Donnie was abandoned in a New York courtyard and walked around for two days, unclear of where he was going. The lovely pup knew he had something to prove when he was ultimately rescued and taken to the Animal Care Center (ACC) in Brooklyn. Despite what his 62-pound frame may suggest, Donnie wanted everyone to know that he’s simply a giant mushball.
“Some of our heaviest canines are also our heaviest, mushiest babies!” According to Manisha Shah, an ACC volunteer. “They’re so cute and goofy that they don’t understand how big they are or that most people are probably scared of them!”
“Some of our biggest dogs are also the biggest, mushiest babies!” Manisha Shah, an ACC volunteer, told The Dodo. “It’s so sweet and silly that they don’t realize their own size!”
At first, Donnie was a bit nervous to be in a new place. But eventually, he began to warm up. In no time, he was smiling at everyone who walked by.
“He was a bit on the fearful and nervous side when he came in, which is totally understandable,” Shah said. “It feels extra special, though, when a dog like Donny trusts you.”
Shah, who helps run Boroughbred in Brooklyn, an Instagram account that advocates for dogs at Brooklyn ACC, made a video about Donnie to help him get adopted.
“When I started petting this big mush-ball, he softly stood up and leaned in while thanking me with lots of kisses.” the post’s caption reads.
Pitbulls like Donnie often have a harder time finding homes, even though they’re friendly, loving pets. According to TIME, dogs labeled “pitbull” will often wait three times as long at shelters to find homes than dogs of different breeds.
Donnie is currently living with a foster mom and acclimating to life in a home. Soon enough, this gentle giant will finally find the family he’s been looking for. A family that loves all 62 pounds of him!