Schenley Hutson Kirk, the founder of Hound Rescue and Sanctuary, took one look at those big sad puppy dog eyes and knew that she had to give Gregory a fair chance in life. The poor little beagle was found running around Obetz, Ohio and was likely abandoned by his owner.
Kirk first saw Gregory’s picture on the euthanasia list at Ohio’s Franklin County Shelter and Adoption Center.
He was listed as a “rescue only” and had to be rescued by May 3 or he would be euthanized. The 2-year-old beagle was healthy, except for a case of heartworm which would cost $400 to remedy.
Kirk and her husband Joe weren’t about to just sit by why an otherwise healthy dog was killed just because he didn’t have a forever home.
So, they dropped everything and went into rescue mode.
“My husband took the day off work to drive to the shelter, while I stayed home to take care of the other rescue dogs,” Kirk told The Dodo. “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.”
When Gregory first met Joe, he seemed to understand that his life was about to turn around.
And also that this would be the start of their beautiful friendship.
Gregory wanted to be as close to Joe as possible during their two-hour “freedom ride” home. Though he was on a leash, it was long enough so that he could sit near his new best buddy’s shoulder while Joe drove.
The longer they spent time together. The cozier and more comfortable Gregory got with Joe.
At first, Gregory just leaned close to him.
Then he put his paw on him. Then he snuggled up close. Kirk was shocked to see the change in Gregory’s face and what seemed to be gratitude.
“[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.”
The way this dog is looking at his new dad is just priceless! As if to say, “My hero!” Now that Gregory is home with the Kirks’ he is receiving his medical treatments and is learning lots of new things, like how to sit and stay.
Kirk says that Gregory is a very good boy.
“He is an absolute doll. He’s loving, affectionate, he loves to give kisses. Very well-behaved in the home” 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 says that dogs like Gregory get a bad name, especially in Ohio, and are only considered to be good for one thing.
“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,” she says.
Her rescue is dedicated to giving these dogs the dignity and respect that they deserve.
“From the time I was young, I’ve known quite a few people who hunted, and over the years I saw the type of life that the hounds live. A lot of them live outside, tied to a tree with a doghouse,” Kirk explains.
“The only thing they have in their life is that small area, and the time during hunting season is the only activity and type of affection that they get, which is very minimal from the hunters.”
Thanks to Kirk, dogs like Gregory are given a life where they are loved and considered a member of the family rather than a hunting tool.
You can learn more about helping hounds by visiting houndrescueandsanctuary.com.
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