Many dogs end up abandoned in rescue shelters, where some are euthanized due to expensive medical issues. But every dog deserves a chance at a loving forever home. One such lucky pup is Gregory, the Beagle, who was rescued from a shelter just in time. His hero, Joe Kirk, saved him from a heartbreaking fate. In a heartwarming gesture of gratitude, Gregory gave Joe the sweetest hug, capturing the hearts of many online. It’s a reminder that every dog, no matter their past, deserves love and a second chance.
Joe swooped in just in the nick of time, saving the Beagle from his fate of being put down. Together with his wife, Schenley Hutson-Kirk, Joe is the heart and soul behind Hound Rescue and Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization located near Findlay, Ohio. Their mission is to give neglected dogs a second chance at a happy life, whether by finding them new homes or providing a forever sanctuary for those considered “unadoptable” or elderly. They also lend a helping hand to strays in need. By rescuing pups from high-risk shelters, Joe and Schenley are true heroes in the world of animal welfare. It’s truly heartwarming to see Gregory, the Beagle, repay Joe’s kindness with a grateful hug once he realizes he’s being saved.
Photo credit: Schenley Hutson Kirk
“Gregory, the grateful Beagle, is feeling nothing but grateful! Despite being Heartworm Positive and undergoing treatment, he knows he’s in safe hands. Schenley shared on Facebook that he will receive all the care and love he needs for a bright future ahead!”
“We typically have around 25 to 30 dogs in our care at any given time, some available for adoption and others living out their lives with us in sanctuary,” shared Schenley and Joe Kirk with Bored Panda. “After rescuing Gregory from the euthanasia list at the Dog Shelter, we made sure he received the necessary veterinary care and heartworm treatment.”
The Kirks went on to mention that “once Gregory completed his treatment successfully, he found his forever home. He now belongs to a loving family who adores him, and he is living a happy life. Gregory even has a Beagle companion in his new family, and they have become inseparable buddies.”
“We are frequently asked how many dogs we have saved, to which we always respond with ‘one more.’ Each dog we rescue is now safe, receiving the care and love they deserve. Knowing that one more dog has a warm home and access to proper healthcare is incredibly rewarding,” the Kirks shared.
This Beagle was saved from being put down due to his heartworm diagnosis.
Photo credits: Schenley Hutson Kirk
According to Schenley, her husband noticed that during the car ride, Gregory’s main goal was to snuggle up to Joe. She described the Beagle as extremely affectionate and loving, always wanting to be close to someone and giving lots of kisses. Gregory was rescued by Joe and Schenley from the Franklin County Dog Shelter in 2018 when he was two years old, as the shelter was considering euthanizing him due to his health issues. Luckily, the couple decided to take him in and immediately began treatment for his heartworms.
Credit for the image goes to Schenley Hutson Kirk. Heartworm disease results from foot-long worms inhabiting the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs. Symptoms may include weight loss, tiredness, reduced appetite, hesitance to exercise, a slight persistent cough, a bulging abdomen, and heart failure.
According to Petful, approximately 2.7 million out of 7.6 million pets brought to animal shelters are sadly euthanized annually in the United States. Reasons for euthanizing animals include contagious diseases and aggressive behavior, but perhaps the most tragic cause is overpopulation, leading to overcrowded shelters having to make tough decisions. Fortunately, there are individuals like Joe and Schenley who go above and beyond to save as many animals as possible.
Check out what folks had to share about Gregory the Beagle and Joe the Hero in the heartwarming rescue story.
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