Danielle Collins may not have won the Miami Open trophy this year, but she`s leaving with something even more special: a new dog. Last week, Collins` quick actions saved the life of an injured dog she found near Hard Rock Stadium. This act of kindness not only rescued the animal but also brought a new pet into her life.
After her third-round victory on Saturday, Collins shared that she and her team discovered the injured dog in the road two days earlier as they were leaving the tournament. They immediately rushed him to an animal hospital. The dog needed emergency surgery and treatment for lung problems. Collins promised to adopt him if he recovered.
Although Collins` tournament journey ended in the Round of 16 against Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, she kept her fans updated on social media. She posted a photo on her Instagram story cuddling the dog at the hospital, naming him Crash Marino Collins. The name “Crash” is for surviving the accident, and “Marino” is after the famous Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.
By Wednesday, after five days of oxygen treatment, Collins announced a happy update on Instagram: Crash was discharged from the hospital, officially adopted, and happily settling into his new home.
Collins shared her joy on Instagram, showing Crash to her fans for the first time. `His breathing is normal again, his wounds are healing, and he’s really enjoying all the love,` she wrote. `He’s curious, loving, and thankful for a second chance at life. It was heartbreaking to see a dog in so much pain after being hit by a car and left in the road while cars drove past.`
`I`m just thankful I could be there and get him the help he needed.`
Crash is now part of Collins` family, joining her four other dogs, including her famous Labradoodle Quincy, also known as `Mr. Q.` Mr. Q has been a constant companion for Collins, especially last year when she reached her first WTA 1000 title. Collins even called Mr. Q the `MVP` of her success. Now, Mr. Q has `a new brother.`
Collins thanked everyone who prayed for Crash and expressed her gratitude to the veterinary team who provided Crash with excellent care.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth