Stray dog lived off scraps from grocery store workers. Now sweet pup needs home

Miami Herald

a day ago

A stray dog once lived off food scraps — and now, the 'silly' pup needs a home.
'Adonis (aka Doni) is the definition of a gentle soul with a goofy streak,' a Florida animal rescue wrote June 7 in a Facebook post. 'Picked up as a stray in a rural area of Northwest Florida, this handsome boy had been fending for himself and relying on kind Piggly Wiggly grocery store employees for scraps.'
Eventually, Doni went to a shelter but was never claimed. He was in rough shape when he was transferred to Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue in April, the animal organization wrote on social media and in an email to McClatchy News.
'When Doni came to us, he was severely underweight, covered in fleas and ticks, and sadly, heartworm positive,' rescuers wrote. 'He's now safe, receiving treatment, and thriving in his foster home — and we're ready to find the loving forever family he was always meant for.'
Doni is described as a roughly 1- or 2-year-old pup who 'doesn't quite understand his size,' bumping into people as he seeks affection. He's known for being 'sweet and sometimes clumsy,' so he may do best in a home with older kids who are accustomed to living with dogs.
'Doni is discovering the magic of the couch, and he's definitely a 'Velcro Dane' — he wants to be right where the love is,' rescuers wrote. 'He's a messy eater and drinks like a horse, so be ready for splashes and crumbs. A slow feeder bowl is non-negotiable — this guy inhales his food!'
As of June 10, Doni was up for adoption, Katie King, vice president of the rescue, wrote in the email. While the pup waits for a new owner, he's living with a foster family in Panama City, in the Florida Panhandle.
'Doni is looking for a forever home with patience, love, and preferably another dog to keep him company and help him burn off his energy,' the animal organization wrote. 'He's a diamond in the rough who will shine bright with the right family.'
Details about the rescue's adoption process can be found at nwflgdr.com.