Irish Setter puppies and dogs in Palo Alto, 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.Adoption fee: $800 Meet Mary Puppins Mary Puppins is a beautiful 2-3 year old, 62 lb Doodle with a soul as gentle as her name suggests. She has a long luxurious coat that's very soft but not non-shedding, so she may not be an option for those with allergies. Her journey has not been an easy one. When a volunteer first met Mary at the shelter, she was completely shut down— too frightened to leave her kennel, frozen by fear and uncertainty. With time, patience, and quiet consistency, she began to make small steps forward, and eventually DPS was able to get her out of the shelter and into a foster home. That change has made all the difference.   In foster care, Mary is learning what safety feels like, guided by her foster mom and two calm, confident doodle foster siblings who have shown her the rhythms of home life simply by being kind, steady dogs. Every day, Mary shows how brave she truly is.   Daily Life & Routine Mary starts her day with a morning potty break sometime between 6:00–8:00 a.m. in the backyard. She enjoys having a trusted human nearby, especially in new or unfamiliar situations, and a gentle “go potty” is all she needs. After a good sniff around, she’ll head back inside— though doorways are still a little intimidating and something she’s continuing to work through. Food is offered in the morning (kibble with shredded cheese or cottage cheese), but Mary’s appetite is secondary to her need to feel safe. She may nibble or skip breakfast altogether, choosing comfort over calories. During the day, Mary has free range of the home for long stretches of time and has proven to be completely trustworthy— no accidents, no destruction, no mischief. Her kennel remains open and available, and she chooses it as her safe space, a place where she can relax and feel secure.   When her foster mom returns home, Mary greets her with gentle tail wags that slowly grow bigger as her confidence builds. With soft encouragement and calm movements, Mary will come out of her kennel, happily head outside again, and enjoy fresh air. In the evenings, she may eat a little more, carefully making sure no piece of cheese is left behind. Sudden noises or movements can still interrupt her meals, as her instincts tell her to pause and assess before continuing.   As night falls, Mary prefers the familiarity of her kennel, complete with a soft fuzzy pad and blanket. She has free range of the house overnight but consistently chooses her crate as her sleeping spot. Recently, as her bond with her foster mom has grown, Mary has begun spending TV time on a dog bed near the couch, soaking in quiet companionship before retreating to her kennel when it’s time for bed.   Personality & Progress Mary has an exceptionally sweet, tender demeanor. When she first arrived, she avoided eye contact, stayed frozen in fear, and struggled to trust that she was safe. Even exiting the car at the foster home felt overwhelming— until the resident doodles gently encouraged her. After 15–20 minutes of quiet reassurance, Mary stepped out on her own, greeted them with polite sniffs, and began her next chapter.   The first days included hiding in bushes, hesitating at doorways, and retreating to her kennel whenever noises startled her. Over time, Mary has learned that the world is not as scary as it once seemed. She now voluntarily goes into the backyard with her foster siblings, greets her foster mom with full-body wags that shake her from nose to tail, and expresses joy through graceful pirouettes, deep downward-dog stretches, relaxed “smiles,” and the occasional burst of zoomies that show just how happy she feels in those moments.   Mary is learning to accept treats from her foster mom’s hand— a huge milestone built on trust— though she’s still more comfortable picking them up from the ground with others. She checks in often with her kennel, venturing out for gentle affection and reassurance, then returning to her safe space when she needs it. As her confidence grows, these check-ins are becoming more balanced and intentional.   Dog-Friendly & Social Skills Mary is extremely dog-friendly. She lives peacefully with two large resident doodles and has shown zero signs of reactivity, resource guarding, or boundary-pushing. She respectfully shares water bowls, waits her turn for treats, and shows no interest in toys or beds that belong to other dogs. She has not yet met children or cats, though her gentle nature suggests she could do well with respectful kids who understand her need for slow, thoughtful interactions. Squirrels are simply observed with curiosity, not chased.   Training & Behavior Mary is potty trained, crate trained (by choice), and remarkably well-mannered. She does not bark, chew, dig, or get into trouble. Walks have been kept minimal so she can focus on feeling safe at home first, but she understands a leash, stays close, and follows calmly without pulling. She is never aggressive—just thoughtful, cautious, and learning.   Ideal Home Mary Puppins would thrive in a calm, patient home that allows her to set the pace for her continued emotional healing. A friendly resident dog will be key to helping her continue to learn confidence through companionship. She does best with slow movements, soft voices, and an understanding that trust is something she gives thoughtfully, not instantly. She is especially sensitive to touch around her back, belly, and hind end, but warms more easily to gentle pets on her head, ears, and chest.   A Truly Special Soul Mary’s transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. From a matted, withdrawn dog left behind at the shelter to a girl who wags her tail, accepts gentle affection, and finds joy in simple freedoms, Mary’s bravery shines through every step she takes forward. Her journey is a reminder that love, patience, and kindness can change everything.   Whoever is lucky enough to welcome Mary Puppins into their life will be rewarded with the quiet joy of watching a gentle soul blossom. With time, compassion, and a steady heart, Mary is destined to become the dream dog so many hope to find—a loyal, loving companion who will cherish the safety of finally being home.December 21, 2025, 9:53 pm