Even the most caring and well-kept shelter can’t replace the warmth and freedom of a true home. For many dogs, confinement, even for part of the day, can deeply affect their emotional health.
They enjoy playtime, meet kind volunteers, and share moments with fellow dogs. But when the fun ends, they return to the same small kennel, day after day. It wears them down.
One dog, Mya, knows this reality all too well.
A resident at Halifax County Animal Control in Virginia, this sweet Hound girl reached her emotional limit, and the way she showed it left staff in disbelief.
A Moment That Took Everyone By Surprise
Marissa Emerman, a longtime volunteer at the Virginia shelter, recently shared a video that quickly spread across social media.
During one of her usual rounds, Marissa spotted something unusual. Mya had climbed to the top railing of her crate and perched there. As Marissa approached, she realized Mya wasn’t just playing, she was searching for a way out.
Though Mya was normally cheerful and gentle, Marissa recognized this wasn’t ordinary behavior. After months of waiting for a home, Mya had developed a surprising coping strategy: climbing.
“She’s officially reached her breaking point…Literally,” Marissa wrote in the video.
Mya, a clever and determined Hound, had learned the skill out of sheer emotional fatigue. But her climb wasn’t just physical, it was a silent plea. “Please help me. I’m ready to go home.”
The video quickly went viral, drawing attention from viewers everywhere.
“Praying she finds her forever family,” one viewer commented.
“Obviously very smart and needs a lot of mental stimulation! I hope she finds a great home that will keep her busy,” added another.
To keep her safe, Mya was moved to a covered kennel. But she’s still waiting for someone to look past the bars and see the love she has to give.
Others Still Waiting For Their Chance
Marissa, who runs a TikTok account called Shelter Tails, regularly posts videos of animals at Halifax County Animal Control. Her mission is to help these overlooked pets find the homes they deserve.
Mya’s experience isn’t rare. As Marissa’s videos reveal, many dogs and cats are emotionally worn down by long-term shelter life.
Though they’re cared for and cherished by staff and volunteers, what they truly crave is something no shelter can provide, a home where they can run freely, curl up without barriers, and simply be themselves.
Mya continues to hope. And so do many others. Maybe someone out there will finally give them the second chance they’ve been waiting for.