Meet Zenith

This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, October 17th 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 Zenith: The Height of Couch Culture 2–3 years old • 17 lbs • Terrier mix • Low shedding Some dogs aspire to win agility competitions. Some dream of catching a Frisbee midair. Zenith has reached a different peak: finding the perfect spot on the couch, burrowing into a blanket, and rolling belly-up for a well-earned nap. Why chase greatness when you can snooze on it? Rescued from a shelter, this sweet, gentle boy is discovering the comforts of foster life—and he wholeheartedly approves. With his easygoing energy, affectionate heart, and hilariously creative sleeping positions, Zenith makes ordinary days feel a little softer. A Gentle Soul with a Goofy Side Zenith was initially a little reserved, but as he settled in, he began showing his people just how much their company means to him. Sit beside him and you may receive an invitation to rub his belly. Settle onto the couch and you’ll have an excellent lounging partner. He’s also sensitive to his people’s feelings. When his foster was having a sad moment, Zenith came over to offer a cuddle. His specialty may be doing very little, but he knows when a little love matters. His sleeping habits provide plenty of entertainment: blankets pulled around him, belly pointed toward the ceiling, eyes occasionally half-open, and little dream twitches. And if you start a howl, Zenith may join in for a family sing-along. Apparently, even professional loungers have extracurricular interests. His Daily Climb to Peak Relaxation Zenith starts his day with a walk around 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. He prefers walking before eating and often enjoys his meals in small portions rather than finishing everything at once. An outing around 11 a.m., another walk and dinner around 4 p.m., and a short bedtime stroll around 10 p.m. keep his day comfortably predictable. Between walks, his schedule is wide open for naps. He sleeps on the couch when his people are home and spends the night on his own bed beside theirs. He currently roams the house without a crate and has shown no destructive chewing, digging, or potty accidents in his foster home. His short, low-shedding coat adds to his appeal, with simple routine brushing to keep him looking his handsome best. Friendly Fellow, Squirrel Enthusiast Zenith has done well meeting both large and small dogs. He has also been gentle with children ages 1½ and 4 who treated him kindly. His sweet temperament could make him a lovely family companion, with adults guiding respectful interactions. He met a cat at the DPS Safehouse and was polite to her as well. He generally walks beautifully on leash and passes people and dogs quietly, although he may occasionally voice his desire to greet another dog. Squirrels are a different matter. At the sight of one, our couch connoisseur suddenly remembers he has athletic ambitions! His family should be prepared to keep a secure hold on his leash around little wildlife. At home, toys don’t hold much appeal, and treats aren’t always persuasive. His preferred reward is usually the pleasure of your company. Learning That Goodbye Isn’t Forever Zenith’s biggest challenge is being left alone. As he grew attached to his fosters, he began showing separation anxiety, including frequent barking when they leave. With freedom to move around the house, he alternates between the couch and a bed near the garage door where his people exit. On better days, he rests for 30–45 minutes before moving closer to the door and barking intermittently. On harder days, his barking can be much more frequent and continue for hours. His progress has been uneven, and this is an ongoing need his adopters should be ready to support. Zenith will benefit from a patient family with a practical plan for absences and a willingness to work on gradual alone-time training, with professional guidance as needed. A compatible dog might offer companionship. A Little Love at the Top of Your List Zenith is looking for people who appreciate a gentle companion, enjoy daily walks, and consider belly rubs a perfectly worthwhile use of time. He brings wonderful house manners, friendly dog greetings, and a tender heart; he needs understanding and support while learning to feel secure during separations. If your idea of a great evening involves a blanket, a comfortable couch, and a sweet little dog dreaming beside you, you may have just reached your Zenith.