AN ADORABLE puppy found dumped in a bin has a brighter future thanks to the help of an animal charity.
Eight-week-old cocker spaniel Winnie was spotted by a shocked member of the public in a bin near homeware store Dunelm in Gloucester on August 28.
She is now being cared for at the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home at Cambridge near Dursley.
Unfortunately, Winnie is unable to walk on her front leg because her elbow is fused at an angle.
This might have occurred during birth or it could be an untreated injury.
Staff at the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, which has charity shops in Wotton-under-Edge, Berkeley and Dursley, believe her owners dumped her because they couldn't afford the veterinary treatment needed.
Winnie is now being looked after by foster mum Ebony Poole in Cam who also works at the charity.
Ebony said: “When she came in, her leg was noticeably twisted.
“I instantly fell in love with her and knew I wanted to offer her a loving foster home to support her through her treatment.
“I chose Winnie as her name as I felt it suited her.
"Winnie is such a fun-loving girl. She loves her playtime and will curl up on my lap for a good nap afterwards. She doesn’t realise how loved she is.”
Winnie is now being treated by specialists at the Vale Vets in Dursley.
Sadly, the veterinary team say the injury is untreatable and her damaged leg will need amputating.
Because she is still so small, the team will postpone the operation for 15 weeks.
Afterwards she will be rehabilitated with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
Winnie should make a full recovery and live a very normal, happy life as a dog with three legs.
A spokesperson for CDCH said: “For now we are all just making sure Winnie is comfortable, happy and well-loved.
“We're hopeful that the public will help us care for Winnie and erase the neglect she has already suffered at the tender age of eight weeks.
“All money raised will first be used on whatever treatment and care Winnie needs.
"Any additional funds will go towards other animals at the centre.”
The RSPCA is appealing for any information about how Winnie ended up in a bin.
You can sponsor Winnie and their CDCH residents here - bit.ly/3BAQnAJ
You can donate to CDCH here - bit.ly/3Bb3h79
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