Big Gulp

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, November 7th 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: $800
Meet Big Gulp: 30 pounds of Frenchie, an oversized serving of snuggles, and absolutely no interest in starting her day before she’s ready. Rescued from a shelter, this sweet girl, estimated to be 2 years old, has settled into foster life with three distinct operating modes: snuggly potato, accomplished napper, and zoomie clown. She takes all three jobs very seriously.

A full serving of personality

Big Gulp was a little shy when she first arrived, accepting affection but retreating to her crate when she wanted some quiet time. A few days later, her foster family met the girl behind the reserve: an affectionate, silly companion who loves to be wherever her people are. She’ll happily settle on a nearby dog bed, rug, or favorite couch spot while you get things done, keeping herself available should an opening for snuggles arise.

Her stuffies are treasured possessions, and she has a wonderfully gentle approach to household belongings. Once, her foster family discovered her sleeping with foster dad’s slipper as a pillow. No chewing, no damage—just a resourceful girl finding something comforting for her nap.

And then there are the sunbeams. Big Gulp doesn’t simply lie in the sunshine. She throws herself onto her back and wiggles and rolls with such wholehearted silliness that her foster family can’t help laughing. Give this girl a sunny spot and she’ll supply the entertainment.

Beauty sleep, strolls, and dinner reservations

Big Gulp usually wakes between 8 and 9 a.m., emerging from her crate with a glorious stretch and a request for morning cuddles. After a thorough backyard sniff and potty break, she’s ready for breakfast, a walk, and the nap she has apparently earned by waking up.

She can accommodate an earlier schedule, too. She has accompanied her foster mom to work several times and earned excellent marks as a coworker; she simply prefers a little time to wake up before breakfast.

Walks are a highlight of her day. The morning outing is lovely, but the afternoon or evening stroll is an appointment she expects you to keep. She’ll follow you around, catch your eye, and deploy her most persuasive expression until the leash appears. She’s looking for comfortable neighborhood ambles in cool weather, followed by quality couch time.

Her dining preferences are equally specific. Big Gulp enjoys kibble softened with warm water and appreciates the company of people eating nearby. Early on, her foster family even pretended to eat at the table to help her feel comfortable having her own meal. She’s becoming more flexible as she settles in, although dried salmon treats have always been welcome under absolutely any circumstances. Because her breed is prone to skin allergies, her foster family stays away from poultry and feeds a her a diet of Zignature whitefish formula along with fish-based treats.

After dinner, she resumes her rotation of cuddles, naps, and brief bursts of comedy. A final potty break and she’s ready for her crate, where she sleeps through the night.

Good habits and everyday life

Big Gulp rarely barks and has shown no destructive chewing. Her one gardening contribution came when she saw foster mom digging and decided to assist.

She is doing well with housetraining when given regular outdoor access. She often stands near the door and makes eye contact when she wants to go out, although sometimes she’s simply reporting that a sunbeam needs her attention. She has had a couple of accidents in foster care, so her adopters should plan to reinforce her routine as she adjusts.

On leash, she generally walks politely, though an interesting person, animal, or smell can inspire her to pull toward it. She’s practicing “leave it” and learni