Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
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: $650 Meet Rice-a-Roni, a 1–2 year old, 13-pound Spaniel mix who came to DPS from the shelter and has proven himself to be one resilient, affectionate little companion. Sweet, gentle, and endlessly loving, Rice-a-Roni is the kind of dog who forms deep bonds with his people and simply wants to be near them, soaking up pets and giving kisses in return. Rice-a-Roni starts his day around 7 a.m., when he heads out for his morning walk before enjoying breakfast around 8. After that, he settles into the rhythm of the day, happily relaxing while his foster goes about their routine. He typically enjoys another walk around midday after lunch, a stroll before dinner (usually between 5 and 6 p.m.), and one final outing before bedtime. Between walks, he’s content to lounge nearby, often choosing a cozy spot on the sofa or settling into a bed near his foster’s desk while they work. He’s wonderfully calm during the day and can nap quietly for hours, perfectly happy just knowing his person is nearby. Rice-a-Roni’s personality is especially remarkable because of what he went through when he first arrived in foster care. In the beginning he was quiet and very subdued, which his foster discovered was because he was suffering from a large abscess that required veterinary care and ultimately a trip to the emergency vet. Even while he was in significant discomfort, Rice-a-Roni never lost his gentle spirit. He still leaned in for pets, offered kisses, and sought comfort from his people. His resilience and sweetness left a huge impression on everyone who met him. Now that he’s healed and feeling much better, Rice-a-Roni’s true personality has begun to shine. He is incredibly affectionate and loves cuddling up next to his people. If you enjoy a dog who gives kisses and appreciates belly rubs, he will happily fill that role. At first he tended to follow his foster closely from room to room, but as his confidence grew he learned to relax more independently, happily napping on the couch or lounging by a sunny window. Still, he enjoys being near his people and likes to keep them in sight. Rice-a-Roni has a wonderfully calm, easygoing energy. He’s playful but not overly energetic, making him a great match for someone who wants a companion without the nonstop demands of a young puppy. He enjoys walks and exploring the neighborhood, but he doesn’t require long or intense exercise sessions. Instead, he’s happiest simply spending time with his people and enjoying the little things in life. On walks, Rice-a-Roni is an absolute pleasure. He doesn’t pull on the leash and moves along at a relaxed pace, though he does love to stop and sniff everything—especially when exploring new areas. He rarely reacts to passing dogs or people, but he will sometimes pause to watch them with curiosity. He seems interested in making dog friends and may eventually enjoy playing once he figures out how, but for now he’s simply polite and gentle when meeting other dogs. Although his foster doesn’t currently have another dog, Rice-a-Roni regularly encounters neighborhood dogs and handles those interactions beautifully. He has never barked, lunged, or shown aggression— just curiosity and a friendly attitude. In fact, his foster isn’t even sure what his bark sounds like, because he’s such a quiet and polite little guy. Rice-a-Roni is doing very well with his house training. With his current routine of regular walks, he consistently goes to the bathroom outside and has had no accidents in the home. He hasn’t marked indoors and seems very trainable and eager to maintain good habits. He is also comfortable in a crate and will go there to sleep when needed. His foster has even left him for up to seven hours during the day without any issues. One thing that really stands out about Rice-a-Roni is how deeply he loves people. While some dogs are obsessed with toys, Rice-a-Roni seems far more interested in human connection. Pets, belly rubs, and cuddles are his favorite rewards. If you sit on the couch, he’ll happily settle in beside you. If you’re working nearby, he’ll quietly nap close by. He truly enjoys companionship and thrives when he knows his people are around. His foster’s favorite story about him perfectly captures his personality. After his surgery, Rice-a-Roni managed to chew through his protective e-collar piece by piece. By the time his foster returned home later that day, the collar looked like Swiss cheese. Despite this impressive handiwork, he never bothered his surgical site and behaved perfectly. It seemed like his biggest concern was making sure nothing got in the way of his walks— or his opportunities to deliver kisses. What truly makes Rice-a-Roni special is his gentle heart and remarkable resilience. Even when he was in pain, he showed nothing but affection and trust. Now that he’s healthy and happy, he’s ready to share that love fully with a forever family. With his sweet nature, calm energy, and endless supply of kisses, Rice-a-Roni is the kind of dog who quietly but completely steals your heart.March 9, 2026, 4:22 pm
