There are dogs, and then there are giant mythological creatures.

Donnie the great dane falls somewhere in between.

Donnie is 2 years old and 7 feet long fully stretched.

He weighs 175 pounds and loves to sit on the couch to watch Nascar and professional football.

He drools only while drinking water.

He’s friendly and mellow, despite the fact he was found locked in a Kansas chicken coop a year or so back. He’s been looking for a home ever since.

On Sunday afternoon, Donnie, along with dozens of other dogs, was trying to nab a permanent owner.

The first-ever Dogapalooza —which took place at the doggy-day-care Camp Bow Wow, 5620 S. 49th St. — invited some dog rescue operations to show off their up-for-adoption canines.

“A big part of the event is letting people get to know the dogs that are available for adoption,” said Tom Ryan, co-owner of the Lincoln Camp Bow Wow.

Rescue groups brought great danes, weimaraners, golden retrievers, labradoodles, toy breeds  and others into the 7,500-square-foot facility. The dogs all got along relatively well, though, the barking was deafening.

Fairly woof-less, was a 13-year-old golden retriever named Jordi. She’s up for adoption from the organization GRRIN (Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska), and she was a little more laid-back and life-wise than the rest of the pups.

“She’s an awesome dog,” said Amy Salistean, Jordi’s foster owner. “So loving.”

Amy and her husband, Rob, have kept Jordi for three months. Jordi’s their third golden retriever foster dog, and, as with the others, it’ll be hard to see Jordi go when she gets adopted.

“Of course,” Amy said, “as they drive off I cry. But you’ve got to focus on the next dog, make room for the next foster.”

Reach Micah Mertes at 473-7395 or mmertes@journalstar.com.