That old stereotype of mailman-running-from-dog has been turned upside-down by a Texas letter carrier and a pooch named Floyd.

Ian Burke first met the dog while delivering mail in Denton three years ago. Floyd, a German Shepherd and Border Collie mix, came charging up behind him and introduced himself as only an energetic puppy can.

During his regular postal route, Burke got to know Floyd and his owner, a Vietnam veteran who was confined to a wheelchair after serving his country. Floyd was equal parts service animal and friendly companion.

Over time, Floyd’s house became one of Burke’s favorite stops, with the mailman delivering pets and pats and gentle scratches for his four-legged friend that treasured the affection.

“He loves to hug me,” Burke told CBS News. “He treats everybody like a friend, like you’ve known him forever.”

Burke also learned that Floyd actually had a full name, Pretty Boy Floyd, after the infamous bank robber—although this ‘pretty boy’ only steals extra belly rubs.

A year and a half ago, Burke’s delivery route changed and he lost contact with Floyd and his owner. Then, earlier this month, bad news arrived.

Floyd’s owner had passed away and a dog matching Floyd’s description was now housed at the City of Denton animal shelter.

Burke was first in line at the shelter’s front door when the ‘hold’ on Floyd expired—and moments later, the beloved black dog now had a forever home with his former mailman.

“Based on the media that’s out there in the world and some old, old, old wives’ tales, mailmen and dogs don’t always get along,” Jenny McGee of the Denton Animal Shelter told CBS. “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.”

Burke said he’s honored to be Floyd’s new owner and he doesn’t take the responsibility lightly.

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The mailman is good to all the other animals on his route too, often bringing treats for the dogs he encounters and feeding the community’s cats when he can. He hopes that all the media attention that Floyd has received might encourage others to adopt a shelter pet.

After all, if a mailman and a gangster dog that charged him at first sight can find their happily-ever-after, there’s probably hope for everyone else too.

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