Bixby

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, November 14th from 12PM - 3PM (unless adopted prior to the event). 3910 Middlefield Road
All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.

Adoption fee: $650
Bixby: Little Legs, Big Zoomies, and a Love of Life!

Age: 2 years old
Weight: 10 lbs
Breed: Terrier mix

Bixby is a little dog who finds big joy in the comforts of home. Rescued from a shelter, this scruffy fellow wasted no time discovering the good stuff: sunny lounging spots, entertaining toys, tasty meals, and a cozy bed with covers to burrow beneath. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his happy greetings make it very clear that seeing his favorite person is a highlight of his day.

A Little Play, a Little Lounge

Bixby's daily schedule includes a couple of very important appointments with the zoomies. When the mood strikes, he grabs a toy, gives it an enthusiastic shake, tosses it into the air, and chases after it. He's quite capable of providing his own entertainment-and yours.

Between these bursts of activity, he's a champion lounger. The couch, a sunny patch of floor, his crate, and your bed all meet his standards for a comfortable resting place. He enjoys knowing where his person is without needing to follow every single step.

Bixby prefers affection on his own terms. He isn't always comfortable being scooped up for a cuddle, but when you stretch out on the couch, he may climb onto your chest to say hello before settling beside you or near your feet. At bedtime, his softer side really shines: he loves burrowing under the covers and sleeping close.

A Day in Bixby's World

Bixby typically starts his day around 8 a.m., although he's happy to sleep in until his person is ready to get up. Breakfast is followed by a roughly 20-minute walk, then it's time to relax and keep an eye on the household.

A short early-afternoon outing provides another potty break and a chance to explore. Dinner is around 6 p.m., followed by another brief walk. Add in some toy wrestling, a few zoomie laps, and an evening beside his person, and Bixby considers that a day well spent.

He's comfortable using his crate and sometimes chooses to rest there on his own when he wants a quiet retreat. Overnight, his favorite arrangement has been sleeping in his foster's bed, tucked beneath the blankets.

Home Alone and Household Skills

Bixby has become housetrained in his foster home after some initial accidents. Three daily walks have worked well for him, and his adopters should continue a consistent routine while he adjusts to a new environment.

He has also done well alone for four to five hours in his foster home, both with access to the home and during separate stays in his crate. His foster reports no destructive chewing or potty accidents during those absences. Although he was initially unsettled about being left, he became more comfortable after a few days.

Bixby has a low-shedding coat, with some loose hair that his foster finds manageable. He's less enthusiastic about water and having his paws cleaned, so grooming and handling will need a patient, gradual approach that respects his comfort level.

Neighborhood Adventures

Bixby generally walks nicely on leash and enjoys getting out for neighborhood outings. He may react by barking at other dogs, particularly when they bark at him, and sometimes at men passing nearby. His adopter will need to maintain space from triggers and help him practice calmer responses with reward-based training.

He also has a distinctive post-potty routine: once he's finished, he may suddenly dart away from the spot. A secure leash and attentive handling are essential, including while picking up after him.



His Perfect Match

Bixby is looking for a patient adopter who appreciates his playful spirit and can help him build confidence in new situations. At the shelter, he shared a room with several other dogs and also did well meeting dogs during intake. He was less comfortable with a dog who stayed in his foster home, so he may be an option for a home with a compatible canine companion following careful introductions, but he would also be happy as your one and only. He typically does well when left home alone, though unfamiliar or frightening noises can prompt a strong barking response, making an apartment with shared walls a less suitable fit. Bixby also seems more comfortable with women; men in his life will need to take introductions slowly and patiently earn his trust.
There's something endearing about how much Bixby enjoys his favorite things: a toy worth tossing, a delicious treat, a sunny place to stretch out, and a familiar person inviting him onto the couch. He needs someone who sees both his joyful personality and the support he requires-and is ready to help him build a comfortable life, one good day at a time.