The dog who was adopted from a shelter is so full of thanks that he gives his new owner endless hugs and affections.

Volunteering for the Philadelphia-based animal shelter ACCT Philly is Kayla Filoon. She’s spent a year walking the dogs. While Kayla likes her volunteer work and gets along with every dog in the shelter, she has a particular place in her heart for one stray.

A stray, Russ showed up at ACCT Philly in terrible shape. The poor dog had been beaten badly, had missing hair patches, and was woefully underweight. Russ also had kennel coughing bad. The four-year-old Pit Bull looked awful sitting in his kennel staring at Kayla.

When she took the poor-looking puppy for a walk, she was shocked to see that Russ was really rather well-mannered. Apart from not reacting or barking like other dogs, he also exhibited a really loving side. Russ demonstrated a basic command understanding as well. Kayla decided to adopt him that very day.

With traffic creating space issues at the shelter and Russ at danger of dying, Kayla felt she had to move fast. So the next day, she excitedly completed the paperwork and brought Russ home.

After less than two weeks of living with Kayla, photos revealed a settled Russ. In the photo that Kayla’s aunt snapped, he looks adorable. Pictured on the couch together are he and Kayla. Its worth is such that sharing it on social media made it become viral very fast.

“One night I’m doing my homework there on the chair, and he’s trying to find ways to cuddle with me,” Kayla told The Dodo. He refused to sleep anyplace else, even though we had his bed on the floor and another sofa open. He starts to position himself, and I look down, thinking, “Oh my god, look at him.”

He really is such a love bug, she said. He will lay down next me and put his paw on my chest or his head under my arm. Even my breast will be his sleeping place.

What a lovely pair they are. Kayla hopes that seeing the two of them together would inspire others to take in and give shelter dogs loving homes.