Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
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.Adoption fee: $700 Meet Shasta 3 years old | 13 lbs | Terrier mix When we rescued Shasta from the shelter, she was so overwhelmed that she was essentially frozen with fear. In her first foster home, she spent the initial 24 hours tucked under the bed, quietly watching the world from a safe distance. But once she realized she was safe, her personality began to peek through— so much so that she discovered she loved playtime and had far more energy than the senior dog in the home was prepared for. That earned her a move to a second foster home, where she’s been absolutely blossoming ever since. Shasta is still a naturally timid girl, but she’s also a gentle people-pleaser who wants very much to do the “right” thing. Her days usually start around 7 a.m. with a potty break. She’s not a fan of cold or wet weather and prefers moral support while she’s outside, but with a little patience she’ll get the job done. After breakfast, she likes to check in on the kids to see who’s awake, then settle in next to her foster mom on the couch while coffee happens. Couch time is one of Shasta’s greatest joys, especially if there’s a soft blanket involved. During the day, she entertains herself with chew toys, which help her work out energy and boredom. In the afternoon, she goes for a short leash walk. She’s willing and curious at first, but unfamiliar sights, people, or vehicles can make her nervous, and she may try to retreat when she’s scared. She’s not reactive or barky on walks—just unsure— and each day of gentle exposure helps build her confidence. By evening, she enjoys her second meal around 5:30 p.m. and is generally calm and low-key, ready to relax and snuggle. Personality-wise, Shasta is a wonderful mix of sweet, sensitive, and quietly playful. Her first couple of days in foster were spent carefully observing from a distance, inching closer once everyone had settled. Soon after, she began curling up near laps for comfort. By day three, she was wagging her tail when familiar people entered the room. By day four, her frisky side emerged— tiny excited barks when she wanted to play or when someone new appeared, and brief bursts of toy play that showed off her growing confidence. She loves to cuddle and would happily spend most of her life on the couch if allowed, but she’s not a constant shadow and doesn’t feel the need to follow her people from room to room. Shasta does well with kids and gravitates toward calm companionship. She enjoys hanging out with preteen girls during craft time and will quietly sit with a five-year-old while Paw Patrol is on. She has also lived peacefully with cats and is very interested in them, politely checking to see if they might want to play— then backing off when they decline. She previously lived with small dogs and did very well, and she may become even more playful in a home with another friendly small dog. Housetraining is still a work in progress. Shasta needs encouragement to go outside every 3–4 hours and benefits from someone staying with her long enough to make sure she fully goes. She hasn’t shown destructive behaviors and sticks to appropriate chew toys, especially when they’re readily available. Shasta would thrive in a calm, patient home that understands shy dogs and celebrates small wins. A laid-back family, a young professional, or a quieter household where she can build confidence at her own pace would suit her beautifully. She enjoys companionship and seeks comfort from people or other small animals, and she does best with consistency, reassurance, and gentle encouragement. What truly sets Shasta apart is how easy she is to love. She’s low maintenance, incredibly cute, and offers the perfect balance of affection and independence. She’s there when you need a little emotional support, curls up close when the world feels big, and rewards patience with quiet devotion. And as a bonus, her sweet face and expressions strongly resemble a tiny Benji—which somehow makes her even harder to resist. Shasta is proof that even the most frightened dogs can bloom into something truly special with kindness, time, and love.January 1, 2026, 5:54 pm
