Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
* To be considered for a meet/adoption, please read the full biography to see whether they may be a good fit for your home, then submit an online application at www.dpsrescue.org. All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption. Adoption fee: $650 Meet Alfalfa: The Gentle Snuggler with the Big Heart Alfalfa is an option for foster-to-adopt! Alfalfa is a 1–2 year old Terrier mix weighing about 22 pounds, though his petite frame and soulful expression make him look even smaller. He’s the kind of dog who quietly wins you over — sweet, mellow, and incredibly loving. Watching him settle into home life has been a joy, and now that he’s comfortable, his affectionate personality truly shines. His Daily Routine Alfalfa starts his mornings on a relaxed note. While the kids in the home wake up around 6:30 a.m., he’s perfectly content to snooze a little longer and greet the day around 7:30. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. — one of his favorite moments, as he is definitely a fan of mealtime! After eating, he enjoys heading outside through the doggy door to take care of business and get some fresh air. Dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by a walk at 7 p.m., which he absolutely loves. By 9 p.m., he’s ready to settle in for the best part of the evening: cozy sofa time and sleepy TV snuggles with his people. From Sad Arrival to Happy Companion When Alfalfa first arrived, his heart seemed a little heavy. He spent his first day quietly whining and resting his face on the floor, as if searching for someone he missed. He showed little interest in playing or interacting and seemed unsure of his new surroundings. Perhaps he had an owner and was missing them? We'll never know. If only dogs could talk... But what a transformation we’ve seen since then. Today, Alfalfa is a happy, affectionate companion who actively seeks out love and connection. He’s a true snuggler — the kind of dog who will gently rest his head on your shoulder during quiet moments. When his foster was feeling under the weather and napping on the sofa, Alfalfa curled right up beside her, offering comfort without being asked. He has a soft, loving way about him that makes people feel special. During the day, he’s content to snooze in whichever room his people are in, keeping quiet company. He’s not overly demanding, but he enjoys being near the action and part of the household rhythm. Play Style and Personality Alfalfa has a lovely balance of calm and playful energy. He isn’t hyper or high-maintenance, but he does enjoy bursts of fun — especially a gentle game of tug or playtime with soft toys. He’s wonderfully gentle with his mouth and toys, and while he’s still figuring out the joy of chasing thrown balls, he happily engages in play when invited. After about ten days in his foster home, he began play-wrestling with the resident Scottish Terrier, and it’s been delightful to watch his confidence grow. It truly feels like he’s still discovering how to be a dog, and every new milestone is exciting. Friends, Dogs, Cats and Kids Alfalfa lives with a Scottish Terrier and the two get along beautifully. They share toys, coexist peacefully, and even enjoy treat time together with minimal fuss. He has also been friendly and gentle with visiting children ranging from ages 10 to 18, showing patience and kindness with everyone he meets. While he does not live with a cat, he met one recently and after a few minutes was able to approach politely, touch noses, and then walk away, suggesting he may be an option for a home with cats. Walks and Manners Walks are one of Alfalfa’s favorite activities, and he heads out with enthusiasm. On leash, he may grumble or bark when passing other dogs (and occasionally when passing people). He currently lives in a quiet neighborhood and that suits him well; he's not a city-life type of dog and prefers quieter areas for his walks. Overall, he walks nicely and enjoys exploring the neighborhood at a comfortable pace. House Training and Home Habits Alfalfa is housetrained in his foster home (though he may take a few days to adjust to a new place and new routine) and has mastered the doggy door like a pro. He originally learned to signal by scratching and even started to understand a bell before figuring out the door system on his own. He sleeps calmly in an x-pen in the bedroom at night and settles easily without whining. He was briefly crate-trained when he first arrived and handled it well. He does not chew, dig, or destroy household items, and his barking is appropriate — typically alerting to deliveries or activity near the door. The Home That Will Make Him Shine Alfalfa has epilepsy. He has only had two seizures over several months and both were triggered by stress, so the vet has recommended that he avoid stressful situations (such as large crowds). At this time he does not require any medication. Alfalfa would thrive in a home where he can enjoy companionship, daily walks, and plenty of cozy downtime. He’d be happy with a family or a single person who appreciates a gentle, affectionate dog and enjoys quiet moments together. He doesn’t need constant activity — just love, routine, and a comfy spot nearby. Why You’ll Love Alfalfa Alfalfa is truly a sweetheart. He has an unusually expressive face, a soft gaze, and a tender way of connecting with people. He sheds very little day-to-day, plays gently, and carries himself with a calm, loving presence. Most of all, he has blossomed into a happy dog who simply wants to share his heart. Favorite Thing About Him He’s just a keeper — sweet, mellow, and full of quiet love. The way he looks at you during peaceful moments makes it very hard not to fall completely in love. July 25, 2026, 2:00 am
