People do not love shelter dogs very much, and it is always sad when they have to be put down. The growing trend of adopting stray dogs and cats is a good thing because it helps more and more of these animals find loving families and new homes.

Russ the Pitbull found a loving home with 20-year-old student Kayla Filoon, who volunteered at an animal shelter in Philadelphia as a dog walker. Russ was taken to work with Filoon at ACCT Philly, and they fell in love at first sight.

According to Filoon, she knew there was a connection between them from the moment she laid eyes on Russ. He apparently felt the same way, as seen in this photo that Filon’s friend posted on Facebook of Russ being affectionate! (h/t)

Meet Russ. I mean, who can look away from that sweet face?

For Kayla Filoon, it was love at first sight. “He came in as a stray, and he was really beat up.”

Russ was very thankful and is a very affectionate dog.

He loved to snuggle!

According to Filoon, he is the “perfect dog”

The photo that Kayla’s friend took and posted on Facebook went viral

“He’s such a love bug, honestly.”

Filoon has seix other housemates who all adore Russ

It took Russ a bit of time to adjust to his new environment

With constant love, care, and a lot of rest, he bounced back pretty well.