A lot can happen in a couple of hours. Just ask Schenley Kirk and her husband, Joe.
Mr. Kirk, who owns and operates HOUND Rescue and Sanctuary in Findlay with his wife, was on his way home from rescuing Gregory, a 2-year-old beagle, from the Franklin County Dog Shelter in Columbus. Gregory was placed on the ‘rescue only’ list because he had tested positive for heartworms, meaning he wasn’t available for adoption to the general public and only to rescues. He was days away from euthanasia when Mr. Kirk picked him up.
During that two-hour drive home, Mr. Kirk took a selfie because Gregory wouldn’t leave Mr. Kirk alone, constantly needing contact.
The picture quickly gained traction on social media, picking up thousands of reactions and shares. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had more than 9,000 reactions and 8,700 shares on Facebook.
“His freedom ride photo has reached so many people, it’s just been incredible,” Mrs. Kirk said. “... The way his eyes are looking at him, saying, ‘You just saved my life and I love you for it. Thank you so much,’ it brings a tear to your eye. It’s such a heartbreaking picture, but it’s such a wonderful picture. If it doesn’t tear at your heart strings, there’s something wrong with you.”
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First Published May 10, 2018, 3:49 p.m.
