NORFOLK, England — Winnie, A sheep whose two hind legs stopped working shortly after birth has been gifted her very own wheelchair by Winston’s Wheels, a UK-based charity organization.
For a number of years, a flock of Suffolk Rams has roamed the yard outside Pakefield Church in Lowestoft, Norfolk, England.
“Roo and Winnie, two new March-born spring lambs, were set to become the latest addition to the flock, but a week after she was born, Winnie’s hind legs stopped working,” said Pakefied Church Ministers.
With a deficiency and hindlimb paralysis diagnosis from a local Vet, the prognosis was not good for the young ewe, but ministers at the church were determined to find a solution and did.
They contacted Sudbury-based Winston’s Wheels: a charity for dogs that need help to stay mobile, by providing wheelchairs and strollers for the pets.
“It is the first wheelchair sheep that we have ever created,” said Winston’s Wheels after assessing Winnie and later fitting her with the cartwheels.
“The intention was to look after the lambs ahead of them becoming part of the flock,” said Katey Mills, the Children, Youth, and Families Minister at Pakefield Church.
“But a week into having them, Winnie sadly woke up with no use of her back legs – it literally happened overnight.
“We took her to the vet and were told she needed to be put down,” said Katey on the initial grim diagnosis for the sheep.
“But we didn’t give up, and it was a proper emotional moment seeing her on wheels and scooting around.
“We are very grateful to Winston’s Wheels.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
