Gregory, the Beagle, was two years old when Joe Kirk saved him from an animal shelter that was going to put him down.

Dogs are our best and loyal friends, and they often fill our homes with warmth, unconditional love, and joy.

However, when a pooch ends up in a shelter, suffering from any health issue, the reality is that it'll be eventually put down.

Petful reveals that more than 2.7 million out of 7.6 million dogs that enter shelters are killed for various reasons, ranging from contagious diseases to aggressive behaviors.

That was the Plan for This Beautiful Beagle, Gregory. But a Rescuer, Joe Kirk, Came Just in Time to Save His Life

And Gregory gave him the warmest hug ever to express his gratitude—and the pictures of the moment have gone viral online.

Joe and his wife, Schenley Hutson-Kirk, are co-founders of Hound Rescue and Animal Sanctuary—a non-profit organization based in Findlay, Ohio. They saved Gregory two days before he was scheduled for euthanasia.

The dog sanctuary helps neglected dogs find new homes, provides lifelong refuge to "unadoptable and senior" canines and helps strays.

Its primary mission is to save dogs from euthanasia by taking them in from "high risk and kill shelters."

Gregory Rewarded His Savior with a Warm Hug Once He Understood He Was Being Rescued

During the car ride, all Gregory wanted was to "cuddle" up to Joe. Being a very loving, very affectionate dog, he wanted to be next to him and give him kisses.

Schenley shared on a Facebook post:

"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!!"

Speaking to BoredPanda, Schenley and Joe Kirk added:

"We generally house and care for 25 to 30 dogs at a time. Dogs that are available for pet adoption, as well as sanctuary dogs that will live out their lives being loved and cared for by us."

"After saving Gregory from the euthanasia list at the Dog Shelter, we provided him the veterinary care and heartworm treatment he required."

Gregory finally got a safe and loving family at the Hound Rescue and Sanctuary. He's now receiving all the care and love he deserves.

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