Kayla Filoon dedicates her time as a volunteer at ACCT Philly, an animal shelter in Philadelphia, where she has been walking dogs for a year. While she enjoys her volunteer work and connects with all the dogs in the shelter, one particular stray holds a special place in her heart.
Russ, a street dog, arrived at ACCT Philly in deplorable conditions. Severely underweight, missing patches of fur, and suffering from kennel cough, the 4-year-old Pit Bull looked pitiful as he sat in his kennel, catching Kayla’s attention.
Despite his forlorn appearance, Kayla decided to take Russ for a walk, and to her surprise, he behaved remarkably well. Unlike other dogs, he didn’t react aggressively or bark excessively; instead, he showed a sweet and affectionate side. Witnessing his gentle demeanor and rudimentary understanding of commands, Kayla made the spontaneous decision to adopt him the very next day.
Feeling a sense of urgency due to the shelter’s overcrowded conditions, Kayla filled out the adoption papers enthusiastically, bringing Russ home the following day. In less than two weeks of living with Kayla, Russ transformed into a well-adjusted and affectionate dog.
Photographs of Kayla and Russ together on the couch, shared by Kayla’s aunt on social media, quickly went viral. The images portrayed Russ as a loving and cuddly companion, fitting seamlessly into his new home.
“One night I was sitting in the chair doing my homework, and he was trying to find ways to snuggle,” Kayla shared with The Dodo. “We had another couch open and his bed on the floor, but he refused to sleep anywhere else. So he positions himself, and I look down and think, ‘Oh my God, look at him.'”
Describing him as a “love bug,” Kayla continued, “Honestly, he’s an insect in love. I’ll be lying down, and he’ll put his head under my arm or his paw on my chest. He’ll even sleep on my chest.”
This heartwarming duo serves as an inspiration for others to consider adopting shelter dogs and providing them with a loving home. Kayla hopes that the photo of her and Russ motivates people to open their hearts and homes to dogs in need, proving that love and compassion can transform the lives of these deserving animals.
