Help Melissa Recover From Severe Bite Injuries

Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission is urgently seeking support for Melissa, a young rescue dog who was severely injured in a sudden and traumatic incident.

Shortly after another rescue dog was brought into care for safety, an unexpected accident occurred and Melissa suffered serious dog bite injuries that required emergency medical treatment.

Melissa was rushed immediately to Kendall Point Animal Hospital in Miami, where she began intensive care for her wounds. She is expected to require surgery along with ongoing treatment and recovery support.

The estimated cost for Melissa’s emergency care is up to $8,500, an overwhelming burden for a rescue already managing multiple urgent medical cases.

But Melissa is more than a medical case.

She is a sweet young dog with so much life ahead of her. Even while recovering, Melissa continues to show gentle resilience as she fights to heal. Everyone caring for her is rooting for her recovery and giving her every chance to heal comfortably and safely.

Funds from this campaign will go directly toward:

\\-Emergency veterinary treatment

\\-Surgery and post-operative care

\\-Medications and recovery support

Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission remains committed to providing Melissa with the care she needs, but cannot do it alone.

Any support will help give Melissa a chance at recovery.

5/1/26 Update: Melissa’s Recovery Continues — Managing Post-Injury Infection

Melissa developed a bacterial infection from her bite wounds, so her medication has been adjusted accordingly. While she has shown some improvement, the infection is still present and continues to require close monitoring.

To support her healing, she is currently being seen by the vet every three days for laser therapy and wound cleaning. This ongoing care is essential to promote proper healing and prevent further complications. Throughout it all, Melissa has continued showing strength and her sweet personality shines through.

Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission is closely monitoring her progress and remain hopeful as she continues her recovery journey.

5/12/26 Update: Help Melissa Continue Her Healing Journey

Melissa continues to make steady progress in her recovery under the care of Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission.

After weeks of intensive treatment, including regular laser therapy and bandage changes, Melissa is continuing to respond positively to care. Her veterinary team is encouraged by the progress she has made so far, even though her healing journey is still ongoing.

She still requires continued wound care, follow-up treatment, and close monitoring to ensure her injuries continue healing properly.

Despite everything she has endured, Melissa continues to fight through recovery with quiet resilience, and everyone involved in her care remains committed to helping her fully heal.

Thank you for continuing to support Melissa and her recovery journey.

7/12/26 Update: Melissa's Fight Continues: One Step Closer to Saving Her Leg

Melissa's journey has been far from easy, but she continues to fight for the chance to keep her leg.

Since her last update, Melissa has taken another important step in her long road to recovery. She recently underwent her second surgery, where her external fixators were removed. While this was a major milestone, her treatment journey is not over yet.

Melissa was originally facing the possibility of losing her leg, but her rescue has been committed to exploring every option to save it. These surgeries are being done to give Melissa the best chance at keeping her leg and improving her quality of life.

Unfortunately, the final procedure cannot happen just yet. Before Melissa can undergo her arthrodesis (joint fusion), the areas where the fixators were removed need time to heal. Her veterinary team also needs to ensure she is free from infection before moving forward with the next step of treatment.

Melissa still has another major surgery ahead of her, and her rescue continues to stand by her through every challenge. This has been a long and difficult process, but each step brings Melissa closer to the outcome everyone is fighting for.

Your support helps provide the continued veterinary care Melissa needs as she works toward the next stage of her recovery. Every donation helps bring her closer to the possibility of a future where she can keep her leg and continue moving forward.

Thank you for continuing to stand beside Melissa as she fights for her second chance.

7/23/26 Update: Melissa's Third Surgery Is Scheduled in an Effort to Save Her Leg

Melissa's next major milestone is almost here.

She is now scheduled for her third surgery on Tuesday, July 28, an important procedure that her veterinary team hopes will finally help save her leg.

Since her previous surgeries, Melissa has been battling an infection related to the injuries she suffered during the dog attack. Her veterinarians have been working hard to get the infection under control so she could safely move forward with this next stage of treatment.

This upcoming procedure alone is expected to cost more than $5,000, adding to the significant medical expenses Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission has already incurred throughout Melissa's recovery and previous surgeries.

This fundraiser is helping cover the cost of her initial emergency treatment, multiple surgeries, ongoing veterinary care, and continued recovery as Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission remains committed to giving her every opportunity to heal.

Melissa has overcome so much already, but she can't finish this journey without your help. Every donation—large or small—helps cover the cost of the surgeries and ongoing veterinary care she needs to keep her leg and continue healing. If you're able, please consider making a contribution today and sharing Melissa's story with others who may be able to help.

7/24/26 Update: Melissa is Ready

Melissa's wonderful rescue team at Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission is taking great care of her as she prepares for her third—and hopefully final—surgery in just a few days.

The X-ray below shows just how severe Melissa's injury truly is. Despite everything she has endured, she continues to fight with incredible resilience.

As Melissa prepares for this important next step in her recovery, donations will help provide the specialized veterinary care she still needs and bring her one step closer to the healthy, pain-free future everyone is hoping for.

Thank you for continuing to stand beside Melissa on her journey to healing.

8/7/26 Update: Recovery Underway After Melissa's Third Surgery

Melissa has successfully undergone her third surgery as her rescue and veterinary team continue fighting to save her leg.

The procedure went well, and Melissa is now recovering comfortably in the care of Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission. While she still has healing ahead of her, everyone is hopeful that this surgery will be the final major step in her long journey toward recovery.

Melissa has shown incredible resilience throughout months of treatment, multiple surgeries, and ongoing veterinary care. She continues to be surrounded by love and support as she focuses on healing.

Thank you for continuing to follow Melissa's journey and for helping make her medical care possible. Additional updates will be shared as she continues her recovery.