In St. Petersburg, Florida, a woman and a dog who are both survivors of domestic violence have formed a loving bond and found comfort in each other.
In 2012, Melissa Dohme was stabbed 32 times by her ex-boyfriend. Most of the stab wounds were on her face.
And Khalessi is a severely abused Pit Bull who was likely used as a bait dog. Because of that, Khalessi lost half of her face.
The two got to meet each other when they were brought together by photographer Lisa Otto for a special photoshoot.
Aren’t they beautiful?
Melissa Dohme told ABC News, “You can’t keep us down, and we won’t be silenced.” These two are giving hope to domestic abuse victims everywhere.
No one known will ever know what really happened to Khaleesi.
What’s obvious is that she was horribly, disturbingly abused, probably for her entire life the vets say.
Weighing only 20 pounds when rescued, the two-year-old pitty mix has no nasal cavity, missing part of her upper jaw due to past trauma, and has trouble walking due to a broken back, ribs, and hind legs.
In what had to be fate, Stephanie Paquin, Founder and Director of Passion 4 Pits and her husband, Mike Fleury were at the Orange County shelter picking up another dog. The shelter manager asked them if they wanted to take on a “very special dog.”
Although forewarned of her appearance and abuse, it was still overwhelming for Paquin when she first saw her.
She was also overwhelmed by Khalessi’s spirit – which was unbroken despite the horrendous horrors she had endured.
She is happy, friendly, and has a tail that just doesn’t stop wagging.
She had to be saved and so they took her into the rescue to get her fixed up. But her heart needs no fixing!
The biggest thing about her is her personality. Everyone who meets her can’t believe how happy she is – look at how she soaks up the love on a recent shopping trip.
We all hope for justice, but know it’s a slim chance. They are asking that if you do know anything about what may have happened to her or who was involved that you contact Passion 4 Pits or the Orange County Animal Services.
or now, we are just happy that Khalessi is getting the chance to live the life she deserves and to be an ambassador for fighting dogs. Way to go Khalessi!
Toledo, United States.
