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Donte

A black Lab/Pyrenees sitting in a flower field with a leash

Donte

Alias: Donte the Gentle Giant

Occupation: Retired Service Dog in Training, Full-Time Hero

Age: 7 years

Breed: Lab/Pyrenees Mix

Blood Type: DEA 1 Negative

Blood Donor Since: April 2024

Fun Fact: Donte’s origin story is a true rags-to-riches tale. Rescued from a Texas shelter, he embarked on a noble journey to become a service dog with Patriot Paws, helping veterans with PTSD. But at just 1.5 years old, Donte had an epiphany: why fetch when you can lounge? Trading his career for a cushy retirement as a professional couch potato, Donte found his forever home with his human mom, becoming a beach-going, food-loving, tail-wagging companion.

These days, Donte splits his time between playing referee for his canine brother Pico, snuggling on the couch with his feline BFF Thor, and charming everyone he meets. His life motto? "Smiles for miles and paws for the cause—just don’t put lettuce in my bowl."

Saves: Donte has rolled up his metaphorical sleeves (or rather, rolled over) to donate blood four incredible times since April 2024.

Mission 1: Saved a dog battling immune-mediated thrombocytopenia—a disease where the body attacks its own platelets, causing dangerous blood loss. Donte’s donation bought the doctors time to start life-saving treatment. Nine months later, that pup is still wagging their tail, thanks to Donte’s superhero blood!

Missions 2–4: Provided vital transfusions to three more canine patients, giving them and their families hope, healing, and plenty of future belly rubs.

Why Donte Deserves All the Treats: Donte isn’t just a friend to all—he’s a bona fide lifesaver. Whether it’s greeting VSH staff with his calm and amicable demeanor or donating blood to save a life, Donte is the gentle hero we all aspire to be. He may have retired from service, but his legacy of kindness and courage continues to grow with every wag of his tail.🐾