Animal shelters, no matter how much love and care they provide, can never fully replace a true home. For dogs, being inside a small space for hours can feel really tough. They get a little freedom during playtime, meet new faces, and for a short while, they forget their worries. But when playtime is over, they are placed back into their lonely kennels, and that sadness starts all over again.
Mya’s Surprising Escape Attempt
Mya, a beautiful Hound girl at Halifax County Animal Control in Virginia, knows this struggle all too well. After only a few months of shelter life, she had reached her limit, and her way of dealing with it left her caregivers completely stunned!
Marissa Emerman, a dedicated volunteer at the Virginia shelter, captured a moment that quickly caught the internet’s attention. As Marissa was walking her usual rounds, she spotted something unexpected — Mya had somehow climbed up onto the railings of her crate. Looking closer, Marissa realized that Mya wasn’t just climbing for fun. She had been studying her surroundings, trying to find a way out.
Despite Mya being a naturally sweet and easygoing dog, Marissa understood that this daring act came from deep emotional stress. Waiting so long for a forever home had pushed Mya to pick up a new habit — climbing — just to keep herself occupied.
“She’s officially reached her breaking point…Literally,” Marissa wrote in the video.
Being a Hound, Mya developed this new skill during her long wait. But what she really seemed to be saying by climbing was, “Please help me find my home soon!”
The video spread like wildfire, and soon, countless comments came pouring in.
“Praying she finds her forever family,” someone said.
“Obviously very smart and needs a lot of mental stimulation! I hope she finds a great home that will keep her busy,” added another.
For her safety, Mya has been moved to a covered kennel. But her search for a loving family still continues.
She Mistreated 66 Dogs—And Can Still Own Pets Legally!
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So Many Loving Animals Still Hoping
Marissa, who runs a TikTok account called Shelter Tails, regularly shares the lives and personalities of the shelter’s animals. She shines a light on these wonderful pets, hoping someone will open their heart and home to them.
Mya’s story is not a rare case. According to Marissa’s posts, many other dogs and cats at Halifax County Animal Control are struggling with the same feelings. They may have food, shelter, and kindness, but what they are missing most is a family of their own — a place where they can run, explore, and snuggle without the walls closing in.
Could You Be Their Hero?
Right now, Mya and her shelter friends are still waiting patiently. They’re hoping someone will see their big hearts and give them the chance they’ve been dreaming of. Even though life in a shelter tries to keep them comfortable, it’s not the same as having a real home filled with love. Could you be the one to change their story forever?
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