Grateful dog can't stop hugging his new dad

Sometimes all rescue dogs need is a second chance. That's what happened with Kong, a one-year-old Border Collie. When Kong was brought into Border Collie Rescue & Rehab in Texas, he'd had a tough life. Kong had been living in a shelter and suffered a number of physical issues, including fur loss, a skin disease and a sunburn.
When Kong got to the Border Collie Rescue & Rehab, he was shy, but he soon started to learn to trust the staff. Kong also started to heal, and once his fur grew back and he was feeling better, the rescue created an adoption profile on its website. They shared news about Kong's availability for adoption on the rescue's Facebook page too.
Advertisement
When Craig Hartsell saw Kong's adoption profile, he knew that he needed to adopt him. Hartsell quickly fell in love with every photo of Kong on the page. In talking with Kong's foster mom, Hartsell learned that his life sounded like a perfect fit for Kong.
Hartsell applied to adopt Kong and was approved after a few interviews and a home visit. When he was approved to adopt the dog, Hartsell decided to change Kong's name to ZIB, in honor of the famous Soviet space dog. When Hartsell picked ZIB up from his foster home, his friend captured this beautiful photo.
Hartsell bent down in front of ZIB and told him his new name, asking him if he liked it. Hartsell asked the dog if he'd like to go to his new home, at which point ZIB bowed his head and hugged Hartsell. It made for a beautiful, memorable moment.
Now, Hartsell loves having ZIB in his life, and ZIB feels the same way. The dog who was once in too much pain to be touched loves to cuddle with his dad. Hartsell says that having ZIB in his life makes him feel more fulfilled and much happier.
Advertisement
When he arrived at the shelter, no one could have guessed the social, happy dog that ZIB would become. But thanks to some physical care and Hartsell's love, ZIB is thriving in his new home.