Miniature Poodle puppies and dogs in Menlo Park, 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, 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: $650 Alf is a 1–2 year old Miniature Poodle-Shih Tzu mix weighing around 20 lbs, with a low-shedding (but not 100% non-shedding) coat and a huge, joyful personality. From the moment he arrived in foster care, Alf made it clear that he loves people and life itself. He greets the world like an old friend and brings a lot of humor, affection, and enthusiasm wherever he goes.   Alf thrives on a predictable daily routine. His day starts around 7:30am, when he comes out of his crate and heads straight to the backyard. He eats breakfast at 8am and then heads out for a walk. Depending on the day, that walk might be a quick neighborhood loop or a full-on adventure. Alf is equally happy with a short stroll or a six-mile hike. When he’s not outside with his people, he relaxes at home with access to a doggy door, happily moving between the house and yard. Dinner is at 7:30pm, and by 9pm he heads to his crate for the night, something he’s doing more and more voluntarily as he grows comfortable with it.   Personality-wise, Alf is an absolute goofball. He is friendly, outgoing, and confident with people, and showed zero shyness when meeting his foster family for the first time. He greeted everyone, an older resident dog, two kids, and adults, with openness and enthusiasm. Alf is affectionate and cuddly, loves kisses, and follows his people around with constant curiosity, eager to be part of whatever is happening. He enjoys playtime, especially tug-of-war, but he’s polite about it and won’t pester you to engage. You have to volunteer. He’s smart, learns quickly, and responds well to household rules. He’s energetic, inquisitive, and genuinely funny, with a personality that makes people smile without even trying. Alf can be a little sensitive at times, so it’s important his future family understands that. He may be vocal when he hears unfamiliar sounds like deliveries, squirrels, neighbor dogs, or anything that feels new or unexpected, but with calm redirection he settles fairly quickly. On leash, he can become overexcited or overwhelmed when he sees other animals, but he’s already made noticeable progress in a short amount of time and is very responsive to training. His behavior seems rooted in insecurity and uncertainty, not aggression, and with consistent guidance, reassurance, and positive reinforcement, Alf has excellent potential to continue gaining confidence.   In his foster home, Alf lives with a 12-year-old corgi mix and has had no conflicts at all. He learned quickly how to walk politely on a double leash, giving his canine companion space and adjusting his pace. Alf is also wonderful with children. He lives with a 9 and 4-year-old and handles their noise, movement, and excitement beautifully. He keeps a safe distance when needed but clearly wants to be included, and he tolerates petting, brushing, being picked up, and plenty of kid kisses with ease.   Alf is an energetic dog who is up for almost any activity whether it's walks, hikes, car rides, runs, or playtime. While he isn’t interested in balls, he loves tug-of-war and interactive engagement. When it’s time to settle, he’s happy to curl up in a lap during work time or while listening to bedtime stories.   He is housetrained and uses the doggy door well, though accidents can happen if access to the yard is closed. He initially found the crate frightening, but with patience and training, that has completely changed, and he now goes into his crate calmly at night with no issues. He shows his adaptability. Alf does not chew, dig, or destroy items, but he does bark occasionally at noises and passersby, which will benefit from continued training and confidence-building.   Alf’s ideal home is one where he is deeply loved and where his people are committed to helping him feel safe and secure in the world. He would do well with someone who has dog experience or is comfortable with training and behavior work. Whether with a single person or a family, with or without another dog, Alf will thrive with consistency, guidance, and affection.   What truly sets Alf apart is his heart. He may not be the flashiest dog at first glance, but he is incredibly charming, flexible, cheerful, and smart. He loves life intensely and wants nothing more than to share it with people who will love it alongside him. Alf is curious about everything, follows his humans everywhere, and happily sticks his nose into whatever is going on—because life is just too interesting to miss.February 15, 2026, 12:38 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: $700 Horseshoe and Wishbone are two of the “8 in a Crate,” 10–12 week old Poodle mix puppies who have been fostered together as they’ve begun learning that the world can be safe and kind. Though they have Poodle in their mix, as evidenced by their curly coats, they do shed. What truly defines them, however, is their sweetness, sensitivity, and enormous capacity for love.   While they have grown up side by side in foster and absolutely enjoy playing and napping together, they will be adopted separately. Each puppy must go to a home with a confident, friendly resident dog to help show them the ropes and continue building their confidence. Having a steady canine role model is essential for both of them.   Horseshoe is the natural leader. He tends to try new things first and is slightly more food-motivated (though both are light eaters overall). Wishbone is just a step behind but equally affectionate and eager to connect. They are both shy at first and can be easily startled, but their desire for love is unmistakable.   Neither puppy runs right up to greet you, but the moment you pick them up, everything softens. They melt into your arms. They lean into your chest. They look directly into your eyes and relax fully under gentle hands. They truly love being held and petted. They are especially comfortable with children— often preferring kids over tall adults, who can feel a little intimidating. With calm voices and slow movements, they blossom.   They are playful without being wild. They love to chew (very much in their teething phase) and enjoy tug-of-war and interactive toys. They romp happily, bark very little, and then settle in for long naps. They sleep through the night, eat free-choice, drink plenty of water, and are already doing quite well with potty training. Outdoors, they enjoy exploring and sniffing around, but they naturally circle back to stay close to their people.   Because of their early experiences, transitions may be hard at first. When they move to their forever homes, it is very likely they will feel overwhelmed and may seem timid again in those first days. They will need patient adopters who understand that trust takes time. Positive reinforcement is absolutely essential- they respond to gentleness, consistency, and love. When they feel safe, they attach deeply and become incredibly loyal companions.   What stands out most about both Horseshoe and Wishbone is how much they want to please. They are not aloof. They are not independent wanderers. They want to be near you. They want reassurance. They want connection. With a confident resident dog to guide them and a family committed to kindness and positive structure, each of these puppies will grow into a devoted, affectionate family member.   They may start out shy— but in the right home, with the right canine mentor, they will absolutely thrive.February 16, 2026, 5:04 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 Lucky’s story began with heartbreak, but her future is all about good fortune.   This 10–12 month old, 11 lb Poodle mix was one of the “8 in a crate” — eight small dogs abandoned together and left behind. While that chapter was anything but lucky, being rescued was the turning point that changed everything for this gentle little girl.   In her foster home, Lucky is settling into a routine that suits her perfectly. She sleeps quietly in her crate at night in her foster’s bedroom, waking around 7–7:30am when her people wake up. She heads straight outside to potty, enjoys her breakfast, and then goes out again before starting her day. From there, she spends her mornings following her foster around the house or napping on the couch beside the resident dog. In the evening, she has dinner around 5:30pm, another potty break, and one last trip outside before bedtime around 10–10:30pm. When kept on a consistent schedule, she’s been doing very well with house training and continues to improve.   Lucky has a quietly observant spirit. When she first arrived, she was completely shut down — too frightened to move, freezing in the yard, searching for corners to hide. With patience and time, she has started to show her true self. She’s incredibly curious and always wants to know what everyone is doing. She’ll hover nearby, checking in from a safe distance, watching the world with wide, thoughtful eyes. If you call her name, she will come — a small but meaningful act of trust that feels like striking gold.   Her crate is her safe haven. She chooses to retreat there when she feels unsure, and it gives her comfort. At night, as long as someone is in the room, she rests peacefully. During the day, she prefers the freedom to go in and out of it on her own terms. She’s not destructive, has no interest in chewing or digging, and rarely barks — only occasionally chiming in to support her foster brother if he sounds the alarm.   One of Lucky’s greatest blessings has been the presence of her foster’s small dog. She adores him. She follows him, naps beside him, and takes her cues from him. His calm confidence has helped her feel braver in the backyard and more secure in daily life. It’s clear that another friendly, outgoing dog will be her lucky charm in a forever home. She gains confidence from canine companionship and truly blossoms with a buddy by her side. She’s not ready for leash walks yet — the leash is still scary — but she happily joins neighborhood strolls in a dog stroller, taking in the sights from the safety of her carriage. Each day, she grows a little braver.   Lucky’s future will be brightest with a patient, experienced adopter who understands that trust is built over time. She is still skittish and startles easily. She needs a calm home without young children, and a secure environment is a must. Most of all, she needs someone willing to let her move at her own pace, to celebrate the small wins, and to understand that the most meaningful bonds are sometimes the ones that take a little time to grow. Finally, Lucky will thrive with a doggy buddy in her forever home to show her the ropes.   For the right person, bringing Lucky home won’t just feel like good fortune — it will feel like winning the jackpot.February 15, 2026, 11:02 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: $700 Ladybug may have come to DPS as one of the “8 in a Crate,” but today she is blossoming into a joyful, affectionate little puppy who is discovering just how wonderful life can be.   At just 10–12 weeks old and 6.5 lbs, this petite Poodle mix (whose coat is definitely curly but also does shed) has already settled into a sweet daily rhythm in her foster home. Her day starts bright and early around 6:30 a.m. with a potty break and some playful energy, followed by an 8:00 a.m. nap and more playtime around 9:00. Food is available to her throughout the day, and she heads outside about every hour or so to practice her potty skills (though, like most young puppies, she doesn’t always go every time). During the day she spends time in a large pen or relaxing in the living room with her foster family, and at night she sleeps in a crate in her foster sister’s room. She may cry for about five minutes when first crated, but she settles beautifully and sleeps mostly through the night. If she wakes, she does so quietly. She rarely has accidents in her crate and has clearly learned that her sleeping spots are not for pottying.   When Ladybug first arrived, she was understandably nervous. On her first day, she pressed herself against the back of her crate and would retreat there if someone approached. She explored her pen cautiously but kept her distance. Then came day two— and everything began to change. She met the resident 22-pound male dog and wagged her tail for the first time. She watched him confidently interact with the family, especially when he enthusiastically licked their faces. Before long, Ladybug gathered her courage, toddled over, and butted her way in to offer kisses of her own. That was her first voluntary interaction with her foster family, and it marked the beginning of her transformation.   Now, she greets her people with a wagging tail. She still does an adorable “bunny hop” backward if someone stands up quickly or makes a big movement, but she recovers almost immediately and clearly feels safe and comfortable. Once she decides you’re her person, she prefers to be in your lap whenever she’s not busy playing. She will hop right up to chew a toy, curl into a soft blanket, or simply nap against you. If you move from room to room, she follows along behind, happy to stay close.   Ladybug absolutely adores the resident dog. She goes wherever he goes, watching him carefully and learning from him. While he’s not especially interested in playing, she is respectful and doesn’t pester him. Instead, she observes. If he starts playing with a toy, her excitement bubbles over and she’ll burst into joyful zoomies, racing in circles around the room or chasing after him. It’s remarkable how quickly she learns just by watching him. A confident canine companion would be a tremendous gift to her in her forever home.   Though she sleeps more than she plays (as growing puppies do), when she’s awake and engaged, she’s full of spirited energy— running, hopping, and bouncing with enthusiasm. She’s also impressively confident with her environment. Despite her small size, she easily jumps on and off the couch without fear. She happily navigates carpet, hardwood floors, cold concrete, backyard dirt, and different heights without hesitation. Outside, she enjoys sitting quietly and listening to the birds, taking in the world around her.   She has only barked once— on her very first day— when startled by a sudden movement. Otherwise, she’s a quiet little observer. If left alone in a room, she may cry softly. She simply prefers company. She loves to chew on toys (as any teething puppy does) and may briefly mouth clothing, but she’s easily redirected with a wiggling toy and quickly loses interest in anything she shouldn’t have.   Ladybug is comfortable with her foster family, including a 14-year-old child. She has been on leash in the backyard and generally follows the direction of the leash, though she sometimes pulls in her eagerness to explore.   What truly sets Ladybug apart is the visible growth in her confidence. It is incredibly rewarding to watch her choose connection over fear, to see her tail wag instead of tuck, and to feel her climb into your lap because she knows she is safe. Once she trusts you, she doesn’t want to leave your side.   Ladybug’s ideal home would be one that enjoys affection and is ready to give a young puppy the interaction and reassurance she thrives on. Another friendly dog will be key in continuing her journey, as canine companionship has already helped her blossom so quickly.   From a timid little puppy pressed against the back of a crate to a lap-loving, tail-wagging companion, Ladybug is living proof that with patience and kindness, even the smallest “bug” can bloom.February 16, 2026, 5:26 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.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   Horseshoe and Wishbone are two of the “8 in a Crate,” 10–12 week old Poodle mix puppies who have been fostered together as they’ve begun learning that the world can be safe and kind. Though they have Poodle in their mix, as evidenced by their curly coats, they do shed. What truly defines them, however, is their sweetness, sensitivity, and enormous capacity for love.       While they have grown up side by side in foster and absolutely enjoy playing and napping together, they will be adopted separately. Each puppy must go to a home with a confident, friendly resident dog to help show them the ropes and continue building their confidence. Having a steady canine role model is essential for both of them.       Horseshoe is the natural leader. He tends to try new things first and is slightly more food-motivated (though both are light eaters overall). Wishbone is just a step behind but equally affectionate and eager to connect. They are both shy at first and can be easily startled, but their desire for love is unmistakable.       Neither puppy runs right up to greet you, but the moment you pick them up, everything softens. They melt into your arms. They lean into your chest. They look directly into your eyes and relax fully under gentle hands. They truly love being held and petted. They are especially comfortable with children— often preferring kids over tall adults, who can feel a little intimidating. With calm voices and slow movements, they blossom.       They are playful without being wild. They love to chew (very much in their teething phase) and enjoy tug-of-war and interactive toys. They romp happily, bark very little, and then settle in for long naps. They sleep through the night, eat free-choice, drink plenty of water, and are already doing quite well with potty training. Outdoors, they enjoy exploring and sniffing around, but they naturally circle back to stay close to their people.       Because of their early experiences, transitions may be hard at first. When they move to their forever homes, it is very likely they will feel overwhelmed and may seem timid again in those first days. They will need patient adopters who understand that trust takes time. Positive reinforcement is absolutely essential- they respond to gentleness, consistency, and love. When they feel safe, they attach deeply and become incredibly loyal companions.       What stands out most about both Horseshoe and Wishbone is how much they want to please. They are not aloof. They are not independent wanderers. They want to be near you. They want reassurance. They want connection. With a confident resident dog to guide them and a family committed to kindness and positive structure, each of these puppies will grow into a devoted, affectionate family member.       They may start out shy— but in the right home, with the right canine mentor, they will absolutely thrive.February 16, 2026, 5:04 pm

If you’re looking for a sweet, loyal, poodle mix love bug, Boomer's your guy. He’s about 4 years old, 24 pounds, and full of personality with a touch of mischief. I rescued him from a shelter after he was found as a stray, and he has been blossoming in a home environment. He loves walks; running around the backyard; riding in the car; and lounging in a front window so he can “supervise” the neighborhood and announce visitors. Boomer is a flirt—he typically walks up to people to say hi and waits politely for pets. He approaches most other dogs with his tail wagging. Is crate-trained; house-trained with regular walks/yard time (needs guidance in other homes); and knows multiple commands. Can be playfully mouthy but has improved with direction. Not a fan of vets or groomers so needs calming medication until he can build trust (fine with me bathing/trimming him). I sadly need to rehome him due to my medical situation. I think he would do best with active adult(s) and no small children.