Zeus, a dog weighing around 140 pounds, certainly turned heads as he was leaving the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) in the city of Pontiac, Michigan (USA).
As reported by The Dodo, this Great Dane refused to leave without one last ritual. He stood up on his hind legs to give a hug to almost every volunteer and staff member who was there.
"He's a gentle giant"
Given his size, these hugs certainly didn't go unnoticed. "Zeus is the epitome of a gentle giant," said Tommy Sanfilippo, the content coordinator for the rescue centre.
"He's taller than many of us, but he has always been gentle, respectful and incredibly affectionate. Hugs are clearly his way of showing his love."
A happy new chapter
Rescued from a life spent outdoors in the Michigan cold, the dog had quickly adapted to life at the rescue centre, forming strong bonds with the volunteers and the other residents alike.
Zeus's new family had met him several times before adopting him. After he left, they made sure to send regular updates to the rescue centre, which really warmed the volunteers' hearts.
