Help Winnie Fight for Her Life

You might remember Winnie (formerly known as Sage), the sweet dog who was found lying in the road unable to move after being hit by a car. Winnie was brought to the shelter and was going to be euthanized. Something about this dog grabbed by sister’s heart and she stepped up to save Winnie’s life. My sister was able to raise some funds last Spring for Winnie’s surgery, but she still had to take out a loan to cover the rest of it. She is still paying off the loan.

Winnie has been learning to enjoy her life, attending training and going for walks and chewing on bones. She was so excited seeing her first snow.

All of a sudden last week, Winnie started wetting through the blankets in her crate and my sister noticed a bad smell coming from Winnie’s back leg. She contacted the vet immediately.

Winnie was rushed in and had to undergo two separate rounds of bloodwork and x-rays. My sister was horrified when she learned that Winnie might have osteomyelitis. The radiologist saw inflammation and destruction of her normal bone structure in her left tibia where her original injury occurred – in the area of the 5th screw (she has a plate and 10 screws in her leg).

In other words, there is a serious infection in her bone that is life threatening. It is either that or cancer, the doctors aren’t sure.

Winnie must get into a specialist right away to save her life.

My sister started her on antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading through her body. She tried to get her into Orchard Park Animal Hospital, but they couldn’t even see Winnie until next March. Her vet then recommended Green Acres where Winnie was able to get an appointment.

Winnie has to undergo immediate surgery so they can tell what’s going on with her leg. The infection could kill her, so they have to act fast. When the doctor operates on her leg, he will be able to determine if it’s bone cancer or infection. If it’s an infection, the vet will remove the plate and screws which could be the cause of the infection but only if the bone is strong enough and has not deteriorated. If the bone has deteriorated, she will lose her leg.

If they see cancer, she will lose her leg.

Not only is this heartbreaking for my sister but the cost has been immense. With the two emergency appointments last week, my sister had to sell her precious guitar and amp – items she uses to write and perform her songs that are beloved by many in the Buffalo area and beyond.

And now with Winnie’s lifesaving surgery, it could be another $5,000 - $6,000. It will be closer to $6,000 if Winnie’s leg has to be amputated (we are praying this young girl will not have to lose her leg).

Winnie is a fighter. The vet said she was surprised that Winnie even survived the initial injury last spring. The poor dog sat in a shelter for a week with a horrible fracture in her leg and fractures in her pelvis. In the x-rays the vet can still see the pelvic fractures that are healing.

Some have suggested it might be better to put Winnie down, but my sister can’t do that. Winnie’s life is just beginning. She loves her life in Buffalo. She loves romping in the snow and having a home with soft blankets and good food. My sister adores her and wants to give her every chance.

If anyone is able to donate, even just a few dollars, to help save Winnie, every dollar is so appreciated. No amount is too small.

Thank you and please share this fundraiser.