Winnie’s story began with a heartbreak. No animal, especially not a tiny, helpless pup, should ever have to experience something like that.
At only eight weeks old, she was dumped in trash like she had no value, like her life didn’t matter at all.
But luckily, the universe had a different plan for her.
A kind stranger happened to walk by and see someone in a white van throwing a plastic bag into a garbage bin.
When they approached, they were shocked to see the tiny Cocker Spaniel lying in it, helpless and defeated.
She was just a helpless baby who desperately needed love and care to thrive. Yet, she was cruelly abandoned, left alone in an unforgiving world with no one to protect her.
The passerby noticed that her little legs were deformed, leaving her unable to stand or walk properly.
But this wasn’t the end of Winnie’s story. This was just the beginning of her new chapter.
She was quickly rushed to the vet, and soon after, she was brought to The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home for further care.
Winnie’s state was heartbreaking: she had a congenital elbow dislocation with fusion, meaning her elbow had fused at an unnatural angle. That’s why she couldn’t walk on her front leg.
They believed this injury was the reason she had been thrown away, as Haley Medlock, the shelter’s staff member, shared in an interview:
“It may be that her owner was unable to afford the veterinary treatment she needed or, as a breeder, may have felt they wouldn’t be able to sell her in such a state. Either way, to abandon her and leave her so helpless is completely unacceptable.”
In addition to her leg, Winnie was also dealing with seizures. The team wasn’t sure how to treat them yet, but one thing was clear: this little girl was a fighter.
Despite the pain she endured, she was so sweet and had so much love to give. Ebony Poole, a senior animal care assistant and Winnie’s foster mom, shared:
“She is such a fun-loving girl. She loves her playtime and will curl up on my lap for a good nap afterwards.”
Although heartbroken by the challenges Winnie faced, Ebony was determined to help her heal and thrive.
But, the only way to truly fix Winnie’s leg would be through amputation. She would also need regular hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, to help her build strength and confidence.
However, at such a young age, they decided to wait until she was strong enough for the procedure.
In the meantime, things started looking up for Winnie. With all the love and care from her foster family, she began to thrive.
Slowly but surely, she started to come out of her shell. She got curious, started showing off how smart she was, and despite her disability, she had so much energy and love for life.
She adored people, got along great with other dogs and enjoyed every moment of her second chance at life.
Winnie’s caregivers are hopeful about finding her the perfect forever home. They want to find someone who can keep up with her rehab and give her the loving, happy life.
After everything she’s been through, she truly deserves a happy ending and I’m sure the right person is out there, ready to give her a life full of adventures and endless love.
Winnie is ready to embrace that and it’s going to be amazing!
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