A photo of a dog hugging a man has gone viral. It’s not just because they look so adorable, but also because of the story behind it. The dog was about to be put to sleep, and just two days before his scheduled euthanasia, a kind man came in and took him in. It seemed that the dog knew what happened and just had to show how grateful he is.
The story
Like most stray dogs, Gregory, a two-year-old beagle, was picked up from the streets and brought to a local shelter. There he was discovered to have a severe heartworm condition. As with most small and underfunded municipal shelters, this one was overcrowded too.
Sadly, because they cannot house many dogs, those that are deemed too sick, too old, or unadoptable are given a horrible fate. Gregory falls under those categories. It was too costly to treat him, and if nobody takes him, he will be put to sleep.
But then, Joe Kirk saved him.
Joe, along with his wife, Schenley Hutson-Kirk, co-founded Hound Rescue and Animal Sanctuary. It is a non-profit rescue organization that is based in Findlay, Ohio. Their primary mission is to provide a sanctuary for senior and unadoptable dogs and to save them from high-kill shelters. They also help neglected dogs find families that would care for them.
Gone viral
After Joe filed the proper papers, Gregory was going home with him. In the car ride back to their sanctuary, Joe took a couple of selfies. One of the photos showed the dog leaning his head against Joe’s shoulder while his paw hugs his arm. Gregory is also staring at the man that just changed his fate.
Joe posted these photos on their page, and people fell in love with them. It was a very heartwarming photo that seemingly showed Gregory understanding the situation. It’s a perfect example of how saving a dog’s life makes a huge difference. And generally, it just gives us a good warm feeling inside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHPZ4WY9Y5g&list=PLk1zTT7z-I4xEY-wOh7-1UHseMxCF0uqd&index=62
Source: Stories of Animals via Youtube