Adoption fee: $650 Cupcake: Sweet, Spicy, and Looking for Her Person Cupcake's story started with heartbreak. When DPS volunteers first met her at the shelter, she barely looked like a dog. Hidden beneath layers of severe matting, dreadlocks, and neglect was a tiny 12-pound Morkie who had clearly been through a lot. Once she was finally shaved down, groomers discovered painful wounds hidden underneath her coat, including a significant sore on her front leg that has taken time to heal. Despite everything she's endured, Cupcake's personality shines through every day. At 7 years old, Cupcake is equal parts playful, snuggly, bossy, funny, and determined. She absolutely loves playing fetch with her stuffed toys and is always ready for a spirited game of tug-of-war. She enjoys curling up next to her people, sleeping in bed (where she takes her role as a bed hog very seriously), and soaking up attention whenever it's available. Her adorable baby Yoda ears are impossible to resist, and she especially loves having them scratched. She's a great cuddler and always brings a smile to her foster's face. Most of the time, Cupcake is a happy little dog who enjoys being part of the action. She has done well meeting visitors and gets along wonderfully with the three resident dogs in her foster home. She's perfectly content staying home alone and doesn't spend her time looking for trouble. She saves her barking mostly for important announcements, like reminding you dinner is late, requesting a spot on the couch, or letting you know that your food should probably be shared with her. Cupcake does come with some important considerations. Because of her painful wound and likely difficult past experiences, she can be defensive when she feels uncomfortable or vulnerable. While much of this behavior appears related to pain and wound guarding, Cupcake has also shown that she isn't afraid to express her opinions when things don't go her way. She is not a dog who will tolerate being pushed, restrained, or handled without respect for her boundaries. For that reason, Cupcake needs an experienced adult-only home with people who understand dog body language and are comfortable working with a dog who has some emotional baggage. The right adopter for Cupcake will see beyond her rough edges and recognize the resilient little dog underneath. She has likely spent years learning that the world wasn't always kind to her. Now she needs someone willing to show her that life can be different. Cupcake isn't a perfect dog. She's a real dog— with quirks, opinions, scars, and a whole lot of personality. For the right person, that combination may make her all the more special.