My name is Mela, I am a three-year-old, spayed, female small-medium sized cross breed, very pretty as my photos attest, but what my pictures don't show are the physical and mental scars of the horrific abuse I suffered in the past.

If you come to meet me, you will sadly see the evidence.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Mela

So what happened? I had a corrosive substance, thrown along my back, from my neck to the base of my tail, which caused me horrific burns, leading to long-term scarring, and permanent loss of my fur.

I cannot even begin to describe the suffering I experienced, the agonising pain and terror.

Fortunately for me someone found out about my plight and contacted the RSPCA, and an inspector took me into the custody of their care.

In addition to burns on my back, my injuries included me not being able to use my back legs or stand up at all. Through the RSPCA I received the veterinary treatment I needed to make my recovery. When my treatment was complete, I came to Southridge.

When I arrived, as you can imagine, I did not trust anyone, and was so afraid. What would happen here, I had to be on my guard.

To my surprise, everyone was kind and so patient and understanding with me, giving me nothing but love, talking to me gently and giving me the space and time I needed to learn to relax and let that guard down.

So gradually I have learned to trust, and despite my awful experiences, I now know that people can be wonderful, loving and kind.

My rehabilitation has taken time, but now I feel safe to be my true self.

I am a sweet, affectionate girl, very intelligent and smart, love my walks and am well mannered on lead, and am responding enthusiastically to training helped by my love of treats. I can be a little stubborn, but no one is perfect!

Due to my nervousness, I was very reactive to dogs when I arrived, but now I am much less anxious when I see them, but I think I would like to be the "only one" in your home - so no other pets and no children either please, as after all I have been through I need a calm household. I will also need a secure fenced garden.

In my dreams I see myself feeling safe, snuggled up on the sofa next to my forever family, person or couple, going for lovely walks together and snoozing in the sun on the patio. Oh what a wonderful dream this is! I am just wondering, could you be the one to make the dream of a horrifically abused but very special dog come true?

To get in touch with RSPCA Southridge email southridge@rspca.org.uk or call 0300 123 0704. Visiting the centre is by pre-arranged, scheduled appointment only. The centre is located in Packhorse Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3LZ.