“We think she is amazing, clearly a problem solver.”
Staff members at Richmond Animal Care & Control were greeted by an unexpected sight when they arrived at the shelter one day.
Maya, a 5-year-old husky, was nowhere to be seen inside her kennel.
Instead, she was standing on top of it.
The agile dog had somehow climbed the walls, squeezed through a small opening and settled comfortably on the wire roof as though she belonged there.
Staff Couldn’t Believe What They Were Seeing
At first, shelter workers could only laugh.
Christie Peters, director of Richmond Animal Care & Control, said everyone was amused — and completely puzzled about how Maya had managed the escape.
The shelter later shared the moment on Facebook, joking that Maya was casually relaxing on top of her kennel like she had paid rent.
There had been no destruction or chaos.
Maya had simply treated the kennel’s security system like another puzzle waiting to be solved.
Her Playful Side Means Even More After What She Survived
For the people who know Maya’s history, seeing her so confident and mischievous was especially meaningful.
Only a few months earlier, in May, animal control officers had rescued her from a yard in Richmond, Virginia.
At the time, Maya was in painful condition.
A chain had been wrapped twice around her neck and had become embedded in the skin, causing significant discomfort.
Maya Refused to Let Her Past Define Her
Despite everything she experienced, Maya remained remarkably affectionate and enthusiastic.
Peters described her as an exuberant dog who loves life and the people around her.
Rather than becoming withdrawn, Maya developed a reputation at the shelter for being happy, energetic and endlessly entertaining.
Her rooftop adventure was simply another example of that personality.
Shelter Staff Had to Outsmart Their Escape Artist
After Maya demonstrated her climbing skills, staff realized her kennel needed an upgrade.
They adjusted the covered enclosure and secured the back more tightly against the wall so she could no longer squeeze through the opening.
For Maya, locks and barriers apparently required a little extra creativity.
Fortunately, her adventures were harmless — even if they kept the staff guessing.
Life in a Foster Home Suits Her Better
Since her impressive kennel escape, Maya has moved into a foster home.
There, she appears much more relaxed and no longer seems interested in plotting ways to break free.
The change has given her the chance to experience a quieter, more comfortable environment while she waits for the next big step.
Now She Needs a Forever Family
Shelter staff are hoping Maya’s next move will be into a permanent home of her own.
Her intelligence, energy and problem-solving abilities will certainly keep any future family entertained.
After overcoming such a difficult beginning, Maya has shown that she still has an enormous amount of happiness to share.
For the people who rescued and cared for her, one thing is already clear: Maya is far more than an escape artist.
She’s a resilient, affectionate dog who deserves a home where the only thing she has to figure out is where to take her next nap.