A photo of a recently adopted shelter dog leaning affectionately against her new owner has captured the hearts of thousands across the globe.

The photo, posted to Facebook by a Philadelphian shelter volunteer Jamie Holt, shows pooch Russ sitting beside new owner Kayla Filoon, one paw around her waist, its head resting against her shoulder.

“And THIS right here people is why you should adopt!” the caption reads.

“Talk about being grateful. There are just no words to truly describe the sweetness in this photo.”

The post has since received tens of thousands of reactions and shares.

Ms Holt said the photo was taken just two weeks after Ms Filoon decided to adopt Russ.

Ms Filoon, a university student who happens to be Ms Holt’s niece, told TODAY US she first encountered Russ while volunteering to walk dogs at the Animal Care & Control Team shelter.

The young pit bull at the time was suffering from kennel cough, an eye infection, a bleeding tail and was underweight.

Ms Filoon recalls the dog looking at her “as if he knew I was going to be his mommy one day” and repeatedly “cuddling” her while they played in the yard outside.

“I fell in love,” Ms Filoon said.

The next day she lodged an application for adoption. She said Russ has not left her side since.

"He has not even been with me for two weeks yet, however the bond that we have is incredible," Ms Filoon said.