Illinois shelter furnishing dog kennels with old recliners

March 9 (UPI) -- An Illinois animal shelter is giving its dogs and cats some home-style comfort by furnishing their kennels with old armchairs donated by the public.

The Knox County Humane Society No Kill Shelter in Galesburg had a video posted to its Facebook page unexpectedly go viral when members of the public noticed the adoptable dogs luxuriating on old lounge chairs.

Shelter director Erin Buckmaster said the chair initiative was inspired by a pit bull named Buster, who has a tendency to hop onto any available chair -- even if it's occupied by a staff member.

"He really enjoys being with us up in the office," Buckmaster told The Dodo. "One day a local mechanic donated some office chairs to us so we decided we'd give one to Buster. He refused to give it up after that."

Buckmaster said the shelter has since begun collecting unwanted recliners and armchairs to furnish the kennels for the dogs.

"I think having a chair in the kennel really help give the dogs more of a home setting while they're here," Buckmaster said. "It's especially helped one of our dogs, Mickey, with his stress levels. He's been here about a year -- the longest out of everyone. It's given him a lot more security."

The shelter said the viral video has led to an influx of chair donations, allowing even the cats to lounge in luxury in the facility's free-roaming cat room.