Last December, a small, starving one-year-old dog was found tied up and abandoned in the Bronx. A good Samaritan found the young, helpless Bulldog-mix, later named Melon, and brought her to Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). When the ACC team saw the poor state that she was in, they reported a case of possible animal cruelty to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Thanks to the ASPCA’s longstanding relationship with the NYPD, Melon was brought to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center (ARC), where she would receive specialized care after being a suspected victim of cruelty. Our skilled medical, forensics and direct care teams took immediate action to examine and treat Melon.

“Melon was very scared and very emaciated,” says Karina Sayers, ARC Floor Manager. “She pulled on all our heartstrings when she arrived.”

A Slow and Safe Recovery

Melon was diagnosed with emaciation and starvation-related magnesium deficiency, and she also had a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid on her right eye, also known as “Cherry Eye.” This is a condition where the nictitans gland, which normally sits below the lower eyelid, pops out of position and becomes visible. As it rubs on the surface of the eye, cherry eye may lead to irritation and corneal ulceration. Additionally, Melon had some issues that bully-type breeds often experience, such as abnormal angling of her bones and a narrowed airway.

To treat Melon’s emaciation, the ARC team needed to correct her nutrition slowly to avoid refeeding syndrome. Emaciated dogs who eat too much food too quickly can face fatal complications, so they need to be managed on refeeding programs. Melon was placed on such a program to reintroduce food to her body at a safe, slow pace. It started with small meals throughout the day, and then her caloric intake was carefully increased over several weeks.

Melon was also prescribed nutritional supplements to help her body get back to a healthy state. Her weight and bloodwork were closely monitored during her treatment and recovery period to ensure that she was on the right path forward. Soon enough, she graduated from the refeeding program and her affectionate and joyful personality began to shine through!

“It was obvious to anyone that met her that she wanted nothing more than to snuggle up beside someone and share warmth and affection,” says Dr. Karla Kovach, ARC Medical Supervisor. “Melon was not a pure couch potato though – she could also be silly and playful, making her the best of both worlds.”

Once Melon was healthy enough for surgery, she was spayed, had her cherry eye condition corrected and had her narrow airway opened for safer breathing. After two months of extensive treatment and recovery, she was finally ready to move to the ASPCA Adoption Center!

“Melon was a very healthy-looking lady when I last saw her,” says Karina. “She was this beautiful dog who was just in an unfortunate situation. And I was very thankful that we were there for her.”

Karina says that her team was rooting for Melon to find a happy home, as they do for all their animals. Soon enough, Melon found exactly that.

Her Dream Home at Last

Keith S., and his wife Jessica, missed having a dog in their home. It had been over a year since their previous dog had passed away, and it was beginning to feel like the right time for canine companionship. They have two children who were excited about the idea of a new dog, and they were also getting old enough to take on some of the responsibilities themselves.

This past February, Keith began the search for a new dog on the ASPCA website, and he soon found the profile for Melon. Just by looking at her pictures, they knew she would be the perfect dog for them.

“In her photos, she was short, stocky and had a great face, and she also seemed very confident and sure of herself,” Keith says.

The family soon met Melon in person at the Adoption Center, and she was quickly drawn to the kids and enjoyed taking treats from them. As the staff drew up the adoption paperwork, Melon kept her eyes on them and no one else in the room. It was as if she was making sure that she would go home with them. Later that day, she was happily running zoomies around her new backyard – her wish came true!

Early on, Melon wouldn’t leave the side of her new family. She curiously followed them around the house, or simply napped by Keith’s feet when he was working from home. This was especially cute for them when she chose to shadow the kids.

Melon was also sensitive to all the new sounds in her life as she adjusted to her new home, whether they were vacuums in the home or noises on the TV, and she would bark and try to figure out what was happening.

With some patience and understanding, she has since been able to settle down more easily. The family also worked with a trainer to best support Melon, which helped her learn commands such as “drop it” and “off.” She has proven to be a quick study! These days, Melon has been feeling a lot more comfortable on her own and finding her independent side.

“When we enter the room, she lifts her head to make sure all is well, but then lays it back down and goes back to rest,” Keith says. “She's settling in well, realizing we are her people forever.”

Melon now has a wonderful routine, from walks around the neighborhood to running errands with the family. She especially enjoys visiting the local pet store, where she made quick friends with all the staff and even gets some social time once or twice a week at her doggy daycare. The kids have also been helping with some of the daily tasks.

“With our daughter, we’ve really seen her take on a lot more responsibility. She wants to pick up Melon’s poop!” Jessica says with a laugh. “She wants to take her on walks, she wants to feed her, and so does our son.”

Overall, Melon has adjusted to her new life in only a short time, which speaks to her resilience.

“Melon has such a great personality, especially considering what she might have gone through in her first year of life,” Keith says.

The Rescue Effect

For anyone considering adopting a dog, Keith suggests being patient – and that starts during the search itself. Taking the time you need to find the best fit for your family is an important part of the adoption process. This patience is also needed when you bring a new dog into your home.

“It takes time for them to feel comfortable, settle in, and trust you, but once they do, you can't imagine your life and home without them,” Keith says.

Since adopting Melon, Keith says the house has become more fun, and everyone in the family laughs and smiles more.

“It's wonderful to see her face greet you when you come home and walk into the house, and the kids love seeing her first thing in the morning when they wake up and as soon as they come home from school,” Keith says. “She’s a big teddy bear.”

Jessica adds that watching their kids grow up with Melon and see them share Melon’s joy is a wonderful thing.

“I think it just makes everything so much better,” Jessica says, “just having a dog.”

By adopting Melon, Keith, Jessica and their family not only opened their hearts to a new companion, but they also joined what we call The Rescue Effect. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you’re not just changing that animal’s life, you’re also helping to create much-needed space for another animal to get lifesaving care and find a family of their very own. The Rescue Effect creates a ripple effect across the country’s shelter system, affecting the lives of countless vulnerable animals.

You can join The Rescue Effect by adopting or fostering a dog or cat of your own! Visit aspca.org/therescueeffect to learn more about how you can participate today.