After nearly 900 days in a Long Island animal shelter, dog gets a new start

A dog that spent nearly 900 days at a Long Island animal shelter is getting a new beginning thanks to a social media campaign, along with the shelter workers and volunteers who have been rooting for her for nearly three years.

Melia was twice abandoned by her owner three years ago when she was just a puppy. That’s when she was first brought to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. The staff quickly fell in love with the spirited, fun loving pup who often ran in circles in her crate.

“She’s just such a gem and we’ve treasured her for so long,” said Julia Martinez,who works at the animal shelter in Wantagh. “But we’ve never wanted her to stay here. We want her to get the help she needs with the home that she deserves.”

“She’s waited a long time,” said volunteer John Esposito. “It’s not easy living in the shelter. She really deserves it.”

The shelter tried to send her home with a family, but that did not work out. Various animal rescues were also not a good fit for her. Ingrid Kabnick of Paws Path to Furever heard Melia’s story, saw her Facebook page and its more than 60,000 followers, and immediately wanted to help her. While Melia is wildly popular on social media, with followers all over the world, it has been a challenge to get her adopted. 

“She was misunderstood from the get-go. She’s just a sweet girl, she’s friendly, she loves to play, she is excitable and will make a great family member,” said Kabnick who started a campaign to raise $8,000 to send her to a canine rehabilitation center for training.

“She’ll learn to socialize with people other animals will gain confidence and trust, and then we will find her the perfect home,” Kabnick said.

Justin Michaels, who owns K9 Rehabilitation in Watertown, Connecticut, came to the shelter today to pick Melia up. He is bringing her to his center where he has trained 6,000 other dogs. He is confident he can help her.

“I can create confidence, peace, discipline, and most of all make her, help her become adaptable, help her be flexible and find a home,” said Michaels.

There were tears of joy from the volunteers who have been caring for Melia for the past three years.  

“It’s bittersweet, it’s always bittersweet,” said volunteer Lisa Gasparini. “We are going to miss her.”

“She’s ready, she’s going to knock it out of the park,” said volunteer John Esposito. “She’s got good structure.  The shelter has set her up to succeed.  She has a shot at a good life.”

While the goal was to raise $8,000, they were able to raise $12,000.  Kabnick says she will use the remaining funds to help send another dog from the shelter to K9 Rehabilitation to offer that dog a new start.