Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images
Clever Dog Named Dawson Escapes Shelter, Viral Video Sparks Millions of Views
A video posted by the Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter on Instagram is taking the internet by storm, showing one clever dog named “Dawson” making an unbelievable escape.
In the clip, Dawson is seen slipping out of his cage and racing to the shelter’s front door. Though it appears locked, the smart pup uses his nose and mouth to turn the lock and miraculously, he gets out.
The shelter’s original post read: “Though we had a couple of leads, still no sign of Dawson. This boy is smart and sweet, but needs to get back to the shelter so that when he does leave, it will be with a family. If you see him, call 304-696-5551 or 304-544-5891.”
Since the video was posted on January 6, it has already amassed over 98,700 views, quickly capturing the attention of social media users who can’t stop praising Dawson’s intelligence.
One commenter wrote, “I think that’s the smartest freaking dog I’ve ever seen 😂.” Another added, “No one would believe this if it wasn’t on camera 😭😭😭😭.” A third user noted, “Seems like he’s trying to get back home.”
On January 7, the Huntington Animal Shelter provided an update on the viral video and the ongoing search for Dawson. “The videos of Dawson escaping the shelter have gotten more than 4 million views, been shared about 85,000 times, and received 8,000 comments,” the shelter wrote.
They then addressed some of the criticism that has circulated online: “Many commenters have claimed it’s AI or staged—that’s not true. Some blame our shelter or say we should improve security or staff 24/7—but the truth is, only $21.47 has been donated in response to Dawson’s story so far.”
The shelter also used the update to highlight the challenges faced by overcrowded and underfunded animal shelters nationwide.
“If you’re not local and reading this, please consider donating. Imagine how much better things would be if even half of the people who shared the video donated just $1. Yes, please keep sharing it. The more people who see the video, the better our chances of finding him. But at the very least, more people will learn about how overcrowded animal shelters are, how underfunded, and how much need there is for their support,” they added.
As of now, there have been no further updates on Dawson’s whereabouts, and the shelter continues to urge anyone with information to come forward.
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