An adorable eight-week-old puppy has been found dumped in a bin after her owner gave up on her. Little Winnie was spotted by a passer-by near home store Dunelm in Gloucester before being taken to the vet for an emergency check up.
The poor pooch's elbow was fused at an angle meaning she was unable to walk on her front leg, with this thought to be the reason why she was dumped. A spokeswoman at The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home said: "She is so tiny, I could hardly believe it when I saw her. It’s likely the previous owner couldn’t afford her care so decided to abandon her when she needed help."
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Winnie has been described as a "very friendly" dog who is already learning new tricks with her foster carer, Ebony, who is also a senior animal care assistant at the rescue centre
"Unfortunately, poor Winnie has congenital elbow dislocation with fusion. Meaning there is nothing more we can do but remove her leg and rehabilitate her with physiotherapy and possible hydrotherapy," the spokeswoman added.
"As she is still so small, we have to wait at least another 15 weeks before we are able to carry out this operation.
"So for now, we are just managing her as she is and making sure she is comfortable, happy, and well-loved.
"This could have happened at birth and left untreated or could have happened a few weeks ago. All we know is that it’s an old injury due to the bone now being fused.
"Winnie should make a full recovery and live a very normal, happy life as a dog with three legs."
The cocker spaniel's vet bills including X-rays have already cost hundreds of pounds and the operation is expected to cost around £1,500.
The spokeswoman added: "Her physiotherapy and hydrotherapy could be much more but we won’t know this until the time comes.
"Any donation, big or small, will really help. Even the cost of a coffee – it all helps. Winnie will be with us for some time whilst she has treatment and recovers.
"Can you sponsor Winnie for as little as £10 a month to help with her ongoing costs. You will receive regular updates from Winnie as well as a welcome pack.
"Thank you for supporting vulnerable animals and ensuring animals like Winnie know that most humans are loving and caring.
"Winnie isn’t currently looking for her forever home so we are not accepting applications at this time."
To donate towards Winnie's care click here, or to sponsor Winnie through her recovery, click here.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
