Dog Spared Euthanasia Looks Grateful: Photo Is A Must-See

FINDLAY, OH — Gregory wasn’t just rescued from almost certain death, the adorable beagle became famous after a picture showing him cuddling and resting his head on his human hero’s shoulder blazed around the internet. Gregory had been picked up as a stray near Obetz, Ohio, and was listed on the euthanasia list at the Franklin County Shelter and Adoption Center.

Joe Kirk and his wife, Schenley Hutson Kirk, thought Gregory deserved a “freedom ride” — the trip dogs take to the Hound Rescue and Sanctuary they founded in Findlay, Ohio, where they're cared for until they are adopted.

But not every dog reacts the way Gregory did on his freedom ride, with a gesture that conveys pure love and gratitude. He was on a leash in the back seat, but it had enough slack for him to slip his between the seats and nuzzle Kirk. The photo he took is making people around the world smile, and probably more than a few tear up.

It’s hard to disagree with the assessment of the photo by the Hound Rescue and Sanctuary, which declared it the “BEST Freedom Ride Picture EVER” on its Facebook page.

“ ‘Gregory’ is one thankful and appreciative Beagle,” the post went on. “He KNOWS he is SAFE!”

Schenley Kirk told The Dodo that it as if Gregory was thinking, “you saved my life. I knew I was going to die at that shelter, but you saved me today.”

“And just look at the eyes — the thankfulness, the appreciation and the love of this little dog — It’s as if he knows his life has been saved,” she said.

Schenley Kirk told iHeartDogs.com that Gregory has “the most loving personality” and is “always smiling and giving kisses.”

Overall, Gregory is healthy, full of energy and happy, but the condition that got him the death sentence is heartworm, which can cost about $400 to treat. Once that’s cleared up, Gregory will be ready for adoption. One couple who have already adopted two beagles have told the shelter they want to make it three with Gregory and made a generous donation for his veterinary care.

The Kirks say they they’re overwhelmed by the attention given to Gregory, but note there are several other dogs at Hound Rescue and Sanctuary waiting for homes. Like Gregory, most were scheduled for euthanasia, but have taken a freedom ride get to the sanctuary. You can help offset Gregory’s and the other dogs’ veterinary care by donating here.

Hound dogs are among the hardest to place for adoption.

“Sadly, hounds get the stereotype that they’re just a hunting dog and that’s it — that they’re smelly, that they’re loud, and that’s just not the case,” Schenley Kirk told The Dodo.

Photo by Shuterstock / Yakov Oskanov