A shelter environment, no matter how calming, is never truly ideal for dogs. The experience of being confined to a small enclosure for parts of the day can easily overwhelm our four-legged companions. Although they enjoy time outside, interacting with volunteers and other dogs, returning to their cramped quarters is undeniably disheartening.
Mya, a resident of Halifax County Animal Control in Virginia, embodies this struggle. After a few months in the shelter, this stunning Hound girl reached her breaking point, shocking her caregivers with her response.
She Didn’t Expect To See This
Marissa Emerman, a dedicated volunteer at the Virginia shelter, recently captured the internet’s attention with a video of Mya. While on her usual route, she noticed something unusual—Mya had astonishingly climbed onto the railing of her crate. Upon closer inspection, Marissa realized that Mya was strategizing her escape route.
Despite her gentle nature, Marissa believed Mya’s daring action stemmed from emotional distress after months in the shelter, during which she had developed an unexpected skill—climbing—as a means to combat her boredom. “She’s officially reached her breaking point… Literally,” Marissa noted in the video.
@our_zoo_for_you She’s ready for a home! #fyp #adoptme #adoptdontshop #jailbreak #sickofit #hounddog #shelterdog ♬ BIG DOG SH*T (feat. Lil RT) – Lil Mabu & Lil RT
Mya, as a Hound dog, honed her climbing prowess during her extended stay, conveying a silent plea: “Please help me find my home soon!” The video soon went viral, garnering a wave of responses from around the globe.
“Praying she finds her forever family,” commented one user, while another observed, “Obviously very smart and needs a lot of mental stimulation! I hope she finds a great home that will keep her busy.” Although Mya has been moved to a covered kennel for her safety, she continues to wait for the right opportunity.
Many Four-Legged Friends Waiting To Be Adopted
Marissa, who runs a TikTok account called Shelter Tails to highlight the animals at Halifax County Animal Control, consistently shares engaging videos. Her ultimate wish is to see these vulnerable creatures receive the loving homes they deserve.
Mya’s situation is not unique. As highlighted in Marissa’s videos, many other dogs (and cats) teeter on the edge of emotional breakdown, often overlooked despite their needs. While they receive care and love, each of these animals craves a stable home where they can run, play, and enjoy cozy naps without the confines of small enclosures. Mya and her friends continue to wait. Will you be the one to give them a chance?
