Kitten

My 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 Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, June 14th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. If you would like the first opportunity to adopt, please fill out an application to be considered. Adoption Fee: $550 Breed: Maltese–Shih Tzu mix Age: 5 years old Weight: ~14 lbs Coat: Non-shedding Her name may be Kitten, but this 5 year old Maltese–Shih Tzu mix is 100% dog—adorably fluffy, quietly loyal, and full of surprising little joys. She was rescued from the shelter, and after a slow, careful start, she’s been blossoming into the kind of dog who makes your heart swell with every small step forward. Kitten is a gentle soul who takes her time to trust, but once she does, she becomes a loyal little shadow—especially to her favorite humans. In her current foster home, she’s built a sweet and special bond with her 10-year-old human buddy, and the two have become a devoted fetch-playing duo. She’s also warming up to younger kids and has begun seeking pets and connection on her own terms. With the people she trusts, she is affectionate, playful, and full of personality. Her daily routine is peaceful and predictable—just how she likes it. She wakes up early and heads outside for a potty break, enjoys some morning playtime, then settles into her crate for a long nap. Mealtimes are relaxed, and she has plenty of quiet time in between spurts of play and affection. Evenings are her favorite, when she gets the zoomies and enthusiastically chases toys with her favorite girl. Kitten is house-trained, sleeps calmly in her crate, and communicates when she needs to go outside. She’s playful but not demanding, cuddly but not clingy. She’s still learning to feel safe around new people and visitors, and while she’s made great strides, she’ll always do best in a calm home where her people understand that some dogs need time to feel safe. While she’s making progress around other dogs (and can ignore them on leash in the yard), she’s not comfortable sharing her space with them and is protective of her pen. Kitten must be the only pet in her home. With professional support and time, she may eventually feel more neutral around dogs, but right now she needs a home where she can feel completely secure and not have to share her space or her people. Kitten’s ideal home is quiet, structured, and patient. She doesn’t need a lot—just someone who can offer routine, security, and a lot of love on her terms. She’s not a dog for someone expecting instant affection, but for the right person, she’s a deeply rewarding companion who offers a special kind of devotion. If you’re someone who finds beauty in the quiet moments, and joy in the slow unfolding of trust, Kitten may be the perfect match. She doesn’t need fireworks. She just needs someone to see her, to give her the space she needs, and to celebrate each step she takes toward love.    June 2, 2025, 3:41 am

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Kitten, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.