Shasta

This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, April 4th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $500 Meet Shasta: A Loyal Little Companion with a Big Heart   Shasta is a 3 year old Yorkie-type Terrier mix with a striking coat and an even more striking personality. Her beautiful fur— white with black-tipped strands that fluff up like feathers in the breeze— turns heads wherever she goes. But what truly makes Shasta special is her devotion to her people. She’s affectionate, loyal, and happiest when she’s near you, whether that means cuddling on the couch, following you from room to room, or simply lounging by your side after a fun day.   Shasta is a dog who forms strong bonds and gives her whole heart to her family. With guidance, patience, and consistency, she has all the makings of an incredibly rewarding companion.   Daily Routine & Lifestyle   Shasta thrives on a predictable routine and enjoys a balance of activity and relaxation. She typically wakes up around 6:30 a.m. and politely lets you know she needs to go outside by whining at the bedroom door and doing her adorable little “tippy-tappys.” After her morning potty break, she enjoys some quiet lounging time before breakfast, which is served between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.— and she greets every meal with joyful enthusiasm, bouncing up and down in excitement.   After breakfast, Shasta enjoys a cozy nap followed by playtime with her toys in the living room. Late mornings often include a walk to the park for exercise, which she looks forward to with great excitement whenever the leash comes out. During the day, she happily relaxes at home, and if the back door is open, she’ll take herself outside to potty, soak up the sunshine, or nibble on a bit of grass.   Dinner is usually around 5:30–6:00 p.m., once again celebrated with tail wags and happy hops. Evenings are spent relaxing on the couch, playing with toys, and enjoying time with her people before bedtime.   Personality: From Cautious to Devoted   When Shasta first arrived in her foster home, she was understandably wary and unsure in her new environment. She growled a bit at first and kept her distance while she figured things out. With patience, kindness, and a few tasty treats, she quickly began to trust her foster family. Within 24 hours, her personality began to shine—she started engaging, exploring the backyard, and showing her affectionate side.   Today, Shasta is a loyal, people-oriented dog who loves companionship. She tends to follow her person from room to room and eagerly keeps up with the household. She enjoys sitting close on the couch and often chooses to cuddle up next to you or lean against your leg. She has a playful side too, especially when it comes to tug-of-war or a good game of fetch.   One of her cutest quirks is how she cools off after getting cozy— she’ll hop down from the sofa and do a full “sploot” on the cool floor, sometimes rolling onto her back with her belly in the air in what can only be described as a reverse sploot.   Play Style & Energy Level   Shasta is a nice blend of playful and relaxed. She enjoys her walks and gets very excited when it’s time to head out, happily bouncing in anticipation. She also loves interactive play, especially tug-of-war and chasing toys, but she’s equally content lounging around the house or soaking up the sun outdoors.   She recently completed a two-mile walk along the beach and had a fantastic time, showing that she can be a great companion for someone who enjoys regular outings and adventures.   Dog Social Skills   Shasta currently lives with a similarly sized Chihuahua mix and has learned to coexist well after an adjustment period. She can be selective with other dogs, particularly larger ones, and may bark or pull on leash when she sees them. With proper introductions, structure, and continued training, she has shown that she can improve and build positive relationships.   Training & Areas for Growth   Shasta is a smart and very trainable dog who has already made meaningful progress in her foster home. Like many dogs, she comes with a few behaviors that will require continued guidance:   Leash manners: She tends to pull and can become reactive when she sees other dogs, especially larger ones.   Resource guarding: She may guard high-value items, food, or spaces, and can be protective of her person or environment. She has already demonstrated the ability to trade items and respond to redirection.   Visitor greetings: She may bark when new people enter the home, but settles with structure, patience, and positive reinforcement.   The encouraging news is that Shasta responds well to training and has already shown improvement with consistency and exercise. She is not a difficult dog— she is a dog who needs clear guidance and a committed, dog-savvy adopter willing to continue the great training work her foster is doing.   House Training   Shasta is reliably house-trained when given access to the outdoors. If the back door is open, she will take herself outside to potty independently. She also communicates her needs clearly, especially in the morning, by whining at the door to let you know it’s time to go out.   She does not chew on inappropriate items and shows good household manners overall.     She is not a “plug-and-play” dog, but she is absolutely a dog worth investing in. For the right person, Shasta will be an incredibly devoted companion.    Due to her challenges, Shasta is only an option for older children who understand boundaries and can give her space when needed.   Why You’ll Love Her   Shasta is sweet, funny, expressive, and deeply attached to her people. Whether she’s bouncing with excitement at mealtime, chasing a butterfly in the backyard like something out of a movie, or performing her signature sploot to cool off, she brings personality and charm to everyday life.   Most of all, she is a dog who wants to belong— to be loved, guided, and included. And in return, she will offer loyalty, affection, and companionship in abundance.