Some dogs are known as gentle giants, and the world wouldn’t be the same without them.
They may be big—huge, even—but their hearts? Even bigger.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that these giant dogs are usually completely harmless.
From my experience, I’ve been “attacked” more times by a tiny Chihuahua than by a big dog like a Newfoundland or a Great Pyrenees. Chihuahuas definitely have a fiery temperament! Of course, any dog can have an attitude, but there’s a noticeable pattern—larger dogs tend to be much gentler.
Take Mya, for example—a true representative of her breed, the Great Pyrenees. Originally bred as livestock guardians, these dogs have been protecting farms for centuries. And even today, they’re still exceptional herders and protectors where they’re needed most.
Mya may not live on a farm, but her protective instincts are still as strong as ever.
Now seven years old, this Great Pyrenees girl has a warm, friendly nature—and a habit of making new friends.
Let’s just say her mom, Rachel, isn’t exactly thrilled about Mya’s little secret meetups!
Can I Keep It, Mom?
Source: YouTube
Everything was going so well. I found new frens. I luv shelly frens. Mommy says they’re called turtles. I call dem shelly frens. They so sweet!
Just when I wantz to show shelly fren my home, mommy come.
Mommy sayz no to shelly frens.
Now I iz a sad doggo.
Why I no keep shelly frens, mom?
Just when Mya thought she could sneak another turtle into the house, she got caught—again.
It’s nothing new. Rachel, Mya’s mom, has grown used to her big dog bringing home little friends.
Unusual little friends, I might add.
The first time Rachel, a young student from Sharpsburg, Georgia, saw Mya with a turtle in her mouth, she panicked. Could she swallow it? Would she hurt the poor wild animal?
But Mya quickly proved she was as gentle as ever. She’s never hurt anyone—especially not her shelly frens.
Yes, frens, because it didn’t stop at just one turtle.
Whenever Mya meets a new turtle, she tries to bring it home. She’s a bit of a collector. And if it weren’t for Rachel stepping in, their Georgia home would be overrun with turtles.
This sweet Great Pyrenees never misses a chance to make a new friend—and sneak them inside!
That’s exactly what happened again not too long ago.
Mya found a turtle, and knowing her mom would say no, she tried to sneak it inside.
But Rachel was one step ahead—she already knew what Mya was up to.
Determined, Mya refused to drop her shelly fren outside and waited ever so patiently by the door, hoping for a chance to bring her new friend in.
Source: YouTube
After a few moments—and plenty of mom’s nagging—Mya finally gave in. She gently placed the turtle on the ground, completely unharmed, but not without the saddest look on her face.
Sorry, Mya—looks like another shelly fren won’t be staying.
Source: YouTube
We don’t know exactly what happened to the turtle, but chances are it’s living a free and peaceful life somewhere in the wild—far away from Mya’s attempts at friendship.
While this story is undeniably sweet with a touch of humor, it’s important to remember that allowing dogs to carry wild animals in their mouths isn’t entirely safe. Even the gentlest pup could unintentionally harm a turtle, crack its shell, or cause unintended injury.
If your dog has a habit like Mya’s, it’s important to stay in control and ensure they don’t play too roughly with wild animals. These creatures aren’t toys—they’re living beings that belong in their natural habitat, safe and undisturbed.