There is a dog in a kennel in Olympia, WA who has been waiting far too long for someone to see past the stress of shelter life and recognize what she truly is.

Her name is Midna, and she is ready for her second chance.

A three-year-old Black Lab mix weighing around 60 pounds, Midna carries the kind of warmth and curiosity that only reveals itself once she steps outside those kennel walls.

But step outside with her, and something changes entirely.

Midna lights up on walks, nose low to the ground, soaking in every scent the world has to offer.

She pulls with enthusiasm, not attitude — the kind of dog who makes even a short neighborhood stroll feel like a full-blown adventure.

Joint Animal Services, Thurston County's primary regional shelter and animal control agency, has been grappling with near-constant capacity challenges as dog intakes rise and adoption rates lag behind.

It is a trend playing out across the country, and Olympia is not immune.

Every dog that finds a home through dog adoption in Olympia WA directly eases the strain on a shelter system doing its best under pressure.

Adopting Midna means bringing home a dog who comes fully prepared for life ahead — spayed, microchipped, vaccinated for parvo and kennel cough, dewormed, and treated for fleas.

The adoption fee is $110, a small price for a companion with so much love to give.

Shelter listings move fast, and a dog as special as Midna may not be available for long.

Find out if Midna is a good fit for your family by setting up an appointment with Joint Animal Services at 360-352-2510.