Beagle thanked his rescuer When Schenley Hutson Kirk opened a message about a dog on the euthanasia list at the Franklin County Shelter in Ohio, her heart sank. There, staring back from the screen, was a 2-year-old beagle named Gregory—sweet, healthy, and full of life, but running out of time.
Gregory had been picked up as a stray in Obetz, Ohio, likely abandoned by the only family he’d ever known. To the shelter staff, he appeared healthy and friendly. But a heartworm diagnosis changed everything. The required treatment—just $400—was too much for many rescues, and the shelter gave Gregory a heartbreaking label: “rescue only.” If no one stepped in by May 3, his fate was sealed.
But fate had other plans.
Schenley and her husband, Joe—founders of Hound Rescue and Sanctuary—knew they couldn’t let this gentle soul fade away. Without hesitation, Joe took the day off work to drive two hours to the shelter. Gregory’s clock was ticking, but hope had just walked through the door.
“He had so much life in his eyes,” Schenley recalled. “We just couldn’t let him go without a fight.”
What happened next would touch the hearts of millions.
A Hug That Said It All
On the drive back home, Joe did something he doesn’t normally do—he took a few selfies with their newest rescue. When he texted them to Schenley, she expected a quick glance at a happy pup. What she saw brought her to tears.
“In the last photo, Gregory had leaned over and gently rested his head on Joe’s shoulder,” she said. “It was like he was saying, ‘You saved my life. Thank you.’ His eyes held so much emotion—gratitude, love, relief.”
The photo captured something words couldn’t: a dog, just hours from death, hugging the man who gave him a second chance.
And it went viral.
From Death Row to Family Room
Back at their sanctuary, Gregory began his new life with enthusiasm and love. He adjusted quickly, as if he knew he was finally safe. “He’s an absolute sweetheart,” Schenley shared. “He’s affectionate, playful, and loves giving kisses. He just wants to be near us.”
Gregory is currently undergoing a month-long antibiotic treatment and will soon begin his heartworm medication. He’s also learning basic commands, adjusting to indoor life like he’s always belonged, and yes—he’s already house-trained.
“He’s the kind of dog who just wants to love and be loved,” Schenley added.
Breaking the Stereotype
Sadly, Gregory’s story is not uncommon. In rural Ohio, many hounds and beagles are treated as tools for hunting rather than companions. They live chained to trees, in outdoor kennels, often neglected outside of hunting season.
“Hounds are so misunderstood,” Schenley explained. “People think they’re loud or difficult, but they are some of the most loyal, loving dogs I’ve ever met.”
Through Hound Rescue and Sanctuary, Schenley and Joe work tirelessly to change that narrative—one rescued dog at a time.
Gregory’s New Chapter
Every time Schenley sees Gregory curled up beside her or trotting after Joe from room to room, she smiles. She knows that the quiet dog with the grateful eyes has a future filled with love, warmth, and safety.
“He’ll never be left behind again,” she said softly. “He’s family now.”
Rlated: Loyal German Shepherd Refuses to Leave Girl’s Coffin — Then a Miracle Shocks Everyone
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