Maltese puppies and dogs in Santa Clara, California

Abby is a 11 year old female Maltese Bichon-Frise mix. Abby is super sweet, friendly, intelligent, and loves scratches. She does well with kids, other dogs and cats. We are looking to rehome our beloved Abby because her owners (my parent in laws) are getting older and it is becoming too difficult to properly care for her.

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 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $750 Meet Silver: Your Non-Shedding, Couch-Loving Shadow Dog Silver is a 3 year old, 17-pound Maltipoo with a soft, non-shedding coat and a sweet personality that makes him instantly lovable. He’s the definition of a gentle companion dog: affectionate, mellow, and happiest when he’s close to his person. If you’re looking for a calm little best friend who will follow you around like you’re the most important celebrity in the house, Silver is your guy. Silver is an easy dog to love because he makes it easy to love him. He adores attention, leans into affection, and gives enthusiastic kisses (his adorable overbite makes them even cuter). He bonds quickly and deeply, and once you’re “his person,” he takes the job seriously. Expect a loyal sidekick who will happily accompany you from room to room just to stay connected. Silver starts his day around 6:30 a.m., waking with the sun and checking in to see where his person is. If you’re still asleep, he may pace a little or softly whine, but he will eventually settle back down. Once you’re up, he heads outside for a potty break, enjoys breakfast, and then loves a 20–30 minute walk. Silver is a dream on leash. He stays close, doesn’t pull, and seems genuinely content just strolling along beside you. During the day, Silver is a professional lounger. He’s happiest relaxing on the couch or in an armchair, quietly hanging out and soaking up the calm. He doesn’t require a ton of exercise and is perfectly suited for someone who wants a peaceful companion rather than a high-energy dog. Dinner is around 6 p.m., followed by another evening walk. After that, Silver’s ideal night involves curling up on the couch near his person and enjoying a cozy evening. Bedtime is around 10 p.m., and while he needed a little time to adjust to a nighttime routine, he has made great progress and now typically settles after a brief complaint. Silver is friendly with other dogs but not especially playful. He mostly coexists peacefully with his foster’s dog and tends to focus more on people than toys. On walks, he may approach other dogs cautiously at first, but once he realizes they’re friendly, he’s happy to greet them. Silver is still working on housetraining, so his future home will need to continue consistent potty breaks and gentle reinforcement. He is generally a quiet dog and does not bark at visitors or random noises, though he may bark or whine when anxious or separated. When nervous, he may grab harmless items like dish towels or paper napkins and carry them around, but he is not destructive and does not chew furniture. Silver came to DPS from the shelter in rough shape and clearly hadn’t been cared for properly. After being groomed by one of our amazing volunteer groomers, his transformation was incredible. Underneath it all was a beautiful little dog with an even sweeter heart, and he has done nothing but show how loving and resilient he is. Silver would thrive in a home that appreciates a mellow, affectionate dog who wants companionship, closeness, and a predictable routine. He is a true “Velcro dog” in the best way, and his favorite place is wherever you are. If you’re looking for a soft, snuggly, low-key companion with a big heart and a non-shedding coat, Silver may be your perfect match.February 12, 2026, 1:22 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 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   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 5 year old 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 12, 2026, 1:22 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 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $750 Meet Gnome!   Gnome is a 5–6 year old, 6 lb. Maltese mix with a non-shedding coat who weighs a dainty 6 pounds— and somehow manages to pack a truly wonderful personality into that tiny frame. He was rescued as a stray from a shelter and charmed everyone immediately with his calm, affectionate nature. When he arrived at DPS, his teeth were in rough shape, so he received a much-needed dental and is now feeling great and thriving. He’s healthy, comfortable, and very ready to enjoy the good life.   Daily Life & Routine Gnome starts his mornings around 7 a.m. with a potty break, then takes a thoughtful approach to breakfast—sometimes he’s eager to eat, and other days he decides a little more sleep is the better option. He’s an elite-level napper and a fantastic companion during the day, quietly hanging out in the same room as his person or curled up beside them soaking up pets and belly rubs.   Midday is his favorite time, because that’s when the leash comes out. Gnome lights up for walks and happily keeps pace on slow, scenic routes, even managing an impressive one-hour walk alongside a much larger dog. Dinner is usually around 5 p.m. (kibble with a little sprinkle of “dinner dust”), followed by a relaxed evening of cuddling. At bedtime, he goes into his crate around 10 p.m. without complaint and sleeps soundly through the night— though he would gladly trade the crate for a dog bed, cozy chair, or a spot on the human bed if given the chance.   Personality at Home Gnome is an affectionate, people-focused little dog who truly enjoys being near his person. He’ll follow you from room to room, quietly supervising and occasionally checking in for pets or a belly rub. He’s not interested in toys and prefers human connection over dog playtime, though he's fine coexisting with other dogs. Once he bonds, he shows his love through sweet little kisses that make it very clear he’s chosen you as his person.   He has excellent house manners— no chewing, no destructive behaviors, and a peaceful presence in the home. True to his name, Gnome has a signature move: he loves being gently scooped up and perched on a shoulder, his “mountain,” where he settles instantly and surveys the world from his favorite vantage point. Watching his happy little scamper across the yard or down the sidewalk is guaranteed to make you smile.   On Walks Gnome is clearly familiar with leash walking and enjoys taking the lead, pulling lightly as he moves from one fascinating scent to the next. A front-attach harness works well for him. He’s not reactive to people, dogs, or critters and greets other dogs politely, regardless of their size. Walks are a highlight of his day, and he approaches them with enthusiasm and confidence.   House Training Gnome is mostly housetrained and does his marking outside, both in the yard and on walks. As with many tiny dogs, his bladder is small, so it’s important to be mindful of his size and give him regular potty opportunities.   Things to Know When new visitors arrive and his trusted human isn’t present, Gnome takes his role as a tiny watchdog seriously and will bark until reassured. Once a familiar person picks him up and shows him everything is okay— often with a quick trip to his shoulder perch— he settles beautifully and relaxes. This simple routine works consistently and helps him feel secure.   He’s very food-motivated and enjoys his meals with a little topper. He is also an expert at quietly begging for human food, and once he’s had a taste of something especially good (cheddar cheese, for example), he may briefly protest his kibble in hopes of an upgrade. He's no dummy!   Ideal Home Gnome would do best with someone who enjoys close companionship and appreciates a dog who likes to stay connected with their person. He thrives on reassurance, gentle routines, and understanding introductions to new situations. With his calm energy at home, love of leisurely walks, and affectionate nature, he could be a wonderful fit for many different households— as long as there’s a cozy place to lounge and a human who values a devoted, gentle companion.   Gnome is a sweet, easygoing little dog with a big heart. He’s a peaceful housemate, a loyal sidekick, and a surprisingly enthusiastic walking buddy. At the end of the day, he’s happiest curled up beside his person, content just to be near— and if you’re lucky, you’ll earn a few tiny kisses from his favorite mountain perch.February 12, 2026, 1:22 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 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $600 Shakespeare is an 8-10 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 12, 2026, 4:36 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 21st from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/.   Adoption fee: $700 Bob's adopter will receive 6 months of Bob's medications and food free of cost, thanks to a generous donor! 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 13, 2026, 10:52 am