DENTON, Texas (WFAA) — Floyd, a 70-pound dog, found his forever home on Tuesday at the City of Denton Animal Shelter. The new owner, Ian Burke, a mail carrier, felt an instant connection to the dog, knowing he was meant to adopt him.
Burke’s bond with Floyd began three years ago when he encountered the dog while delivering mail to Floyd’s former owner, a wheelchair-bound Vietnam War veteran. Burke fondly recalls the young pup charging at him and looking forward to his weekly visits to the home.
When Burke’s route changed a year and a half ago, he lost touch with Floyd and his owner. Then, just days ago, the mailman who replaced Burke told him Floyd’s owner had passed away and the dog was in the shelter.
Determined to take action, Burke arrived at the shelter early to ensure he would be first in line to adopt Floyd. “I felt responsible for him,” Burke said, adding that he believes the dog’s former owner would be happy to know that his mailman was now caring for him.
Since adopting Floyd, Burke has formed a close bond with the dog, and the two are already inseparable. Burke hopes sharing Floyd’s story will inspire others to adopt pets from shelters, offering them a second chance at a loving home.
“Probably one of the best things the postal service ever gave me,” Burke said of his new companion.