Small Dogs for Adoption in Merced, CA: 21 Little Dogs Looking for a Home

Crate-sleeping sweetheart: He sleeps quietly in his crate overnight and will give a little whine if he needs a potty break.

Still learning: He's working on mastering his house training and will need a family ready to continue helping him learn.

Toy enthusiast: Chew toys, plushies, and backyard sticks keep him entertained.

Kibble-time acrobat: When he hears the food bag crinkle, he gets so excited that he bounces up and down like a pogo stick!

Stuart is at that wonderful puppy stage where every day brings something new, every little milestone is worth celebrating, and every cuddle reminds you why raising a puppy is so special.

We would LOVE for his forever family to experience all of it—the goofy antics, the learning, the laughter, the puppy adventures, and those sleepy snuggles that make your heart melt.

Puppies don't stay little forever, and Stuart is ready to start growing up with YOU!

Could you be the family he's been waiting for? Message us to learn more about Stuart and give this sweet boy his forever home!

Nuna does have one little quirk: she can get protective of her bully sticks, so she’ll need a family who respects her space around high-value chews and can manage them safely.

Otherwise, this sweet girl has so much to offer. Whether you're looking for a snuggle buddy for quiet nights or a companion to join you on everyday adventures, Nuna is ready to fill your life with love.

All she needs now is a family to call her own! Could that be you?

Give Nuna a Doggone Chance!

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with Larry:

Still a playful boy! His favorite squeaky toys bring out his fun side, and he loves tracking them down.

Professional couch companion. After playtime, Larry is more than happy to curl up for a good nap beside his favorite human.

Dog-friendly! He enjoys the company of other dogs and can happily share a home with a canine companion.

A gentleman at mealtime. Larry prefers to eat in his own quiet space, where he can enjoy his food in peace. Once he’s finished, he’s ready to rejoin the fun!

Larry doesn’t need someone to feel sorry for him. He needs someone willing to see him for the wonderful dog he is. His vision may be limited, but his ability to play, adapt, enjoy life, and become a beloved companion is not.

Two years in a shelter is far too long for any dog, especially one who deserves a soft bed, a safe home, squeaky toys, and someone to call his own.

Larry has waited long enough. Could you be the person who finally gives him the forever home he deserves?

Please share Larry’s story. His person may be out there, just waiting to meet him.

Give Larry a Doggone Chance!

I may not be the biggest cuddle bug, and being held isn’t really my thing, I’m a little too wiggly for that! But I absolutely love being close to my people. I also enjoy the company of other dogs, and treats and mealtime are definitely some of my favorite parts of the day!

My favorite things:

Playing fetch (I’m a natural!)

Running zoomies in the backyard

Hanging out and playing with my person

Sleeping next to my favorite human

Making doggy friends

Treats, snacks, and a good puppy nap

If you’re looking for a clever, fun-loving companion who will keep you smiling and bring plenty of puppy joy into your life, I just might be your perfect match.

Ricky can occasionally be a little protective of his things, so his adopter should be mindful of his tendency to resource guard and continue working with him using positive, reward-based training. He also has occasional accidents in the house, although he seems to understand that the yard is the place to do his business and is making progress with his house manners.

Most of all, Ricky is simply a very sweet, loving little guy who wants what most dogs want: to be loved, cared for, and close to his person. He has so much affection to give and would love to find someone who will appreciate his gentle, endearing personality while helping him continue to learn and grow.

If you’re looking for a tiny companion with a huge capacity for love, Ricky would be thrilled to meet you! ❤️

Commands they know? She’s learning “sit.”

What are their favorite things? Being on someone’s lap!

What do they need to work on? Continuing to work on house training.

How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone? Wendy does well when left alone, either in her crate or out. She may cry a little at first but settles down.

Where do they sleep? In her crate.

What is their ideal home? Wendy would be happy anywhere she has a lap to cuddle up on! She loves playing with the resident dog, so a playful canine friend could be fun for her, but what she really wants is a person to be close to. She’s perfectly happy snoozing on a lap while you work at the computer or relax on the couch.

What is their meal schedule and what are they eating? She eats 1/3 cup of dry food including a wet food topper, twice a day.

The Adoption fee is $325.

For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs

, please complete our online adoption application at

www.everypetsdream.org/adopt

. W

e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram

Energy Level? Medium
House trained? Yes
Describe how they are on leash? Good
Describe how they are with other dogs? Good
Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they? Buddy doesn’t care for cats but has not been aggressive with them. He has chased them, though, so a cat-free home would likely be best.
Commands they know? Sit, stay, no, go potty
What are their favorite things? Food and cuddles!
What do they need to work on? Nothing really. He’s a good boy!
How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone? He does just fine when left home alone.
Where do they sleep? In bed, of course!
What is their ideal home? Buddy would love a person or family who is home often, wants a little companion by their side, and is ready to spoil him with lots of love and cuddles.

The Adoption fee is $325.

For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs

, please complete our online adoption application at

www.everypetsdream.org/adopt

. W

e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram

Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they?
No

Commands they know?
We are working on: leave it, stay, sit, and off

What are their favorite things?
Her favorite things are squeaky toys, laying in the sun, and belly rubs.

What do they need to work on?
Commands, walking on the leash, and comfort with new things. She is very shy at first.

How are they when left alone?
How long have they been left alone? She is good when left alone.

Where do they sleep?
In her bed in the family room.

What is their ideal home?
A calm, gentle home where she can get plenty of time and attention. She could do well with a friendly, calm dog, but does not need to live with another dog. She would enjoy one or more short walks each day.

GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Unknown
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to

She gets along well with other small dogs, but given the choice, Peridot would probably rather be curled up next to her human on the couch watching TV.
Peridot does have a medical condition that her future family should understand. She has been diagnosed with low-grade mammary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the mammary glands. Her veterinarian estimates that she may have another 1–5 years, although every dog's journey is different. Her mammary glands and any changes in her masses will need continued monitoring so that her comfort and quality of life remain the priority. Umbrella of Hope is committed to Peridot's well-being and will cover the cost of euthanasia when the time comes and it is no longer kind to ask her to stay. She deserves to live out her days surrounded by love, comfort, and all the good things life has to offer.
And Peridot?
She is still her same happy, loving little self.
She wants to go for walks, snuggle up with her favorite people, collect all the treats, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being someone's beloved little dog. Her diagnosis hasn't changed her sunny personality or her desire to be part of a family.
Peridot would be a wonderful match for someone looking for a devoted little companion who enjoys a predictable routine, gets along with other small dogs, has excellent house manners, and thinks the best seat in the house is the one directly beside you.
Adopting Peridot means opening your heart to a dog whose future may be uncertain—but whose capacity to love is not. She doesn't need someone to feel sorry for her. She needs someone who sees the happy, affectionate little girl she is today and wants to make her days as wonderful as possible.
There are walks to take, cuddles to share, treats to enjoy, and so much love still to give.Peridot is waiting for someone to look at her and say, “That's my girl.”
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No but lower shed
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes, small dogs
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.

Do you have questions about this animal or are you ready to take the next step to adoption? Complete our Adoption Inquiry Form (copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar) or call us 925-426-8656. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

In his foster home, he is:* Doing great with potty training (always expect a learning curve when adjusting to new environments)* Fully mastering “Sit”* Progressing nicely with crate trainingPierre enjoys the company of other animals and gets along well with both dogs and cats. If a cat runs, he may try to join the chase, but it’s all in playful fun.Pierre is also a vocal little guy and can be barky and talkative, especially when he’s excited or alerting you to something. Because of this, apartment living or homes with close neighbors probably aren’t the best fit.🧠 Behavior & Training NeedsLike many rescue dogs, Pierre can become fearful in unfamiliar or stressful situations, especially at the veterinarian and during grooming. When scared, he may become defensive and nippy.He will need:* An adopter who understands canine body language and recognizes his fear signals* Continued positive reinforcement training and confidence building* A calm, patient home that can safely manage veterinary and grooming visits* Ongoing structure, exercise, and mental enrichmentDespite these challenges, Pierre is incredibly sweet in his everyday environment and thrives when he feels safe, understood, and included in the family.✂️ Grooming NeedsPierre will require professional grooming every 4â€"6 weeks. Regular grooming is essential, as his coat will become painfully matted if neglected.💙 Our CommitmentAt K9 Paw Print Rescue, we require a detailed adoption application because we are committed to finding the right homeâ€"not just the next home. Our goal is to ensure our dogs never have to experience the heartbreak of losing their family again.🐶 Ready to Apply?If you think Pierre might be your perfect match, we’d love to hear from you!🐾 Apply to adopt at www.K9PPR.org

His favorite pass time is playing fetch with his favorite squeaky toy. We hope someone with patience and a big heart can give him a loving forever home. For more information & an online application go to https://www.cathouseonthekings.com/adoption/dog.php?id=27638 [ts=1793808016&src=rg]

GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: Most likely
Good with cats?: Unknown but we think so
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.

Describe how they are on leash?
Maisy walks well on leash and enjoys getting out for walks and adventures.

Describe how they are with other dogs?
When meeting new dogs, Maisy may bark or lunge initially, but once she has a chance to settle in and become comfortable, she does well and enjoys canine companionship.

Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they?
Yes. Maisy has lived with a cat, whom she happily ignores, and she gets along very well with another dog in her foster home.

Commands they know?
Maisy is still learning her basic commands and is currently working on "sit," "off," and "quiet." She's eager to learn with positive reinforcement.

What are their favorite things?
Attention, affection, affection, affection,
food (especially treats!), walks, and spending time with her people. She also enjoys social outings after she's had a little time to check out her surroundings.

What do they need to work on?
Maisy is continuing to learn her basic manners and commands. Like many curious dogs, she'll occasionally help herself to shoes or laundry if they're left within reach, so she'll benefit from continued training, puppy proofing, and management.

How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone?
Maisy does well when left alone. She is crated for up to four hours at a time, typically no more than a couple of days each week, and handles it well.

Where do they sleep?
Maisy sleeps comfortably in her crate.

What is their ideal home?
Maisy is a wonderfully adaptable dog who would fit into many different types of homes. She has done well with dogs and cats, and while she hasn't been around children yet, her sweet, social nature suggests she could do well with a family willing to give her a proper introduction. Whether it's a single person, a couple, or a family, Maisy will thrive with people who enjoy including her in their daily lives and can provide moderate exercise, continued training, and lots of love. She's an easygoing, affectionate companion who forms strong bonds and will make a wonderful addition to a lucky family.

The Adoption fee is $325.
For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs
, please complete our online adoption application at

www.everypetsdream.org/adopt

. W
e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram

Dingo is endlessly entertaining. He's been known to clear a baby gate like a seasoned hurdler and perch on top of crates like he owns the place — which, honestly, he kind of does. Whether he's zooming around or doing something ridiculous just to get a reaction, he will absolutely make you smile every single day.

What Dingo loves most? You. He thrives on human attention and connection, and nothing makes him happier than being with his people. He's great with other dogs, fully house trained, and just as happy romping around as he is snuggling up for a quiet evening.

If you're looking for a funny, affectionate, endlessly entertaining little companion who will keep up with your energy and still melt into your lap — Dingo is your guy.