No one believes us!

We adopted Oliver in March '09 from Doggie Protective Services. The research and application process involved in rescuing a dog is a bit like getting your high school senior enrolled in a university! I remember getting an email from DPS that Oliver (his name was Germone at that time) would be available for adoption later than morning – it was a mad dash to get there and see him first. I think we arrived a hour before the rescue volunteers.

We expected a period of emotional transition with a rescue dog – plus his new life in a high rise building would clearly be an adjustment too! Nope. Nada. None! Oliver has entered our home as if he had been living with us his whole life. He had some brief and minor issues with separation anxiety – but that was quickly conquered.

When friends, family and strangers meet Oliver – most can't believe he was a rescue dog. He is so smart, full of unconditional love and is a huge snuggler. We often speculate what his life was like pre-adoption… but now Oliver knows he his home forever!

This Princess Isn't High Maintenance!

Princess' wonderful foster Mom took these lovely photos of Princess the other day. Isn't she a gorgeous Lab?!! Here's what she told us about a recent walk with Princess:

"Princess and I just returned from a nice walk around our neighborhood park. Now that I'm using a Gentle Leader head halter on her, she is no longer pulling me
and in fact, I think she makes an excellent walking companion! She has taken to
climbing into bed with me at night and is an excellent cuddler. She also has a
very funny way of laying on the bed with her head hanging off so she can view
the world upside down - what a silly girl, hey?"

This Princess doesn't take much to make her happy. While she requires regular daily exercise and would be a great match for an active family, she settles down nicely in the house and only wants to be near you. Don't let her age fool you - she acts more like a three year old than an almost six year old dog.

Princess has many of the qualities Lab lovers look for in a Lab. If Princess sounds like the right dog for you, please contact DPS so we can arrange a meeting!

Rika aka Ellie

We adopted Rika in December 2009 through DPS Project Taiwan. She came from a huge litter of Labrador Basenji puppies and we immediately fell in love with her because she looked so sweet and friendly.

Rika loves playing with other dogs, and her favorite activities are attending puppy socials and interacting with her fellow puppies in class.

Thank you to everyone at DPS for being so great and helping us adopt Rika!

Charlie

Almost two years ago, I was transferred out to California from the east coast for my job. I lived alone and knew very few people. I was lonely and knew I needed a true companion. Well, I found one through DPS. As soon as I saw Marshall (new name Charlie) on the website and viewed his video, I felt an instant connection to the little blondie! I filled out my application and got a call 10 minutes later telling me DPS was bringing up a bunch of dogs to Palo Alto the next day and they would bring Charlie for me to meet. It all happened so quick I didn't have time to think about it. I just followed my gut and made the 2 hour drive from Sacramento.

8 months later Charlie and I are best friends! He comes everywhere with me and just loves the car, dogpark and walks. Everyone who meets him instantly falls in love with his charming personality, He can be fiesty at times and very stubborn but it is a part of his spunky personality. Charlie can officially say hes a jet setter as well! We went home for the holidays 3000 miles away to New Hampshire and he was so great on the plane. I am so glad I have him in my life. He brings me so much joy and I never feel alone. I couldn't imagine life without him!

Marla

A year ago January we adopted Marla from Palo Alto DPS in Mountain View. She was descriped on the website as "Happy Go Lucky" and indeed she is. Marla is the love of our lives and actually smiles!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to the good people of DPS.

Lani, Colby, and Kristy

Waldo

Ever since adopting Waldo in October we have been so happy. Our little "Waldy," has fit in so nicely. He is a cuddle bug who gets lots of attention from both mom and dad. Waldo LOVES going for several walks a day around the neighborhood. He sniffs his way along. His favorite past time is catching his ball with mom and dad. He is a bit stubborn in his obedience classes and he enjoys barking at other dogs and asserting himself so he's not allowed off the leash in public yet. However, he is making progress with his commands and has had zero accidents in the house since his first week at home. We just love him. He is the sweetest most loving dog we've ever known. He loves to stare longingly into his mom and dad's eyes. We call it the "love stare." He also loves to give kisses to just about anyone who pets him. Good news from the vet is that his heart murmur is even more mild than once thought. Adopting Waldo has been one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences we have ever had. Thank you so much for introducing us to our little guy. We can't imagine life without him!