Pumpernickel

* 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
Pumpernickel: One Tooth, Plenty of Personality
7-8 years old * 11 lbs * Shih Tzu mix
Pumpernickel has one tooth left, a very enthusiastic relationship with breakfast, and a whole new lease on life. When DPS rescued him from the shelter, his mouth was in terrible shape. Painful dental disease had this little gentleman feeling miserable, and we weren't yet seeing the real dog underneath. One major dental later-with all but one tooth removed-Pumpernickel is feeling SO much better. There are even zoomies now! Apparently, beneath that serious expression was a fellow who still had a little pep waiting to be unlocked.
He'll need soft food for life, which Pumpernickel considers a perfectly acceptable arrangement. If you're serving meals, he'll be attending.
A Gentleman of Leisure
Known as Nicky in his foster home, Pumpernickel is a quiet companion with a slightly stoic exterior and a soft spot for his person. He isn't a lap dog, but he likes to settle beside you on the couch or near your feet. He'll brush against your legs, happily accept a good butt scratch, and follow you from room to room to keep tabs on household proceedings. His affection is understated, but consistent: wherever you've landed, that's probably where he'd like to be.
His interests include snoozing in a cozy bed, stretching out on the couch, and enjoying the sunshine on the deck. He'll even hop onto a padded patio chair to secure a proper seat for his outdoor lounging. Toys? Not especially compelling. Dinner? Now you have his attention.
Breakfast Is a Priority
Pumpernickel wakes between 6 and 6:30 a.m. and needs a prompt trip outside. After a little backyard wandering, he comes back in with a clear agenda: BREAKFAST.
When his foster is home, he roams the first floor and enjoys access to the backyard through the open patio door. The rest of his day is a pleasant rotation of naps, sunshine, and keeping his person company. Around 4:30 p.m., he begins delivering meaningful looks to remind everyone that dinner is approaching. His evening includes dinner around 5-6 p.m. and a leisurely walk, followed by more relaxation before bedtime around 11 p.m. He sleeps in his own bed inside an x-pen and also stays there when his foster goes out.
Stop and Smell… Everything
Pumpernickel walks beautifully on leash, whether strolling solo or sharing a split leash with his foster's resident dog. He enjoys an approximately 20-minute outing at a casual pace, with plenty of opportunities to investigate the neighborhood's latest scents. He has shown little concern about dogs passing at a distance and will politely sit for his leash-and for a treat.
Backyard squirrels receive a somewhat less dignified reception. He may bark, track them along the fence, or give chase. Otherwise, he's generally a quiet fellow, sometimes joining in when the resident dog starts barking. His foster hasn't seen chewing or digging.
Peaceful Company Preferred
Nicky lives comfortably alongside a friendly, older female dog. They enjoy a peaceful coexistence, though her invitations to play can make him a little unsure. When a more exuberant canine visitor comes over, he sets boundaries without escalating the situation. He would likely enjoy being an only dog or sharing his home with a calm dog who respects his space. He may also be an option for a home with cats; it's likely that if they leave him alone, he will do the same.
He has been comfortable with the strangers he's met so far. He has also done well on two car rides in a crate, with a little restlessness on longer trips.
House Manners
Pumpernickel is almost completely house-trained. Prior to his dental, he struggled with the doggy door; his foster suspects it hurt him to push it open using his head! He's now using the doggy door and has only had one accident since his dental a week ago.
He tolerates spending some time in a crate, though it isn't his favorite spot. His foster uses an x-pen for bedtime and when he's unsupervised, giving him room for his comfortable bed.
His Next Chapter
Pumpernickel would love a relaxed home with soft meals, comfortable resting spots, gentle affection, and someone who appreciates companionship without requiring a lapful of dog. He's happiest being included in everyday life, whether that means supervising from a nearby bed or joining you for an unhurried stroll.
After living with a painful mouth, Nicky is finally getting to enjoy the good stuff: happy meals, sunny naps, butt scratches, and the occasional celebratory zoomie. He's ready for a family who will help make this comfortable new chapter his permanent one.
One tooth. Excellent appetite. Very good company.