish  December 2, 2025, 11:21 am