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
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: $600 Paperback is a 4 year old, 9 lb Yorkie mix who is quietly rewriting his story one small, brave step at a time. Rescued from the shelter, Paperback came into foster care shy and unsure, but beneath that cautious exterior is a truly gentle soul who is learning that the world — and the people in it — can be kind. Paperback’s days follow a comforting routine that helps him feel secure. He wakes up around 7:00 a.m. and heads into the backyard for a quick potty break, then settles onto his favorite bed to calmly observe the morning activities around him. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., followed by a few hours of napping. Later in the day, he enjoys spending time in the yard, where he likes to sunbathe and occasionally sniff around. His afternoons include more rest, short training sessions, and quiet companionship. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. (he can be a little picky and may skip a meal now and then), and by 9:00 p.m. he’s happily curled up on his favorite bed next to his people for the night. When Paperback first arrived, he was trembling and frozen with fear, unsure of what was expected of him. Rather than fleeing, he would quietly stay in place, hoping for gentleness — and that gentleness has made all the difference. In just a week, he has shown beautiful progress. He has learned that treats, soft voices, gentle pets, and slow movements are good things. He now approaches when a hand is offered, carefully but willingly, and has even begun to enjoy very soft, gentle snuggles. One of his sweetest habits is coming over to sniff feet when someone is sitting nearby, a quiet way of saying he wants to connect. Paperback is a thoughtful observer and a willing learner. He loves treats and is motivated by them, which has helped him engage in training even when he feels unsure. While he isn’t a Velcro dog, he does enjoy knowing where his people are and may softly whine for a few seconds if someone leaves the room. He is content spending time relaxing on his bed or in the yard, and his most energetic moments come when treats are tossed and he happily trots off to collect them. He currently lives with a small, confident resident dog and has been learning by watching him. Paperback takes cues from this dog to better understand humans and routines in the home, and he has begun eating meals alongside him and even sniffing toys during playtime. A confident, playful canine companion could be a wonderful influence for him in his future home. Paperback is fully house-trained and has had zero accidents in his foster home. He does not chew, dig, bark, or display destructive behaviors. In fact, his foster has yet to hear him bark at all — he communicates instead with the occasional soft whine when he needs something or feels momentarily unsure. He was previously fostered with a cat and is an option for a cat-owning home as well. Leash walking is still a work in progress, and Paperback hasn’t gone on formal walks yet. For now, he feels safest enjoying yard time and building confidence at his own pace. With patience and continued positive reinforcement, his comfort with the leash can grow just like the rest of his skills have. Paperback does well with respectful children and is especially comfortable around calm energy. He is less nervous around older kids who understand how to give him space and allow him to approach on his own terms. The ideal home for Paperback is one with patient, understanding adopters who are willing to continue helping him come out of his shell. A calm household, children over 8 who can respect his boundaries, and possibly a confident canine companion would be wonderful fits for him. What makes Paperback truly special is the sweetness he carries beneath his shyness. He is learning to trust again, and each day brings small but meaningful victories. One favorite moment is his morning potty routine, when he bursts into brief, joyful zoomies before trotting proudly back into the house, clearly pleased with himself. Paperback is a tender-hearted dog with so much love to give. With patience, kindness, and time, he is blossoming into a loyal, affectionate companion — and the best chapters of his story are still ahead.February 9, 2026, 3:58 pm