🚨 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THIS SCRUFFY LITTLE MAN 🚨

There is a very real possibility that Paul is actually a tiny retired professor who was accidentally transformed into a dog.

I cannot prove this.

But I also cannot explain the distinguished little beard, the thoughtful expressions, or the fact that he constantly looks like he’s about to ask if you’ve considered all possible outcomes before proceeding.

And then there are the ears.

Sweet mercy, the ears.

One ear seems fully committed to participating in whatever is happening. The other appears to be operating under an entirely different management structure.

Together they create one of the most endearing faces I’ve ever seen.

Paul is a 4.5-month-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix who weighs 7.5 pounds and looks like somebody assembled him from equal parts scruffy terrier, floofy cloud,  and pure heart.

The first thing you’ll notice about him is how flipping adorable he is.

The second thing you’ll notice is that underneath all that scruffy cuteness lives one of the sweetest little souls you’ll ever meet.

💜 A Tender Heart in a Tiny Package

Paul isn’t the type of puppy who charges blindly into every situation convinced the world revolves around him.

He’s thoughtful.

Sensitive.

The kind of little guy who likes to take a moment to figure things out before deciding how he feels about them.

When he finds himself somewhere new, his first instinct is often to check things out from the safety of his person’s arms. He likes to observe. Watch. Gather information.

Then, once he’s decided everything is okay, his personality begins to bloom.

And what a beautiful thing that is.

His foster mom says when Paul first arrived, he seemed a little uncertain about new environments.

But every single day he grows a little braver.

A little more confident.

A little more certain that good things are finally here to stay.

🎾 Professional Explorer. Amateur Pinecone Collector.

Once Paul feels comfortable, he wakes up every day ready for adventure.

And by adventure, I mean absolutely everything.

The yard.

The living room.

The mysterious paper towel roll someone left unattended.

A stick.

A pinecone.

A different pinecone.

A particularly exciting pinecone.

Nothing escapes Paul’s attention.

One of his favorite hobbies is discovering treasures outdoors and proudly delivering them to his humans as if he’s personally responsible for keeping the household supplied with important forest artifacts.

His foster mom still laughs about the first time he found a pinecone and proudly dropped it at her feet.

You can practically picture him thinking:

“I found this for us.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Please hold your applause until the presentation is complete.”

Paul loves toys, enjoys enrichment activities, and has become an absolute treat puzzle champion. While some puppies carefully work through challenges, Paul approaches puzzles with the confidence of a contestant who’s somehow already seen the answers. Guys, this boy is SMART. And he’s eager to show you just how smart he is!

His only known weakness?

The tunnel.

Paul remains unconvinced that crawling through a fabric tube is a reasonable life choice.

🛋️ Love, According to Paul

If playing is Paul’s favorite daytime activity, cuddling is undoubtedly his chosen profession.

This little guy absolutely adores his people.

He seeks out laps.

He seeks out couches.

He seeks out any location that allows him to be physically touching somebody he loves.

Paul has perfected the art of curling up as close to his humans as possible during naps. Sometimes he stretches dramatically across the couch. Sometimes he tucks himself beside you like a tiny heated blanket.

And kisses?

Paul has enough kisses for everybody.

Hands.

Arms.

Faces.

Necks.

Feet.

If you sit still long enough, Paul will eventually decide that you require a thorough grooming session.

The sweetest part may be that he shares this affection with other dogs, too. He regularly grooms his brother, gives unsolicited kisses to his foster siblings, and often sleeps with a paw draped over another dog or human as though he’s handing out tiny hugs while he dreams.

🌎 Learning the World

Like any young puppy, Paul is still learning.

He’s doing wonderfully with going potty outside and is also using potty pads, though he sometimes needs reminders and encouragement to find them. Consistency and routine will help him continue building confidence as he masters his potty training skills.

He’s learning to use a dog door, which currently seems slightly suspicious.

He’s learning that new people can become friends.

He’s learning that the world is bigger than he once thought.

Most importantly, he’s learning that he is safe.

And watching him discover that has been one of the greatest joys of his foster family’s journey with him.

🏡 The Home Paul Dreams About

Paul’s ideal family will be looking for connection. That’s what Paul brings to the table. This little dude is a soul-dog in the making! 

He would thrive with people who understand that confidence isn’t always loud. Sometimes confidence looks like a little scruffy puppy taking one brave step forward, then looking back for reassurance before taking the next.

Another playful dog would likely be a wonderful match for him. He absolutely loves canine companionship and enjoys having a buddy to play, cuddle, and explore with.

Because Paul feels happiest when he knows where his people are, he’d do best in a home where someone isn’t gone for extremely long hours every day.

Most of all, he needs what every deserving puppy needs:

Patience.

Kindness.

Consistency.

And people who love him exactly as he is.

💜 The Heart of Paul

Some dogs steal your heart immediately.

Paul does it slowly.

Quietly.

One cuddle at a time.

One trusting glance at a time.

One tiny kiss at a time.

One proudly delivered pinecone at a time.

Before you realize what’s happened, this scruffy little boy has woven himself into your routine, your couch cushions, your daily life, and your heart.

Because underneath the funny ears, wispy beard, duck-like run, and endless supply of kisses is a puppy who simply wants to be an integral part of your day – every day. 

And when Paul finally finds his forever family, I suspect he’ll spend the rest of his life making sure they never doubt just how grateful he is to be home.