This dog will be at Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, May 3rd from 12-3pm or until adopted. If you would like the first opportunity to adopt, please fill out an application to be considered.
 
Adoption Fee: $750
Meet Turtle – The Soft-Hearted Pup Who’s Peeking Out More Every Day Age: 2 years Breed: Lhasa Apso mix-Miniature Schnauzer Weight: 16 lbs Coat: Non-shedding, low-allergy, and growing in beautifully since his dramatic "shell" removal
Turtle got his name not because he’s slow (though he does enjoy a good nap) or because he hides when offered lettuce (he’d probably eat the lettuce and then hide)—but because when he arrived at the rescue, he was wrapped in a tangled shell of matted fur. Beneath all that? A tender, gentle little soul just waiting to stretch his legs, lift his chin, and start wagging that tail.
Now that Turtle is free of his fluff fortress, the transformation is real—and it's a joy to watch. Every day, he gets a little braver, a little sillier, and a little more like the dog he was always meant to be.

Here’s what we’ve learned about this delightful little guy:


He is 100% house-trained—not a single accident


Sleeps peacefully from 9 PM to 7 AM in his cozy enclosed pen


Starts his day with a stretch, tail wag, and a trip outside through the doggy door


Absolutely LOVES other dogs—they are his safe space and emotional support crew


Instantly relaxes and becomes affectionate when surrounded by friendly dogs


Has discovered the joy of toys, chewies, and even ball play—the curiosity is blooming


Has a hilarious habit of curling up in tunnel-like spots (under chairs, sofas, behind furniture) like the world’s cutest little hermit


Is sweetly cuddly, even though he’s shy—he still wants to be close and will melt into your arms with the right encouragement


Wipes? Baths? Full-body spa treatment? Turtle’s fine with it all. He’s a gentleman like that.


Loves walks and treats, and gets adorably excited when the leash comes out—he struts with quiet confidence, especially when joined by his doggy foster siblings


Has started to mirror other dogs—if they greet people or wag for attention, so does he!



What kind of home is Turtle looking for?


A calm, quiet environment with humans who understand the power of gentle encouragement


A friendly, confident resident dog to be his guide and BFF


A home where he won’t be overwhelmed—he may wag his tail at strangers, but he’s still learning how to accept love from new people without a safety net


Access to cozy nooks for his “tunneling time,” plus lots of love and snacks



Favorite Turtle Moments:


That goofy, dorky grin he flashes when he’s truly happy—showing teeth, full-body wiggles, and the kind of joy that makes your heart burst


When he wraps himself around your feet like a furry scarf, then sighs deeply like, “This. This is what love feels like.”


Watching him copy every move his foster siblings make like a furry little intern on day one of the best job ever


When he trots off confidently on a walk, turning around only to make sure you’re still there—just in case he needs backup (or snacks)



Turtle is the kind of dog who’ll never take your love for granted. He’ll meet you at the quiet intersection of trust and patience—and when he blooms, you’ll see it was all worth the wait.
Adopt Turtle—because behind every little shell is a big, beautiful heart just waiting for someone to believe in it.