Meet Pastrami

This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, October 24th 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: $750 Pastrami: A Little Shy, a Little Goofy, and Best Served with a Sidekick Meet Pastrami, a 10–12 month old, 15-pound Maltipoo rescued from the shelter. This handsome boy has a non-shedding coat that will need regular grooming, a delightful happy dance, and a firm belief that life is better with a dog friend beside you. He’s still gathering his courage around people, but give him a canine companion and you’ll get a glimpse of the playful, silly pup waiting beneath that cautious exterior. Pastrami’s recipe for happiness? A patient family, a friendly resident dog, and shoes stored somewhere he cannot reach. Trust Is Built One Treat at a Time When Pastrami first arrived in his foster home, everyday movements and household sounds felt overwhelming. Someone walking past him or picking up a pot could send him scurrying for a safe corner. His foster family gave him time and space, and their resident dog, Ollie, helped show him that this new place might be pretty wonderful. Over the past few weeks, Pastrami has made meaningful progress. Taking a treat from a hand, allowing someone to sit nearby, and choosing to stay close are all little victories worth celebrating. As his confidence grows, so does his personality—and there is quite a character in there. He isn’t ready to be a human lap dog just yet, but he has found his own way to express affection. When his foster family comes home, he greets them with an adorable bouncy dance. His feet may be celebrating before the rest of him feels brave enough to come closer, and that makes those greetings especially sweet. His Favorite Sandwich Comes with Another Dog Pastrami absolutely adores Ollie, his foster’s 22-pound doodle. He follows Ollie’s lead, initiates games of chase and playful wrestling, and happily curls up beside him when they’re both ready to rest. His foster family suspects Ollie currently outranks them on Pastrami’s list of favorite beings. They have accepted their supporting roles. That fondness extends to dogs he sees on walks. Pastrami perks up with friendly interest and may pause to see whether a potential pal is coming over to say hello. If a greeting doesn’t happen, he’s happy to continue his walk. A friendly, confident resident dog is strongly recommended for Pastrami’s forever home. Canine company brings out his relaxed, playful side and has also helped him feel comfortable when his people leave the house. Play Hard, Nap Nearby Pastrami has a lovely balance of puppy playfulness and lounging skills. With a willing dog buddy, he’s ready for another round of fun. Once everyone is tired, he switches into recharge mode. His day begins around 6:30 a.m., with breakfast at approximately 7 a.m. and a walk afterward. During the day, he hangs out in the living room, often choosing his dog bed beside his foster’s work area. There are treats, potty outings, and opportunities to spend time with his favorite furry friend. Dinner arrives around 6:30 p.m., followed by his second walk. When time allows, a detour to the park adds a little extra exploration. At bedtime, Pastrami generally heads into his crate once he understands it’s time to settle, and he sleeps soundly through the night. A Lovely Little Walking Companion Pastrami walks very well on leash. He hasn’t shown leash reactivity or barked at people or dogs during his outings. He enjoys seeing other dogs, though a person approaching him can still make him nervous. His adopter should be comfortable letting him observe people without expecting him to accept attention from everyone he meets. Quiet encouragement and room to make his own choices will help him continue building confidence. The Fine Print: Protect Your Slippers Pastrami is young, curious, and still learning which belongings are his. Shoes and slippers are particular favorites, but rugs, books, headphones, and other accessible objects have also caught his attention. He can jump to reach tempting items, so his family will need to keep valuables out of reach, provide appropriate chews, and use a thoughtfully puppy-proofed space when supervision isn’t possible. Pastrami finds being completely alone difficult. Without a person or dog for company, he may howl, whimper, and cry for an extended period. His foster has not seen that distress when Ollie stays home with him. A compatible canine housemate and gradual practice with comfortable departures will be important parts of helping him settle into his new life. He hasn’t been much of an everyday barker in his foster home, although deer spotted from the balcony occasionally receive his personal commentary. The Home That Completes His Order Pastrami is looking for someone who can appreciate a relationship that grows gradually. His family should be willing to celebrate the small steps, let affection develop at his pace, and help him with the practical lessons of puppy life. A home with a friendly, confident dog would offer him both a playmate and a reassuring guide. His experience with cats and children hasn’t been reported, so those matches would need thoughtful consideration. Underneath his uncertainty is a charming, goofy, playful little dog who is already showing how much he wants to belong. Watching him start a wrestling match, snuggle with his best friend, or bounce with happiness at your return makes the progress easy to see. If you have a welcoming dog, a patient heart, and a secure place for your slippers, Pastrami may be the missing ingredient in your family.