Heart-Wrenching Photo Of Hugging Shelter Dogs Inspires Adoption Hours Before Euthanasia

How could anyone resist those faces? Apparently, no one, once a picture of hugging dogs Kala and Keira were posted on Facebook with a plea to save their lives.

It only took two hours for someone to rescue the dogs, who were in a shelter but couldn’t find anyone to adopt them, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in Atlanta posted on Facebook.

The post of the hugging dogs — a black-and-white boxer mix (Keira) and Kala, the puppy-faced brown pooch desperately clinging to the other’s neck — went online Monday. The pet rescue was desperate to get them adopted, as both were scheduled to be euthanized within hours, People added.

“This is as urgent as urgent can get. We really don’t have time to spare. We have no fosters available. Animals in need have overwhelmed us recently and we must have someone today apply to foster.”

The picture of the hugging dogs would probably have been enough to inspire someone to save them. But just in case, the rescue added a heart-wrenching story to provide a depressing glimpse into the life of a shelter dog facing euthanasia simply because he can’t find a new owner.

“Keira knows what will happen. You can see it in her eyes. She’s putting on a brave face for sure but I can feel her heart beating fast while I’m clinging to her. If no one saves us, someone will take her away from me. They’ll come for me next and I won’t be as brave. We’ve comforted each other while we were here. She gave me hope when I had none. Now it’s over. Unless…”

The picture of the hugging dogs not only got lots of attention, it actually inspired someone to do more than just “like” the photo. One charitable man actually stepped up and adopted the pair.

Soon after, a picture of the same two dogs, looking decidedly less terrified and very happy to meet their new owner, was posted with the word “safe” splashed over their hugging figures. They were soon out of the shelter and safely in a car, saved from euthanasia.

“There are no words to tell you how happy we are that these two best friends are safe and together! Thank you for your shares, donations and offers! Just look at these two!!! This is why we rescue,” the organization posted.

Though the pet rescue said Keira and Kala could be separated — the only thing that mattered was that they were alive — they were adopted as a duo. Their sad story had a happy ending.

[Photos Courtesy Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Facebook]