Hamburger

This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 7th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.
Adoption fee: $800
Meet Hamburger, a 4 month old Maltese mix with a soft, non-shedding coat and a whole lot of heart packed into his petite 7-pound body. He was rescued from the shelter with his siblings, Hot Dog and French Fry, and is settling into foster life while continuing to build confidence in the world around him.

Hamburger has a fairly consistent daily routine that helps him feel secure. He wakes up around 8:00 a.m. and heads outside for a potty break, followed by breakfast about 30 minutes later. Lunch is served at noon, dinner at 5:30 p.m., and he happily enjoys a treat sometime between dinner and bedtime. He goes to bed late- around midnight-and sleeps soundly on his foster's bed in the bedroom. During the day, Hamburger rotates between hanging out in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, always happiest when he's near his person. Potty breaks are offered often: after waking up, after naps, after meals, after playtime, and anytime he hasn't gone out in an hour or two, setting him up for success as he continues his housetraining journey. There's no strict walk schedule yet, but he is gradually being introduced to leash outings.

When Hamburger first arrived, he was quite shy. For the first few days, he stayed very close to his foster, rarely barked, and didn't show much interest in play. As he began to feel safe, his true personality emerged. Now, he is playful and expressive once he's comfortable in his environment. He has bursts of puppy energy throughout the day, followed by long stretches of lounging and napping. He is very much a "velcro" pup who forms a strong bond with the person who makes him feel safe. With new people, he appreciates time, patience, and a calm environment-ideally warming up to one primary person first before expanding his circle of trust.

Hamburger lives with two small resident dogs. He is initially shy around other dogs and needs time to observe and adjust, but once he warms up, he is comfortable being around them and will engage in light play.

In terms of activity level, Hamburger strikes a nice balance. He enjoys playful bursts where he's energetic and curious, but he is equally happy being a couch companion. Walks are still a work in progress for him. The outside world can feel overwhelming, especially at the beginning of a walk, and he may stop frequently when he's unsure. With reassurance and encouragement, he becomes more confident as the walk goes on and gradually stops less often. He does not pull on the leash and is learning that new sights and sounds don't have to be scary.

Hamburger is familiar with potty pads and uses them well indoors. He is currently in the middle of housetraining and will benefit from continued consistency and routine. He is crate trained and, while he may need a moment to settle, he does fine once he relaxes.

Like many puppies, Hamburger explores the world with his mouth. He enjoys chewing, including on hands during play, but he responds well to feedback. He doesn't dig in the yard, though he does like to dig a little nest in his bedding before settling down, which is super cute! Once he feels secure in a space, he tends to bark at strange noises... and even his own reflection!

One thing that really sets Hamburger apart is how strongly he connects to his person. When he feels secure, he is incredibly devoted and affectionate. He also has a big love for food and is always on the lookout for snacks, convinced that every crumb might be meant just for him.

Hamburger is a sensitive, loving puppy who is learning that the world can be a kind and predictable place. With patience, structure, and lots of reassurance, he will make a wonderfully loyal and endearing companion.