That old cliché of mailmen running from dogs? Yeah… not in Denton, Texas. Not anymore.
That’s thanks to Ian Burke, a local letter carrier with a heart of gold, and a black-and-white pup named Floyd who used to chase love instead of mail.
Three years ago, Burke was just making his usual rounds when a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix came barreling toward him from behind. The excitable dog quickly introduced himself with tail wags and wiggles, and a friendship was born.
“He treats everybody like a friend, like you’ve known him forever,” Burke told CBS News. “He loves to hug me.”
That hug-loving pooch? His name’s Floyd. Pretty Boy Floyd, actually, named after the famous bank robber. But this “pretty boy” only steals belly rubs and the hearts of everyone he meets.
During his daily stops, Burke grew close to Floyd and his owner, a Vietnam veteran who used a wheelchair and leaned on Floyd not just as a service animal, but as a loyal companion. The mailman looked forward to their visits, delivering gentle scratches and good-boy affirmations along with the day’s letters.
Then, about a year and a half ago, Burke’s route changed. And just like that, he lost touch with the duo who had made his rounds feel more like home.
But earlier this month, fate delivered a surprise.
Burke learned that Floyd’s owner had passed away. Even more heartbreaking? A dog matching Floyd’s description had ended up at the City of Denton animal shelter.
Burke didn’t hesitate. He was the first in line when Floyd’s ‘hold’ period expired, and just like that, the pup who had once rushed him on the sidewalk was officially part of the mailman’s family.
“It was great to not only see that Floyd found a wonderful home, but also that that the old myth about mailmen and dogs isn’t always true,” said Jenny McGee of the Denton Animal Shelter.
And this mailman doesn’t just have love for Floyd. Burke is known for bringing treats to other dogs on his route and even feeding the neighborhood cats when he can. Now, he hopes Floyd’s story encourages more people to give shelter pets a second chance.
Because sometimes, your perfect match finds you when you least expect it, charging at you with floppy ears and an open heart.
Burke summed it up best: He’s honored to be Floyd’s new owner, and he doesn’t take the responsibility lightly.
We can’t imagine a better delivery.
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