Sometimes, dogs tend to have an easier time going “viral” online than us. It’s not hard to figure out why especially considering how cute they can be. For example, look at this rescue Beagle go viral with his “freedom ride” photo.
Gregory was recently taken to the Franklin County Shelter and Adoption Center after he was found on the streets. He seemed in good health, but his heartworm test came back positive. As a result, he was placed on the shelter’s euthanasia list.
“I saw the shelter’s post and my husband immediately drove there to pick him up,” Schenley Hutson Kirk, co-founder of Hound Rescue and Sanctuary, told Fox News on Friday.
It’s a two-hour drive to Findley and on the way, Gregory couldn’t contain his excitement. Rescues typically ride in a crate for the first time, but Kirk’s husband Joe decided to let Gregory ride safely strapped to the back seat.
“He [Gregory] was so overwhelmed and excited, he was licking Joe and being so affectionate,” Kirk said.
At a stop light, Joe decided to snap a picture of the pup on his “freedom ride.”
As on cue, Gregory snuggled up to Joe, looking lovingly at his rescuer. The photo’s added text reads:
“The BEST Freedom Ride Picture EVER! Pulled from the Euthanasia List at FCDS today by HOUND Rescue and Sanctuary, “Gregory” is one thankful and appreciative Beagle! He KNOWS he is SAFE! He is Heartworm Positive and will be going through treatment, but he knows he is in good hands! We will get him healthy and provide him all the love he so deserves and a wonderful future!! What a Great photo of Gregory and my Husband Joe on their way home from the shelter! This is what makes it all worthwhile! This is why we Rescue! www.houndrescueandsanctuary.com. Please consider making a tax deductible donation towards Gregory’s Heartworm Treatment at www.paypal.me/HOUND Thank you!”
Surprisingly or not, by Friday, the photo gathered over 10,000 reactions and shares on Facebook.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we think this photo would go viral — we are speechless,” she said.
“He’s very laid-back, very happy-go-lucky, and his favorite thing to do is get lots of love from his people,” Kirk, who works to rescue hounds full-time, told The Dodo.
Gregory is currently taking medication to treat his heartworms. Kirk says that a family with two other rescue dogs has already applied and has been approved to adopt Gregory full-time.
