After a terribly tragic car crash last Sunday afternoon, a woman is hoping that her puppies will be returned after they were taken from the scene of an Osceola car crash that left her father dead, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

55 year-old Marrista Melendez from Connecticut, came to Florida and brought along her shih-poo puppies Mojo and Portia and her boyfriend Chris Walsh. They had come to Florida as so many others around the world do, to enjoy the holiday season and beautiful weather. After the unfortunate car crash with two other vehicles that all changed.

69-year-old Manuel Santana Rodriguez, Melendez’s father, was in the passenger’s seat and tragically died in the crash.

Melendez was in the backseat along with her dogs when the crash occurred. The force of the crash left her suffering from a concussion and unsure of what had taken place. She was taken to Lake Wales Hospital for medical treatment.

Melendez recalls a woman approaching her and letting her know that the puppies were safe and would be returned to her once she was released from the hospital. Florida Highway Patrol has no record of anyone discussing the care of the puppies.

Melendez is now recovering physically and dealing with the loss of her father and desperately hoping that her dogs will be returned safely.

She said Portia is white and brown and Mojo is chocolate brown. Both dogs, which weigh about 4 pounds each, were given to her as a retirement gift in November.

Melendez is asking that anyone who has any information about where he dogs might be to call her at 860-617-4417.