Maverick

Description

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, August 22nd from 12–3 PM (unless adopted prior to the event). All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption fee: $800 Maverick: Your Loyal Wingman   Maverick is a 2–3 year old, 18 lb Shih Tzu with a fabulous underbite, a freshly trimmed non-shedding coat, and all the charm needed to fly straight into your heart. This happy-go-lucky guy came to DPS from the shelter and has quickly proven himself to be a sweet, affectionate, and remarkably easygoing companion. Maverick’s mission is simple: find his place in the family, make everyone smile, and never miss out on the action.   Ready for Takeoff   Maverick starts his day between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. with breakfast, then spends his time playing, napping, exploring outside, and keeping tabs on his foster family. Dinner is served around 5 p.m., and Maverick is wonderfully adaptable about everything in between.   He is equally happy joining a play session, curling up for a nap, or settling onto a welcoming lap for some affection. He matches the energy of the household beautifully—ready for fun when something is happening but perfectly content to lounge when the day slows down.   At night, Maverick sleeps either in bed with his foster brother or in the living room. He slept quietly in a crate on his first night, but once he realized another dog was roaming freely, his sense of fairness kicked in. Maverick does not want to be benched while the rest of the team is on the field! He may be able to adjust to crating with consistent practice, particularly in a home where another dog is not visibly enjoying privileges he has been denied.   Brothers from Another Mother   Maverick currently lives with Mocha, a French Bulldog who immediately became his foster brother, best friend, and personal role model. The two were introduced during a walk on neutral ground before entering the house together, and their friendship took off from there.   Maverick likes to stay close to Mocha, following his lead and trying to do everything he does. They play together, nap together, explore outside together, and generally operate as a two-dog flight crew. Maverick seems genuinely eager to fit in and be a good member of the family. He would likely enjoy having a friendly, appropriately matched canine companion in his forever home, although he could also thrive as the center of attention with people who include him in their daily lives.   He is friendly and enthusiastic when meeting other dogs. Occasionally, his enthusiasm can become a little too personal, especially with dogs who are hesitant to set boundaries. A confident, tolerant canine companion may be a better match than a nervous or easily overwhelmed dog.   Sweet, Social, and Seriously Charming   Maverick is an exceptionally sweet and respectful little dog. He follows his people from room to room, happily accepts lap time and cuddles, and wants to feel like a full-fledged member of the family. His cheerful expression and signature underbite make him nearly impossible to resist.   He is alert and will bark if he believes someone is outside or there is something his family should know about, but he is otherwise a quiet companion. He is not a chewer or digger, and he has shown no aggression. When Mocha once corrected him for approaching his food, Maverick immediately backed away and respected the boundary.    House Manners and Walking   Maverick is housetrained and figured out the doggy door on his very first day. He has otherwise done well, though the presence of visiting dogs can trigger some territorial marking.  On walks, Maverick is friendly and does well on leash. He has not shown reactivity toward dogs or people.   Because someone has always been home during his foster stay, Maverick’s comfort with being left alone has not yet been fully tested. He appears to take confidence from having another dog nearby, and his adopters should plan to help him adjust gradually to a new routine.   Maverick is affectionate, adaptable, playful, respectful, and genuinely eager to belong. Whether you are looking for a lap dog, a canine playmate, a walking companion, or a cheerful little shadow with an unforgettable smile, Maverick is ready to become your loyal wingman.