Maltese puppies and dogs in Scotts Valley, California

Looks like: Shih Tzu, Maltese mix Female, 10 years old (estimated), 20 pounds Bumper Car is just the perfect blend of sweet and spunky! Bumper Car may be blind, but she sees the world with her heart- and what a big, beautiful heart it is. Whether she's following the sound of your voice or curling up beside you for snuggles, Bumper Car is all about connection. Despite her vision loss, she's a confident little navigator who quickly learns her surroundings. Her sense of smell and hearing are top-notch, and she uses them like a pro to explore, adapt, and find her favorite cozy spots. She gets along beautifully with other dogs and cats, and her gentle energy makes her a joy to be around. If you're looking for a lovable sidekick who will warm your heart, make you laugh, and remind you daily that joy has no limits -Bumper Car is your girl. Bumper Car came to us from the Sacramento Animal Shelter after being found as a stray, but you'd never guess her past by her joyful spirit. She's already left the shelter life in her past and is ready to settle into a forever home where she'll be cherished for the sweet little treasure she is.

Looks like: Maltipoo Female, 14 years old (estimated), 16 pounds True to her name, this gentle lady radiates warmth wherever she goes. Sunshine Sophie is a lovely senior gal with a heart as golden as her curls and a calm, peaceful presence that makes everyone around her take a deep, happy sigh. She is a total sweetheart with people- affectionate, patient, and endlessly loving. Sophie adores spending quiet time with her humans, soaking up gentle pets, or curling up beside you for a cozy nap. She is also a social butterfly with other dogs and would love a friendly canine companion to share her golden years with. Her one tiny request? A cat free home, please. Felines just aren't her cup of tea (she politely says "no thank you" to whiskers and meows). If you are looking for a serene, loving soul to bring calm joy and sunshine into your days, Sunshine Sophie is ready to brighten your world. Sunshine Sophie joins us after her loving family decided she deserved a mellow life where she can be with her people all the time.

Looks like: Maltese Female, 13 years old (estimated), 13 pounds Meet Rita, a sweet senior lady with a heart full of love and a calm, easygoing charm. She is the kind of companion who enjoys quiet snuggles, gentle strolls, and simply being by your side. Rita's golden years are ready to be filled with warmth, patience, and plenty of cozy moments with her forever family. She may be seasoned, but she's got endless love to give! Rita joined POMDR after her guardian moved to assisted living and needed help finding Rita's next forever home.

Looks like: Shih Tzu Male, 7 years old (estimated), 17 pounds Ready to add some zing to your life? Meet Hot Sauce! This spunky little guy is just as much fun as his name. With his fabulous jagged grin and flowing locks, he struts around like he owns the block, and honestly, he probably does. Hot Sauce is the perfect mix of couch potato and nosy neighbor, always up for a reality TV binge, but equally committed to keeping tabs on every squirrel and delivery driver from his window post. A true foodie and belly rub connoisseur, he is also known for dramatic sighs if he thinks you are hogging the snacks. Hot Sauce had some issues with bladder stones upon intake but is doing so much better! He will need to stay on a special urinary diet for life to prevent future bladder stones. Hot Sauce came to us from a Sacramento shelter needing medical care, and now he is ready to live his best, most pampered life. Guess what? A secret admirer has already paid Hot Sauce's adoption fee! Now all he needs is a special someone to give him the loving home he deserves -- free of charge.

Buddy and Pocco are two loving male pets, ages 9 and 3 years old, with very gentle and affectionate personalities. Because I have a busy schedule, I am looking for a new home where they will receive the time, care, patience, and attention they deserve. They are sweet, playful, loyal, and wonderful companions who enjoy being around people. My hope is to find a safe, happy, and loving home where they will be treated as part of the family.

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, April 18th from 12-3 PM 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: $800 Meet Custard — A Gentle Little Survivor Learning That the World Can Be Kind   Custard is a 1–2 year old, 11-pound Maltipoo who came to DPS alongside five of her friends from a hoarding situation. When she first arrived, she was understandably shut down and unsure of the world around her. But with patience, kindness, and a steady routine in her foster home, Custard has made an incredible transformation. Watching her blossom from a timid, sleepy little dog into a curious, affectionate companion has been nothing short of heartwarming.   Today, Custard is a quiet, gentle soul who is learning new skills every day and discovering that life can be safe, predictable, and even fun. She may still be building confidence, but her progress has been remarkable— and her future family will get to continue that beautiful journey with her.   Daily Routine   Custard starts her day early, waking around 5:15 AM when her foster dad gets up for work. She sleeps comfortably either in her pen on her dog bed or on a quilt in the second bedroom (which doubles as a cozy office space).   After her foster dad leaves, Custard often uses her potty pad and then curls back up for a little more rest. A couple of hours later, when her foster mom wakes up, the day truly begins. Custard joins her for breakfast and then relaxes nearby—either in a chair in the living room or on her quilt in the office—while her person works.   She enjoys a daily walk around 11:00 AM, strolling a few blocks at a comfortable pace. In the afternoon, she rests quietly while her foster mom works, and in the evening they head out for another walk after dinner. At night, she settles back into her sleeping area and sleeps peacefully.   On weekends, Custard gets to experience new adventures—visiting pet-friendly stores, outdoor restaurants, and local outings. She rides beautifully in the car in her crate and seems to enjoy being included in family activities.   Personality: A Beautiful Transformation   When Custard first arrived, she was very quiet and withdrawn. She moved slowly, slept often, and seemed unsure how to interact with people or her surroundings. It was clear she had not had many positive experiences before.   Now, her personality is beginning to shine. She runs happily through the house, gets excited when her foster mom praises her, and greets familiar people with growing confidence. She may still be a bit cautious in new situations, but each week brings noticeable progress.   Custard is a gentle, independent companion who prefers to stay close to her person without needing constant attention. She enjoys curling up nearby and often seeks out cozy, elevated spots—like the top of the couch—where she can relax and observe the world.   One of her sweetest traits is how expressive she is. When she accomplishes something new—like using the potty pad or asking to go outside—she beams with pride when praised. You can almost see her confidence growing in real time.   Social Life   Custard currently lives in a home without other pets, but she has shown signs that she could adapt well to many types of households. She is gradually becoming more comfortable meeting new people and has made encouraging progress during outings to stores and public places.   She may feel nervous at first in unfamiliar environments, sometimes shaking briefly, but she warms up with gentle reassurance and patience. Each positive experience helps her build confidence.   She has not yet been tested with children or cats, but her calm, gentle nature suggests she could do well in a variety of homes with thoughtful introductions.   Energy Level   Custard is more of a lounger than a whirlwind. She enjoys her daily walks and outings, but she is happiest relaxing in a comfortable spot near her person. She has playful moments—especially when she’s feeling happy and safe—but overall she has a calm, easygoing energy that fits well into a relaxed household.   She is also quite clever. When it’s time for a walk, she steps right up onto a small stool and lifts her paws to help her foster mom put on her harness—a little routine that shows just how observant and cooperative she can be.   Leash Skills   Custard has made impressive progress on leash walking in a short amount of time. She walks politely beside her person without pulling and enjoys sniffing along the way. She doesn’t bark at other dogs or chase wildlife.   Because she can still startle easily, her adopter will need to hold the leash securely, but her confidence continues to grow with each walk.   Behavior Notes   Custard is a very gentle dog with minimal problem behaviors.   Chewing: None Digging: None Barking: Occasional soft, high-pitched bark when startled or uncertain   She is generally quiet, calm, and respectful in the home.     She is also still learning to feel fully comfortable around men. With patience, reassurance, and gentle exposure, she continues to make progress.   What Makes Custard Special   Custard’s journey from a hoarding situation to a loving foster home has revealed a deeply sweet, expressive little dog who simply needed time and kindness to come out of her shell. Even her groomer commented on how especially gentle and loving she is.   Her transformation is ongoing, and it’s a beautiful one to witness.   Favorite Thing   One of the most delightful things about Custard is her playful morning routine. When her foster mom starts making the bed, Custard suddenly springs into action—zooming over, hopping onto the bed, and insisting on belly rubs before the chore can continue. She interrupts again and again, tail wagging, determined to turn a simple task into a moment of fun.   It’s a small, joyful ritual that perfectly captures who Custard is becoming: a happy little dog who is learning how to enjoy life.  April 17, 2026, 8:53 pm