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Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue

Rigatoni Danza

Age: 8 years old

Gender: Male

Adoption Fee: $600

Adopt a Bulldog

Rigatoni Danza

7/26/25 INTRODUCTION:  Please welcome Rigatoni Danza to our rescue family! Special thanks to Kayle for saving his cute boy from the shelter this morning.

She shares: Eight years old. Picked up as a stray. Heartworm positive. Eyes infected. Ears hacked off—one of them looks especially bad. Riddled with arthritis, spine curved, every step stiff and painful.

We don’t know his story. Was he a backyard greeder discard—used up and tossed out the second he became inconvenient and sick? Was he someone’s dog once, slowly forgotten? Who knows.

What we do know is this:
Rigatoni Danza was on the shortlist. And no, not the upgrade-to-business-class kind.

The “you have 24 hours left” kind.

And we were full.
No open foster homes.
No extra hands.
No space.

We had already let the shelter know—sadly—we didn’t have the resources to help.

But then, less than an hour later, one of our amazing foster parents saw his face and said: “Go get him. He can come here.”
That’s the only reason he’s alive today.

Now he’s safe. Laying on a soft bed.
He’ll get heartworm treatment, pain meds, a neuter, and whatever else he needs to feel like a dog again.

He’s quiet. Gentle. A little unsure. But there’s a big ol’ lovebug underneath that sad, stiff exterior—and we’re going to help him find joy again.

We are tired. Overwhelmed and hopeful. And still—we will never stop fighting for dogs like Rigatoni Danza.

Because if not us… who?

Welcome to rescue, Rigatoni Danza. You are safe now.

Ready to help?

Donate to support Rigatoni’s medical care. His heartworm treatment alone will be $800-$1,000: dfwbulldogrescue.org/donate

Foster, if you’re able—because fosters don’t just help. They save lives. Message us if you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

And please, stop supporting greeders, backyard breeders and puppy broker websites. We know rescue isn’t for everyone, but at least do your research. If you can’t meet the parents of that “perfect” puppy, there could be a dark reason why.

Let’s do better. For Rigatoni. For all of them.

10/6/25 UDPATE: Update from the foster momma: Rigatoni Danza is in the final stretch of his medical hold! Just one month to go following his heartworm treatment, and then he’ll be ready to be matched to an approved family!

This sweet boy has been such an easy houseguest. He’s so low-key and laid-back that I’ve hardly needed to kennel him. We’re really getting to know his personality now, and what a gem he is. Rigatoni follows us everywhere and insists on being right by your side. He often lies on my feet while I work, a quiet shadow who just wants to be close.

He’s stoic, gentle and has the most soulful eyes. His whole world revolves around the people near him. He just wants to soak up all the love he can. Nothing seems to rattle him. He only barks to let us know it’s mealtime or when he needs to go outside. He gets along perfectly with other dogs, big and small, and walks away from any drama. I haven’t seen any signs of food or treat aggression, though we always feed dogs separately just to be safe.

Rigatoni has recently discovered the joy of Benebones and treat-filled Kongs, though he’s not particularly interested in toys otherwise. What he loves most is being pet and snuggled. It’s clear he wasn’t treated kindly in the past. He still freezes a little when touched unexpectedly, which breaks my heart. But now, when the petting stops, he gently scoots closer and leans in, silently asking for more affection. With time and love, he’ll continue to blossom and understand what it means to be safe and cherished.

One of his favorite activities is relaxing on the front porch, quietly observing the world while his foster sisters shout at everything that moves. Rigatoni prefers peace. He’s 40 pounds of gentle sweetness who would thrive in just about any home.

This boy is going to make someone incredibly lucky.

Want to help more dogs like Rigatoni?
Join us Oct. 18 at our 2025 Bull-O-Ween, our biggest fundraiser of the year! It’s a fun-filled event for the whole family (dogs included!) and a vital part of helping us pay off vet bills and continue rescuing dogs in need. Every ticket, donation and share makes a difference. Let’s keep changing lives—together. 🎃🐾VIP passes are still available: dfwbulldogrescue.org/shop