My name is Donny!

Meet Donny — a joyful Xolo with a big heart and even bigger personality.

It’s hard to believe a smooth-coated Xoloitzcuintle—often compared to Dante from Coco—could end up on a shelter euthanasia list. But that’s exactly where Donny found himself. Donny arrived at the North Central Los Angeles Animal Shelter as an 8-month-old stray: underweight, with a swollen cheek, but full of life. Volunteers quickly fell for his playful spirit. Shelter notes described him as a dog who “loves running the entire length of the yard,” plays beautifully with all kinds of dogs, and happily rolls around getting chewed on by his buddies.

Despite months in a loud, crowded shelter, Donny thrived. He joined playgroups, passed a professional behavioral assessment, and completed a youth training program where he learned basic manners and showed off his smarts at graduation. He aced off-site pack walks, calmly greeted the public at adoption events, and handled new dogs and busy environments with ease.

But even the happiest dogs struggle with long shelter stays. Over time, kennel stress caught up with young Donny, and in December he was placed on the euthanasia list.

Thankfully, love stepped in just in time. Thanks to Paws4Thought Rescue and devoted foster parents, Donny traded cold concrete for warm beds, Xolo friends, and even pig pals. Now he’s ready for his next chapter—a forever home where he can run, play, and then curl up for cuddles with his family.

Donny is proof that incredible dogs sometimes just need someone to see them.

He’s also a perfect gentleman when it counts. Donny rides calmly in the car, settles in easily, and does great meeting new people and dogs in busy environments. He’s friendly, polite, and eager to connect.

Donny would thrive in an active home that can give him regular exercise, playtime, and positive outlets for his energy — and in return, you’ll get a loyal, sweet companion who’s just as happy to cuddle once the fun is done.