When Kayla Filoon, a college student and volunteer dog walker at an animal shelter in Philadelphia, first met Russ, a pit bull, she felt an immediate bond with him. “He was a stray and had clearly been through a lot,” Filoon told. “His fur was missing in patches on his tail and ears, and he was extremely underweight.” The 20-year-old student shared, “He just sat there so calmly, looking at me with those eyes… and I thought to myself, I have to take him home.”
Filoon knew she couldn’t waste time. The shelter had recently euthanized 15 dogs, and she was aware that any dog, especially the ones in worse condition, could be next. “Russ was definitely at risk because he was sick and weak,” she explained. Feeling a sense of urgency, Filoon made up her mind to adopt him as soon as possible.
The very next day, she returned to the shelter to finalize the adoption. Later, she recalled a heartwarming moment: “One night, I was sitting on my chair doing homework, and Russ kept trying to cuddle up to me.” Her friend captured the scene in a photo, which they shared online, and it quickly went viral. “He’s the sweetest, most loving dog,” Filoon said. She hopes that their story and the photo will encourage more people to adopt shelter animals.
When Kayla Filoon, a volunteer dog walker at a shelter, saw Russ the pit bull for the first time…
The moment Kayla laid eyes on Russ, it was as if time stood still. His calm demeanor amidst the chaos of the shelter drew her in immediately. Despite his battered appearance—patchy fur and frail body—his soulful eyes spoke of resilience and a longing for love. In that instant, Kayla felt a pull in her heart, an unshakable connection that told her she couldn’t leave him behind. It was a meeting that would change both their lives forever.
She knew they will be together. “He came in as a stray, and he was really beat up”
Kayla couldn’t ignore the state Russ was in. His worn-down body told a story of hardship—his tail and ears missing patches of fur, his frame painfully thin. Yet, even in his fragile condition, he radiated a quiet strength. Kayla’s heart ached for him, but it was his gentle, steady gaze that solidified her decision. In that moment, she knew this wasn’t just a fleeting encounter. Russ wasn’t just another dog in the shelter; he was meant to be her companion, her family.
“He was missing fur on his tail and ears. He was also terribly skinny”
Russ’s condition was heartbreaking. His frailty was impossible to ignore—bare patches on his tail and ears showed the toll his life as a stray had taken, and his thin frame revealed just how much he had struggled to survive. Yet, even in his weakened state, there was something deeply endearing about him. His quiet, patient demeanor seemed to say, I’m still here, and I’m ready to love. For Kayla, this vulnerability made him even more special. It was clear he deserved a fresh start, and she was determined to give it to him.
“He was just sitting there calmly, staring at me… And I thought… I need to take him now”
Russ didn’t bark, whine, or beg for attention like some of the other dogs. Instead, he sat quietly, his eyes fixed on Kayla with a gaze that felt both hopeful and resigned. It was as if he understood his situation but still dared to believe someone might choose him. That unspoken connection hit Kayla deeply. In his calm, steady stare, she felt trust, vulnerability, and an unexplainable bond. At that moment, she knew—Russ wasn’t just another shelter dog. He was her dog, and she couldn’t let him wait any longer.
Filoon knew she needed to act fast, as recently the shelter had to put 15 dogs to sleep
“Any dog had a chance of being put down… and Russ was definitely one of them”
The weight of urgency pressed heavily on Kayla’s mind. The shelter, overwhelmed with stray and abandoned animals, had already made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize 15 dogs. Knowing that Russ, frail and sickly, was among the most vulnerable, filled her with a sense of dread. She couldn’t bear the thought of him not getting the second chance he so clearly deserved. Time was running out, and Kayla realized that if she didn’t act quickly, Russ might not have another tomorrow.
The moment Filoon took Russ home, she knew “he’s the perfect dog”…
As soon as Russ stepped through the door of his new home, his transformation began. Despite all he had endured, his sweet and gentle nature shone through. He seemed to understand he was safe now, and his gratitude was unmistakable. Every wag of his tail, every soft nuzzle, confirmed what Kayla had felt all along—Russ was special. His calm, loving demeanor fit perfectly into her life, and she knew without a doubt that she had made the right choice. Russ wasn’t just a good dog; he was her perfect companion.
And, apparently, the pooch won’t stop hugging and snuggling!
“One night I’m sitting there on the chair, doing my homework, and he’s trying to find ways to…”
“…Cuddle with me”. Her friend snapped a photo, put it on social media – and it went viral
One evening, as Kayla worked on her homework, Russ couldn’t resist snuggling close. He climbed onto the chair beside her, pressing his head against her in pure affection. His need to be near her was heart-melting, a testament to the deep bond they had already formed. A friend captured the tender moment—a quiet snapshot of love and trust—and shared it online. The image resonated with thousands, quickly going viral. People around the world were touched by Russ’s story, his resilience, and his newfound happiness in a home filled with love.
“He’s such a love bug, honestly.” Filoon hopes the photo will inspire others to adopt
