Entrant's First Name (person submitting photo)
Sam

If your animal is from a specific animal shelter / rescue organization, please list the organization so we can give them special mention in our calendar
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Your Pet's Story or Bio
Melody, fondly called Mel, was a 7 year-old hound dog in Page County, Va., who’d run out of options. The animal shelter where she had taken residence realized that with her large, painful mammary tumors, Mel likely would not get adopted. She was transported to AWLA, where, it was hoped, Mel might have a chance for some kind of happy ending.

Everyone quickly fell in love with Mel, including the medical team at VCA Old Town that removed Mel’s large tumors. Despite all efforts, Mel’s cancer metastasized to her lungs.

Mel met us, her forever family through AWAL’s new “fospice” (fostering combined with hospice care) program. In those magical 5 months, Mel enjoyed being surrounded by a family 24/7, went on a beach vacation, enjoyed the front seat on carrides, and received snout massages every day. She was tough as nails and a loving spirit. On June 28th, surrounded by love, Mel peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge.