Squirrel is a sweet, affectionate puppy with one simple wish: to be held.
Hugs are her favorite thing in the world — but life in a shelter means cuddles are limited, and Squirrel feels every missed moment.
Before ending up at Mercy Full Project, a Tampa-based animal rescue, Squirrel had a family. But just before Hurricane Helene swept through Florida, she was abandoned. Rescue workers found her wandering alone outside and brought her in just ahead of the storm.
“Because of that, she now has severe abandonment issues,” Mercy Full Project shared on TikTok.
When Squirrel first arrived, she was terrified.
“She’s just a little puppy and was so scared,” the shelter said.
What brings her comfort now is physical closeness. Whenever staff members walk past her kennel, Squirrel jumps, whines and reaches for them. Sometimes, she climbs several feet up the kennel bars, locking eyes with anyone nearby — silently pleading to be picked up.
One viral TikTok captured the moment a shelter worker finally gives in. As soon as the door opens, Squirrel bounces with excitement. And the second she’s lifted into someone’s arms, her body goes completely still, melting into the hug she’s been waiting for.
“She is just a baby who wants love,” one commenter wrote.
The staff happily give Squirrel as much affection as they can, but they know it’s not enough. What she truly needs is a family of her own — people who can give her the constant reassurance, closeness and love she craves.
Squirrel is currently available for adoption through Mercy Full Project.
“Adopt Squirrel if you want a clingy snuggle bug,” the shelter wrote.
The good news? Applications are already rolling in. And with any luck, Squirrel’s days of climbing kennel bars for a hug will soon be behind her.
“She’s so excited to find a home,” the shelter shared.
If you’re interested in adopting Squirrel, you can view her adoption profile through Mercy Full Project.
