She and her family went to visit family in Strubenvale Extension on Friday and it was here that she was attacked and bitten in the neck by a Boerboel crossbreed.
According to her father, Theuns Coetzer, it was at around 5pm, when they arrived at the house to ask where the closest putt-putt field is.
Theuns’ children Marinus (8) and Melandri got out of the car to show their cousin Abigail the swimming pool.
When he called them back to the car, as they were about to leave, both Abigail (8) and Marinus climbed into the back seat, but Melandri wanted to give the dog, which belonged to the family they were visiting, a hug first.
Marinus says it was then that the dog grabbed her by the throat, gave her one bite and immediately released her.
“It was such a shock, as one moment she was still there and the next minute she was on the ground with a bite wound to her throat,” says Theuns.
They immediately rushed her to Strubenvale Pharmacy as they thought it was just a serious bite wound, as it wasn’t bleeding much.
According to pharmacist Danie Prinsloo, a woman came running into the pharmacy screaming for help.
“I ran out and immediately saw the main artery had been damaged and asked them to rush her to hospital, but the closest one was Medicross,” says Danie.
The family rushed her to the Medicross in Selection Park but, despite the best efforts of Medicross staff, the little girl could not be rescued.
“At Medicross they tried their best, but there was nothing they could do for her as she had already died,” says Theuns.
This Laerskool PAM Brink child was a top student in her class and, according to her family and principal, has also been amongst the top 10 achievers since Grade 1.
“She has always been a pleasure to have around. Always ready to help someone in need,” says her mother Petro.
She described her daughter as having a “heart for the homeless”.
She would always give them the sandwiches she made for them as she used to say “my heart bleeds for them”.
“This popular Grade 4 student will be sorely missed as she was one of our brightest stars,” says Pammies vice principal Denise van der Riet.
Academically she was a very strong performer, always friendly and popular amongst her friends.
According to her Grade 1 and 4 teachers she has always been a pleasure in the class and they will all miss her very much.
“Our condolences go to her parents and the family,” van der Riet adds.
Theuns feels very humble to the reaction of the Geduld community as he did not know in the four years they lived there, that Melandri stole so many hearts.
“It is a small community, but everyone cares about the other,” he adds.
Melandri’s parents are very grateful towards Prinsloo and the doctors and staff of Medicross for their assistance and help.
Also to the community for their assistance, condolences, messages and flowers.
Petro says she will miss Melandri’s laughter as much as combing her hair every day.
Every time Theuns worked away from home, she will send a photo with a kiss to her father asking him to come back soon.
The family would like to warn families to be vigilent when visiting friends or families with dogs and dog owners to rather lock away their dogs when visitors arrive.
According to Debbie Miller of the Springs SPCA, the dog was removed by them and put down shortly after the attack.
The funeral will take place on Thursday at 1pm, from the AGS Fonteinedal Church in Geduld.
