Prelude

* 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: $700
Meet Prelude: A Sweet Symphony in Progress
5-6 months old * Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix
Prelude has a pair of thoughtful eyes that seem to know more than a puppy possibly should. She’s discovered that a morning romp through the yard is excellent fun, and that learning to trust people can lead to some pretty wonderful ear scratches.
DPS rescued Prelude and her sister from a hoarding situation along with 18 other dogs. Before rescue, she had never left her yard, walked on a leash, or lived inside a house. Her world was small, and moving into a foster home meant learning almost everything from scratch. Today, her personality is beginning to shine, at her own gentle pace.
The Best Part Is Still to Come
Prelude is the quiet opening to a beautiful piece of music. You can already hear the sweetness; she just needs time to find her volume.
With wise eyes and a dignified little sitting pose, Prelude sometimes resembles a thoughtful cat surveying the room. She’s a cautious soul who feels safest in a familiar corner or her pen. But look closely, and you’ll see how much she has already accomplished.
At first, Prelude trembled when held and needed help coming back inside from the yard. Now she willingly returns to the house, doesn’t mind being carried, and has shown a playful side in wrestling sessions on the dog bed with her sister. Going outside still takes encouragement (she generally waits to be carried out), but once she’s in the yard, those little legs can really move.
Prelude’s affection arrives in small, lovely moments. Scratch her ears, and you may earn gentle kisses on your hand. Watch her relax enough to play, and you’ll understand why her foster finds her progress so rewarding.
Prelude has taken comfort and courage from having another dog nearby, so a friendly, confident resident dog could be a wonderful guide in her new home. She’ll do best with patient adopters, a predictable routine, and a calm environment where she can explore without pressure. Her future family will get to celebrate the little milestones that become very big things: choosing to come closer, investigating a new room, or asking for affection for the first time.
Her Daily Rhythm
Prelude starts her day around 7 AM with a trip to the yard, followed by approximately ten minutes of glorious puppy galloping. Then she heads straight back to her familiar pen, and by 8:15 AM, she’s ready for a morning nap.
When her foster works at the computer, Prelude hangs out in the same room. She has access to the deck but generally prefers to venture out with her person. Regular potty opportunities come around 11 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 10 PM, followed by bedtime in an exercise pen with a crate available. She also settles in her pen when left home alone.
Food is currently available in her pen, and she tends to eat more overnight, although a little chicken with breakfast earns her attention. She enjoys playtime and plenty of naps, and her barking is mostly reserved for play.
Prelude has done very well with her foster’s potty routine, with no accidents elsewhere in the house and only occasional overnight use of potty pads. Her adopters should continue that consistent schedule as she adjusts to her new home. She hasn’t started neighborhood walks yet, so leash skills are still ahead of her.
Prelude is ready for someone who will treasure every new bit of courage, and she can’t wait to meet the family who will help her write her next chapter.