Meet Winnie. She’s cute with an award-winning sniffer. And even though she’s only a few years old, she’s already an active member of K9 Scent and Search UK and participates in scent competitions across the country. Looking at this beautiful and athletic American bulldog, you would never know it used to struggle to walk on all fours.
In July 2019, Winnie came Essex South and Southend of the RSPCA, unable to stand on her severely bent front legs. She is only nine weeks old and needs help. But Winnie was in power, and quickly became a puppy in the healing process.
Curved but not broken
At five weeks old, Winnie found a home, but her owners struggled to cope with her care. Knowing that this puppy needed more help than they could give, they consigned Winnie to the RSPCA, where these devoted dog lovers got into action to help the sweet puppy.
As RSPCA’s Kathy Butler explains, “When Winnie came to us, both of her front legs were bent at the knee, and her legs would buckle under her weight resulting in her falling. collapsed.”
Examination and X-rays revealed what the RSPCA explains as “developmental disease of the wrist (wrist) – when the ligaments or tendons form abnormally and are unable to support the joint.”
Experts came up with a treatment plan and the RSPCA started therapy right away as they searched for a foster home where Wonky Winnie could give her therapy and enjoy a happy puppy life. child. And that’s when adoptive mother Wendy Linge from Essex came into Winnie’s life. And with Winnie, Wendy will always stay, even if that wasn’t the original plan.
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Wendy’s dog recently passed away and fostering feels so fitting, Wendy explains, “It was like the perfect set-up at the perfect time. I’m not looking for another long-term dog, but the upbringing sounds ideal. “
But meeting Winnie changes everything, and she quickly becomes the lovable foster caretaker of failed Wendy.
“I could not have wished for a better dog to join our family. It just goes to show that sometimes, when you least expect it, the dog you need will come along. “
Together, Winnie and Wendy promote rehabilitation with daily physical therapy and twice-weekly hydrotherapy sessions at K9 Hydrotherapy and Full Rehabilitation.
“After each treatment, she was more upright on her feet. Now she’s back with all four feet,” Wendy said.
Before long, Winnie’s aggressiveness disappeared, leaving her strong, healthy and ready to face any challenge that came her way.
“Nothing is stopping Winnie now. We joined K9 Scent and Search UK and Winnie now enjoys participating in fragrance trials across the country. “
“She is working through different levels, currently at 5/8 and she absolutely loves the sport.”
A great girl
While Winnie had to overcome severe bending in her forelegs, her personality was golden from day one. She is friendly and playful, always meets new friends and has many hearts. And though she and Wendy may not have known it in the first place, Winnie has found her forever home with Wendy.
“When Winnie arrived, she was a sweet, sweet but very disabled puppy. Looking at Winnie today is unbelievable, her transformation is amazing.”
Wonky Winnie had an uncertain start to life, but with love and support, she’s another great example of magical rescue and adoption giving life to dogs. This is a beautiful life, Winnie!
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Feature pictures: RSPCA Essex South and Southend /Facebook
