On a normal Wednesday afternoon, Kayla Filoon stopped by the Philadelphia municipal animal shelter to walk dogs. That day, the young Temple University student met Russ, a stray pit bull who was very down and out.
The pup was suffering from a bleeding tail, eye infection, itchy skin, kennel cough, and hunger. But, even with all that, Kayla gravitated toward him. She stated that he looked at her as if he knew she’d be his mom someday.
Kayla took the time to get to know Russ and quickly fell in love. She spent the day walking Russ and playing with him in the shelter yard. She gave him treats, and he gave her snuggles. Kayla went home to tell her friends and her mom about the dog.
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The next day, she returned to the shelter to take Russ out for a trip. She took him for a ride in the car, and bought him special treats from Chick-fil-A. While Russ ate on her lap, they listened to the radio and the song “A Sky Full of Stars” came on.
When Kayla heard the lyrics, “Cause you’re a sky full of stars, I’m gonna give you my heart,” she cried. She knew Russ was meant to be her dog. She promptly drove Russ back to the shelter, and applied to adopt him.
She adopted him only a few weeks ago, but the pair is already inseparable. Russ loves nothing more than to cuddle with Kayla to show his affection and gratitude.
Recently, Kayla began doing homework, and Russ came up for his standard snuggles. A friend captured the photo above showing the extreme love the dog has for the girl, and it has since gone viral.
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The staff at the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control facility were ecstatic to see and share the photo, as it serves to demonstrate how all shelter dogs want and need is a family to give them love and receive their love in return.
Animal Care and Control Team Philly spokesperson Ame Dorminy stated that they love to see animals in their forever homes, and love knowing they helped create this ideal match. Russ has recovered from his illness and infections, and receives lots of medicated baths to help heal his itchy skin.
Kayla states that Russ does not leave her side; he sleeps in her bed, visits her college campus, and has gone on trips with her to places like the Jersey Shore. It seems these two are soulmates.
