Scampi Leigh

I had been volunteering with DPS for a few months when I decided to try fostering. I fostered 3 different dogs but my third, Leigh, was so special. I was going to foster her for 2 weeks. I had been in the pens with Leigh many times and didn't notice she was so special. I chose her to come home with me because I could see that she could hold her own when playing with other dogs and my fox terrier is pretty rough and tumble.

The first couple of days she and my fox terrier, Preston, struggled for the beta position in the pack. My beagle Piper is the alpha and doesn't need to struggle for her status. Preston and Leigh finally worked out their differences and became morning wrestling buddies.

Another thing was happening too…I was falling deeply in love with my little terror, er, I mean terrier. Even my stoic husband was falling hard. We renamed her "Scampi" because she is like a little street scamp. She is the snuggliest, sweetest little dog I've ever known. I am the luckiest dog mommy in the world.

She babysits my friend's DPS puppy and has taught him how to play appropriately. She is a natural mommy with the puppy and exhibits more patience than I have ever seen from a dog!

Mopsy aka Shiloh

I adopted Shiloh the first part of August 2010. I went looking for a black lab, but he had already been adopted, then I saw Mopsy. He was inside a wire fence, standing up on his hind legs trying to get my attention. He was so cute, the attendant asked me if I wanted to take him for a short walk, and I said yes. We walked outside of the PetFood Xpress, for a few minutes, it was quite hot out, and I felt he was better off in the AC.

I then took him in, and was told I could take him home to Foster him overnight, which I did. That's all it took. I fell for him, and made up my mind that I wanted to adopt him. The next day, I took him back to the DPS and proceeded with the adoption.

I felt that Mopsy was a cute name, but sounded more like a girl's name. So I changed his name to Shiloh. A name I have always loved, ever since a good friend of mine many years ago, had a black lab named Shiloh. Shiloh has since learned his new name, and has been a joyful addition to my life.

I had recently lost two beloved pets. A beautiful Yellow Lab Mix named "Rebel" passed away in Dec. 09 of old age, he was 18 years old, then in July of 2010 I lost my beautiful 'Kitty' also to old age, she was 19,

Shiloh has been a welcome addition to my life. He filled the empty spaces in my heart where my beloved pets I had lost had been. He is so sweet, I have taken him to Beginning Dog Training at PetSmart, and have had very good results. He has many puppy ways about him, so we had some issues that needed working on. He's a quick learner, and is a joy to have in my life.

When I adopted him, he had a problem with many Foxtails in his coat, DPS had several removed before I adopted him. However, there were several more: in his ears, throughout his body, etc. My Veterinarian removed the remaining foxtails, and did a thorough examination on him, claining that he was in good health, there was one problem though, Shiloh had a nagging cough. He had been on antibiotics for it, but it was not helping. My Vet administered another type of antibiotics, and we started him on that, but the cough persisted. Finally, Dr. Paul decided it might be an allergy, so he was put on a cortisone, which seems to have helped the problem.

He has lots of energy, loves his walks, going to the Dog Park, and is very playful. I will keep him, and enjoy him for the rest of his life. I truly love him, and will be by his side for as long as I am blessed with him. This little boy has brought so much happiness into my life, He truly is a Blessing.

Lola and Rudy

The family adopted Lola and Rudy (formerly known as Bristol and Warner from DWTS) just last Sunday, Oct 17). As you can see they have adapted beautifully and we already love them very much.

Adopting Dancer

I have wanted a dog for as long as I can remember. I went to look at DPS that was hosting a doggie adoption fair at Pet Food Express. I looked around at the numerous amounts of dogs and puppies looking for a home. I wanted to take each and every dog home but I had a few requirements. I wanted a full grown dog that was house trained and good with cats. As I was reading the profiles of the dogs, one dog in particular caught my eye. Her name was Dancer. Dancer is a 4 year old Chihuahua-Papillon mix that came to DPS pregnant. She was good with cats, crate trained, and was full grown. I asked to hold her and as soon as she was placed in my arms, I said "I'll take her", and so I did. DPS warned me that Dancer wasn't good with the leash but let me tell you, as of now, she's excellent. Always frisky and ready to go for walks. Dancer is such a wonderful addition to our family, I don't know how I lived without her!

Cooper/Tivo

Hello!

I was also very lucky to adopt from the Silicon Valley litter. I adopted the only boy in the litter and we named him Cooper. He is extremely smart and very sweet. We just love him! I'm so glad to hear how great his litter mate is doing. I often think about how his three sisters are doing and how big they are getting. I live in San Jose but maybe sometime we could have a play date.

Thanks again DPS for my great puppy and keeping us all connected!

Axel/Google is home in Oakland

We were the lucky family who adopted Google, now Axel, from the Silicon Valley litter. Axel is a Great Dane/Weimaraner cross. She's loving, loyal, aced obedience class (part 1), and will be starting a second class soon. She is an amazing addition to our family and we're constantly surprised by her. Axel has started letting out a single bark when someone comes to the door. It's just her way of saying, "I'm here and this is my pack." We've taken Axel to school picnics where kids of all ages pet her, get gentle kisses, and are able to have a very positive first "dog experience."

We're so grateful. And we'd love to see how Google/Axel's littermates are doing. Thank you DPS!
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