This ‘wonky’ puppy with no future had no idea what life had in store for her

Winnie only needed one person to believe that there was more to her than her wonky legs. Thankfully, that’s what her foster turned adoptive mama Wendy did. This is how a puppy who once had an uncertain future became a top sniffer dog with competition records all over the UK.

A wonky puppy

Winnie, an American bulldog, was nine weeks old when she was rescued by the RSPCA in Essex, England in July 2019. Her owners could no longer cope with the sickly pooch as both of her front legs were bent at the knee and would buckle under her weight.

The vets diagnosed the poor pup with a developmental disease where ligaments and tendons formed abnormally and could not support the joint.

But Winnie’s case wasn’t hopeless, and some things could be done.

Kathy Butler, from the charity’s Essex branch, said:

They gave us a treatment plan and we started her therapy immediately while looking for a special foster home that could take her on and help with her rehabilitation.

Second chance

Dubbed Wonky Winnie, the ‘sweet’ dog was taken on a short-term foster placement by Wendy Linge who runs the Shangri-La Cattery in Hockley, and who had been looking for another dog after hers died. The animal lover couldn’t resist Winnie’s charms and eventually adopted her.

Ms Linge commented:

When Winnie arrived she was a bouncy, sweet puppy but was very disabled.

But the new owner was committed to helping her fur kid live the best life possible. Her rehabilitation meant twice-weekly visits to a hydrotherapy pool for many months, where the dog still attends once a fortnight.

With the right care, therapy, love, and cuddles, the resilient pooch made dramatic progress.

Ms Linge added:

To look at Winnie today is unbelievable; her transformation has been amazing. After every treatment, she was more upright on her feet. Now she's back on all four paws.

A canine career

Wendy knew there was a lot more to Winnie than wonky legs. She spotted her talent in detecting and recognising scents, and the pair joined K9 Scent and Search UK.

The pooch is currently on level five of eight levels of training and takes part in scent work trials all over the country.

Ms Linge said:

There's no stopping Winnie now. She absolutely loves the sport. I couldn't 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 comes along.

As animal rescues across the country are under extreme pressure due to the extraordinary amount of abandoned pets at the moment, RSPCA appeals to more animal lovers to come forward and foster or adopt them. Head to RSPCA's website to learn more about the charity and support their vital animal welfare and rescue work.

Sources used:

- BBC News: 'Puppy dubbed Wonky Winnie becomes champion sniffer dog'