Maltese / Poodle (Miniature) / Mixed (long coat) • Young • Male • Small
Romoland, CA
Kids OKDogs OK
Adoption fee: $800
Meet Flip Flop, whose life has Flip-Flopped!
Some dogs have every reason to be discouraged by the hand they've been dealt. Flip Flop isn't one of them.
This adorable 2-3 year old, 13-pound Maltipoo came to DPS from a shelter after being abandoned and covered from head to toe in painful mats. He was clearly uncomfortable, neglected, and overdue for some kindness. Yet despite everything he'd been through, Flip Flop greeted our volunteers with a wagging tail and a hopeful heart.
After a visit with a patient and talented groomer, Flip Flop received the glow-up of a lifetime. Underneath all those mats was a handsome little dog who seems to know just how fabulous he looks these days. More importantly, he's finally comfortable, loved, and ready to find the forever family he's always deserved.
Daily Life with Flip Flop
Flip Flop starts his mornings around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, depending on when his foster family wakes up. His first order of business is joining the resident dogs outside for a potty break before heading in for breakfast.
Around midday, he enjoys a leisurely walk before the weather gets too warm. Walks are one of Flip Flop's favorite activities. He loves taking his time, sniffing everything along the way, and soaking up the sights and smells of the neighborhood.
Once he's had his adventure, he's more than happy to settle into his true calling: professional couch potato.
The rest of the day is usually spent following his foster mom from room to room, finding the coziest possible spot nearby, and making sure he's available should anyone need cuddles. Dinner is served around 5:30 PM, followed by more quality time with his people before bedtime.
At night, Flip Flop sleeps in his crate. Crate training is still a work in progress, and he usually voices his opinion about bedtime for 15 to 20 minutes before deciding that sleep is actually a pretty good idea after all.
Overall, he's an incredibly easy dog to live with and asks for very little beyond love, companionship, and a comfortable place to nap.
Personality
If you're looking for a dog who wants to be your best friend, shadow, emotional support buddy, and cuddle partner all rolled into one fluffy package, Flip Flop may be your perfect match.
When he first arrived, he was understandably a little nervous. He was still friendly, but somewhat timid, often dropping into a submissive position if someone approached him too quickly. Thankfully, it didn't take long for him to realize he was safe.
Within just a few days, Flip Flop's true personality began to shine. He blossomed into one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs his foster family has ever met.
To call him cuddly almost feels like an understatement.
Flip Flop doesn't just enjoy cuddles— he believes cuddles are a fundamental requirement of daily life. He wants to be close to his people whenever possible and genuinely seems happiest when he's snuggled beside someone he loves. He is absolutely a Velcro dog, happily following his favorite person from room to room and settling wherever they happen to be.
His foster family describes him as one of the cuddliest dogs they've ever met, and everyone who meets him falls head over heels for his gentle, loving nature.
Dogs, Kids, and Friends
Flip Flop currently lives with two small resident dogs: a 9-pound adult dog and a 14-pound Chihuahua mix puppy.
When he first arrived, he preferred to keep to himself and wasn't quite sure what to make of his canine roommates. Rather than getting upset, he simply communicated politely when he needed some space. As his confidence grew, he began seeking out the older dog for occasional snuggles and has proven remarkably patient with the puppy's endless energy.
He has also met another small dog off leash and got along well. His preference seems to be for calm, respectful dogs who don't play too rough or get directly in his face.
Flip Flop also had the opportunity to meet a one-year-old toddler and absolutely charmed everyone. He was gentle, patient, and happy to be petted, making his foster family think he could thrive in a family environment.
More than anything, Flip Flop simply loves people.
Exercise and Activity
Flip Flop enjoys daily walks and is always happy to join his people for an outing, but he's definitely more lounger than athlete.
He's not particularly interested in wrestling with other dogs or engaging in nonstop play. Instead, he prefers a nice walk followed by quality cuddle time on the couch.
His ideal day includes a little exercise, a lot of affection, and several strategically placed naps.
Walking Manners
Flip Flop is a dream on leash.
He walks beautifully without pulling, takes plenty of time to investigate interesting smells, and remains calm when encountering other dogs. He doesn't bark on walks and seems genuinely happy just being out and about with his people.
He's the kind of walking companion who turns an ordinary stroll into a relaxing outing.
House Training
When Flip Flop first arrived, he occasionally marked around the house, particularly near corners. However, once he learned the household routine, those behaviors quickly faded.
With regular potty breaks every few hours, he has been consistently accident-free and clearly understands that outside is the appropriate place to do his business. He's a smart little guy who adapts quickly to expectations.
The Perfect Home
Flip Flop's dream home is simple: people who love cuddling as much as he does.
Whether that's a single person looking for a devoted companion, a couple wanting a snuggle buddy, or a family searching for a gentle, affectionate dog, Flip Flop is ready to fill that role beautifully.
He would thrive with people who enjoy having a dog nearby throughout the day and who appreciate the special bond that comes from sharing life with a true companion animal.
While he gets along well with respectful dogs, his favorite thing in the world will always be his humans.
Why Adopt Flip Flop?
Because dogs like Flip Flop are rare.
Despite experiencing neglect, he greets the world with optimism, kindness, and a wagging tail. He has every reason to be guarded, yet he chooses love instead.
He's gentle, affectionate, easygoing, wonderful on leash, great with people, and incredibly easy to care for. Most of all, he has an enormous heart and a deep desire to love and be loved.
Flip Flop isn't looking for just a home.
He's looking for his person.
And when he finds them, there's no doubt he'll be their best friend for life.