Little Bear

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.AThis dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, August 9th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   doption fee: $500 Meet Little Bear 12 years old | Shih Tzu Mix | 12 lbs   Don’t let the age fool you— Little Bear still has plenty of pep in his step and a whole lot of love to give. Found as a stray and taken to the shelter, he quickly won over the staff with his gentle nature and wagging tail. Now in a foster home, he’s showing that even senior dogs can have playful spirits and big personalities.   Little Bear starts his mornings early around 6 a.m. with a trip outside and breakfast (he’s a fast eater, which helps in a house full of food thieves). After another quick nap, he spends his day lounging in the living room or snoozing on his favorite Squishmallow. He uses the doggy door independently and hasn’t had any accidents in his foster home.   When he first arrived, he kept to himself and spent time relaxing in his crate. But once he realized he was safe, he opened up— now he’s part of the gang. He follows his foster around the house (especially if something interesting is happening), loves snuggles and belly rubs, and has developed a major crush on both the resident poodle mix and the foster’s boyfriend.   Little Bear is mostly calm and cuddly, but he’ll surprise you with the occasional zoomies and loves a good toy—especially if there’s a squeaker inside. He sleeps soundly in bed with the other dogs and humans, snuggled under the covers when it’s time for bed. He’s housetrained, doggy-door savvy, and well-mannered on leash— though he prefers sniffing over speed walking.   He does bark occasionally at the doorbell or when the other dogs get going, but settles quickly. He’s been polite and quiet in the car and handled his vet and groomer visits like a pro.   Little Bear gets along well with other dogs who enjoy a bit of play but needs some help reading social cues when playtime is over— he doesn’t always take the hint. He'll need a dog-savvy adopter who will help him continue to work on good doggy manners!   His perfect home would be one where he has a playful canine companion, lots of human snuggles, and someone who will keep up with his grooming and monitor his skin, which may be allergy-prone (he’s doing well on lamb-based food and regular ear care).   Little Bear may be a senior, but he has a heart full of love, a soft spot for cuddles, and a quirky, charming personality that’s impossible not to adore.          August 9, 2025, 10:09 am

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