When Schenley Hutson Kirk spotted Gregory’s photo on the kill list at Franklin County Shelter in Ohio, her heart just about stopped. Here was this adorable little beagle—healthy, young, full of life—but he had one strike against him that was about to cost him everything.
Gregory had tested positive for heartworm. That’s it. A totally treatable condition that would cost the shelter maybe $400 to fix. But instead of treating him, they slapped a “rescue only” label on his kennel and gave him until May 3rd before they’d put him down.
The 2-year-old pup had been found wandering around Obetz, Ohio, probably dumped by owners who didn’t want to deal with his medical bills. He was friendly as could be and bursting with energy, but none of that mattered when you’re just a number on an euthanasia list.
Lucky for Gregory, Kirk and her husband Joe run Hound Rescue and Sanctuary, and they weren’t about to let this sweet boy’s story end there.
Joe dropped everything, took the day off work, and made the drive to save Gregory’s life. What happened next caught everyone off guard.
“On the way back home, he decided he was going to take a couple selfies of our new rescue, which I got after him a little bit for since he’s not supposed to take pictures while driving — but considering the photos he captured I couldn’t complain too much,” Kirk told The Dodo.
Gregory was tethered in the backseat for safety, but his leash was just long enough to reach Joe’s shoulder. And that’s exactly where he went.
The photos Joe sent back home tell the whole story. In the last shot, little Gregory had stretched his head over to rest against Joe’s shoulder, eyes soft and grateful, like he somehow understood that this stranger had just saved his life.
“[Joe] sent me three photos, and in the last one, little Gregory had leaned his head over, as if to say, ‘You saved my life. I knew I was going to die at that shelter, but you saved me today,'” Kirk said. “And just the look in his eyes — the thankfulness, the appreciation and the love of this little dog — it’s as if he knows his life has been saved.”
Now safe in the Kirks’ home, Gregory keeps showing his gratitude every single day. He’s a total sweetheart—loves giving kisses, follows Kirk from room to room, and soaks up every bit of attention he can get.
“He is an absolute doll,” Kirk said. “He’s loving, affectionate, he loves to give kisses. Very well-behaved in the home.”
While Gregory works through his heartworm treatment and learns basic commands, he’s proving that beagles make incredible family pets—something Kirk wishes more people understood.
“Sadly, hounds get the stereotype that they’re just a hunting dog and that’s it,” Kirk explained. “That they’re smelly, that they’re loud, and that’s just not the case.”
Kirk has seen too many hounds living rough lives, tied to trees with nothing but a doghouse for company, only getting attention during hunting season. That’s why she and Joe do what they do—giving dogs like Gregory the chance at the life they deserve.
Every time Kirk looks down at Gregory sprawled out on the floor beside her, she knows his second chapter is going to be beautiful. And judging by that thank-you hug in the car, Gregory knows it too.