Saved from euthanasia at a shelter, a grateful beagle showers his rescuer with hugs.

Lots of abandoned dogs end up in rescue shelters, and some are euthanized if they have serious medical problems that are too costly to treat. However, man’s best friends don’t warrant such a horrible fate. All of the adorable puppies deserve to be cured to have a forever home as well as a kind, caring owner to look after them (chew toys are optional). Gregory, the Beagle, was nearly put down at an animal shelter, but his story had a happy ending.
The cavalry — Joe Kirk — arrived just in the nick of time to save the dog. A thankful Gregory had a very special gift for his hero — the cutest hug you’ve probably seen all week.

Joe saved the Beagle two days before it was scheduled to be put to sleep. Joe and his wife, Schenley Hutson-Kirk, are co-founders of Hound Rescue and Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization based near Findlay, Ohio. It helps neglected dogs find new homes, provides lifelong sanctuary to “unadoptable and senior” canines, and helps strays. The dog sanctuary’s primary mission is to save dogs from euthanasia by taking them in from “high risk and kill shelters.” Hats off to these beautiful people.