Maltese puppies and dogs in Redwood City, California

Meet Mozzarella! With his soft coat and gentle charm, Mozzarella is a loving little companion who’s ready to bring joy, cuddles, and plenty of smiles to his forever home.

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, February 7th 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!**     Weight: 11.6 lbs Coat: Non-shedding KITTEN - Small Dog, Big Opinions   Let's be real: Kitten isn't for everyone, and she wouldn't have it any other way.  This  Maltese mix knows what she likes (morning fetch, her cozy crate, predictable routines) and what she doesn't (surprise guests, loud neighborhood noise, anyone touching her food bowl). She's making excellent progress in foster care, but she's going to need someone who gets that progress isn't perfection. Kitten's Non-Negotiables:  A quiet house with a yard - apartments and city life? Hard pass. Space during meals - she's protective of her bowl and needs you to respect that boundary Time to warm up - she'll bark when you arrive, then decide if you're cool. Don't rush her. A peaceful neighborhood - she's got opinions about squirrels, birds, and pretty much everything else, and she's LOUD about it (but less so when her leash is on, interestingly) Where Kitten Shines: When her world is calm and predictable, this girl is a gem. She's fantastic on leash walks (no lunging, no drama with other dogs). She loves fetch in the morning. She's totally fine being left alone - no separation anxiety, no destruction. She adores her crate and uses it as her safe space. And with a little CBD to take the edge off her anxiety, she's shown she can really settle in. The Right Human for Kitten:  Experienced with small dogs who come with attitude and anxiety Patient and consistent - she's improved SO much in 10 weeks, but she needs someone who won't give up when she has a bad day Home most of the time to keep her routine solid No young kids - adults or older teens who won't overwhelm her Committed to management - feeding protocols, CBD routine, ongoing structure Willing to work with a dog behaviorist - continued professional support for resource guarding and barking will help her keep progressing Why She's Available: Kitten was adopted to a home in San Francisco and returned after 2 months. City living was all wrong for her - too loud, too chaotic, too much. She needs space, quiet, and someone who understands that challenging dogs aren't broken dogs.  The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an easy dog who's instantly social and goes-with-the-flow, keep scrolling. But if you want a loyal, quirky companion who will reward your patience with fetch sessions and couch snuggles (on her terms), Kitten might just be your perfect match.   She's a work in progress. Are you up for it? February 3, 2026, 5:01 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, February 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance. Adoption fee: $750 Meet Silver – a freshly polished love bug ready for his forever home   Silver is a 3 year old, 17 lb Maltipoo with a soft, non-shedding coat and a heart that truly shines. When he arrived at DPS from the shelter, his coat was so dirty and matted that he could barely move comfortably. We took him straight to one of our amazing volunteer groomers, and the transformation was incredible. Underneath all that neglect was a truly gorgeous little dog— and an even sweeter soul. Silver starts his day around 6:30 a.m., waking when the sun comes up and checking in to see where his person is. If you’re not up yet, he may pace a bit or softly whine, but he’ll eventually settle back into his bed. Once you’re up, it’s straight outside for a quick potty break, followed by breakfast and then a pleasant 20–30 minute walk. Silver is an absolute dream on leash— he stays close, doesn’t pull, and seems happiest walking right by your side.   During the day, Silver is a champion lounger. He enjoys relaxing on the couch or an armchair, quietly hanging out and soaking up the calm. Because he’s still learning that outside is the place to go potty, he does best with frequent potty breaks and gentle, consistent reinforcement. Dinner is around 6 p.m., followed by another nice evening walk. After that, Silver’s favorite activity is curling up on the couch and being close to his person. Bedtime is around 10 p.m., and while it took him a little while to adjust to settling at night, he’s made great progress and now usually just complains briefly before retreating to his bed.   Personality-wise, Silver is a textbook Velcro dog in the very best way. He feels most comfortable when he knows his person is nearby and will happily follow you from room to room just to stay connected. He absolutely adores people—when he met the foster’s neighbor, he leaned his entire body into her lap without hesitation. He loves attention, pets, and affection, and is a total love bug who gives enthusiastic kisses (his adorable overbite makes them even cuter).   Silver is friendly with other dogs but not especially playful. He mostly ignores his foster's dog and doesn’t show much interest in toys, preferring instead to lounge and enjoy human companionship. On walks, he has met both big and small dogs and approaches them cautiously at first, then happily greets them once he realizes they’re friendly.   He is not yet housetrained, so his future home will need to continue working on potty training with patience and consistency. Silver is generally quiet and does not bark at visitors or noises, though he may bark or whine when he’s feeling anxious or separated. When nervous, he may grab harmless items like dish towels or paper napkins (his favorites) and leave them on the floor, but he does not chew furniture or destroy belongings.   Silver would thrive in a home that appreciates a mellow, affectionate companion— one who enjoys closeness, gentle routines, and a dog who truly wants to be near his people. He doesn’t require a lot of exercise and is perfectly suited for someone looking for a calm, loving presence rather than a high-energy dog.   What sets Silver apart is just how deeply people-focused he is. He adores human connection, gives the sweetest kisses, and wants nothing more than to be someone’s loyal little shadow. If you’re looking for a soft, snuggly, low-key companion with a heart full of love, Silver may be your perfect match.February 3, 2026, 6:51 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, February 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance. Adoption fee: $750 Buttercup is a 3 year old Maltese mix weighing just 7 pounds, with a soft, non-shedding coat and an irresistible mix of sweetness and spunk. She was rescued from a shelter and has settled beautifully into foster life, showing herself to be an easy, affectionate little companion who loves the simple pleasures in life: walks, food, and being near her person.   Buttercup starts her day around 6am on weekdays (a bit later on weekends) and is immediately ready for her favorite activity— a morning walk. She truly loves being outside, happily trotting along and taking in the world before heading home for breakfast, which she also takes very seriously. A couple hours later, she goes out again for a potty break before her foster heads to work. During the day, Buttercup relaxes in the bedroom and settles quickly. She does not bark while home alone and is a calm, respectful housemate. When her foster returns in the late afternoon, Buttercup makes sure her joy is known, greeting them with excited squeals before heading out for a longer walk. Evenings are spent running errands together, enjoying dinner, and winding down with cuddle time before Buttercup curls up on the bed to sleep through the night.   At home, Buttercup is wonderfully chill. She likes being close to her person but isn’t demanding or clingy. She’s content to lounge nearby, occasionally rolling over for a belly rub, and generally makes herself very easy to live with. She doesn’t care much for toys, but when she gets excited— usually for walks or treats— she does the cutest little spins that are impossible not to smile at. She’s calm, affectionate, and has a very soothing presence indoors.   Outside the house, Buttercup flips into her second mode: alert, enthusiastic, and highly engaged with the world. She absolutely loves walks and has more stamina than you might expect from such a small dog. She walks with purpose, pulls forward with determination, and has a funny little gait that adds to her charm. She wants to smell everything and takes her neighborhood patrol very seriously.   Buttercup is reliably potty trained and clearly understands that outside is where she should go. She holds her potty overnight without issue. During workdays, pee pads are left out in the bedroom, and she will occasionally use them while her foster is away, which is understandable given her small size and long stretches between outings. On weekends, when outside breaks are more frequent, she does not use the pads at all.   She is very food- and treat-motivated, which will make continued training much easier. She learned how to use the stairs to get onto the bed immediately and is a smart little dog who picks things up quickly.   Now for the honest parts that future adopters should know: Buttercup can become overstimulated in busy environments. While she enjoys being out and about, she can be reactive to certain triggers, especially large dogs, fast-moving bikes, skateboarders, joggers, or dogs that get too close too quickly. She tends to do much better around smaller dogs and is often more tolerant when carried in a sling rather than walking on the ground. Large dogs, particularly German Shepherd–type dogs, are especially challenging for her.   Buttercup can also be inconsistent when meeting new people. Sometimes she happily rolls over for belly rubs; other times she may growl or snap as a warning. This behavior seems to increase when she is overstimulated, and her triggers aren’t always predictable— it can happen with both men and women and in different environments. She is not aggressive, but she does communicate when she’s uncomfortable and will need adopters who respect her boundaries, read her signals, and allow her to approach new situations at her own pace.   Because of this, Buttercup would do best in a calm, adult-only home or one with older, respectful children who understand how to interact gently with a small dog. A quieter environment with structured walks and continued leash training would help her thrive.   Buttercup is a loving, quirky little dog with a big personality packed into a tiny body. She’s an energetic walking buddy, a peaceful housemate, and a loyal companion who will happily curl up beside you at the end of the day. With the right home— one that appreciates both her sweetness and her sensitivity— Buttercup will be an incredibly rewarding addition to the family.February 5, 2026, 12:41 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, February 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance. 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 progress. With consistent training, his resource guarding around food has improved in just a short time. He has learned that people approaching his food bowl mean good things, not something to fear. However, Shakespeare still has ongoing behavioral needs that require patience and consistency. He can be moody and unpredictable, especially when resting or sleeping—he may growl or snap if disturbed, even at people he loves. He is still uncomfortable being picked up in certain situations, particularly at bedtime. He is missing some teeth, so bites typically don't break skin, but his warnings should always be respected. Toy guarding and guarding of resting spaces remain works in progress. His adopters should be prepared to enforce strict household rules and boundaries, including crate sleeping and restricted furniture access. His adopters will need to be experienced with dogs who have behavioral challenges and willing to continue working with a professional trainer. Today, Shakespeare is a laid-back, easygoing little guy much of the time who enjoys both independence and affection. He is content relaxing in his bed on his own but is always happy to cuddle when invited and in the right mood. 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 would do best in an adults-only household who understand dog communication and respect a growl as a warning. He should never be disturbed when resting or sleeping. 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. Great news: Shakespeare is now fully housetrained and even signals when he needs to go out! He is crate-trained and sleeps quietly through the night, though getting him into his crate at bedtime can be challenging as he prefers to sleep with his people. Because he can become protective of his sleeping space and may growl or snap if disturbed during the night, crate sleeping is safest for everyone. Rain is not his favorite, and he prefers potty breaks where he can stay dry. Shakespeare would thrive in a home with an experienced dog owner who understands that trust is something built over time and is willing to continue gentle, positive training around boundaries and resource guarding, ideally with the support of a professional trainer. 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 will need a patient, understanding home that can accept him as he is—moods and all—and give him the structure and respect he needs to thrive. 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 to the right family.February 2, 2026, 11:50 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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $700 Bob Marley Don’t Worry Be Fluffy  Bob Marley is a 5 year old, 11 lb Maltipoo with a non shedding coat that is great for allergy sensitive homes and for anyone who prefers a dog that will not leave fur behind. True to his legendary name, Bob lives by one simple rule: every little thing is gonna be alright. He moves through life on island time, bringing irie energy wherever he goes. Bob is affectionate, people focused, joyful, and emotionally intuitive. He spreads happiness without trying. His tail keeps the beat, his expressive eyes tell whole stories, and his presence alone can lift the mood of a room. If love had a soundtrack, Bob would be on repeat. Track One: Redemption Song When Bob Marley arrived at the shelter, he was buried beneath severe matting and thick dreadlocks that were painfully caked with urine, feces, and filth. Every tug of his coat caused discomfort. Volunteers removed what they safely could, and at his professional grooming appointment, Bob was shaved all the way down so he could finally feel relief. And underneath it all was a gentle, trusting dog with natural mystic energy who never stopped believing in people. His beautiful coat will grow back. His heart was always gold. Track Two: Is This Love Bob is a classic velcro dog. He wants to be near his people, involved in whatever is happening, and close enough to soak up all the affection. He thrives on connection and absolutely loves to cuddle. If you are wondering, yes, this love is real and Bob is all in. Once Bob feels he has gotten his fill of love for the day, he is perfectly content putting himself to bed. Independent when needed, affectionate always. Track Three: Sun Is Shining Bob wakes up between 7 and 9 in the morning and heads straight outside for a potty break and playtime in the yard, usually lasting 30 minutes to an hour. Bob greets each morning like the sun really is shining just for him. Breakfast follows and includes one cup of kibble topped with a jerky treat, because Bob believes mornings should start on a high note. On workdays, Bob accompanies his foster to the doggy salon. He enjoys calmly roaming around, observing the activity, people watching, and occasionally socializing with other dogs. He also takes short crate breaks to relax. On days off, the routine stays the same with added walks, zoomies around the house, and extra together time. Dinner is served between 6 and 8 in the evening. Track Four: Could You Be Loved Bob was anxious during his first few days, pacing and struggling to settle. Once he realized he was safe, his stress melted away. Now he naps peacefully, sleeps through the night without whining, and relaxes comfortably even when his foster steps away. Bob is tender, expressive, and deeply loving. He does not just want a home. He wants to belong. Track Five: Get Up Stand Up Bob has a bright, lively personality. He enjoys activity, playtime, and being included, but he is not hyper. He believes in getting up, standing up, and then happily settling back down for a cuddle. He is enthusiastic, happy, and full of positive energy, with a great ability to relax when the moment calls for it. Track Six: No Woman No Cry Bob does well on walks. He does not pull, does not bark at other dogs, and is not distracted by squirrels. When he gets excited, he may chew on his leash, but with consistency and routine this should continue to improve. No worries here. Track Seven: Every Little Thing Bob Marley has epilepsy and is on medication that he will need to remain on for life. His condition is currently managed and does not stop him from being joyful, affectionate, and full of life. This is simply part of his story, not what defines him. Final Track: One Love Bob Marley is the kind of dog who changes a home. He brings joy, warmth, and positive vibrations wherever he goes. His idea of a perfect world includes one couch, one family, and a whole lot of love. One dog. One home. One love.  February 2, 2026, 11:28 am