Doggy paddling her way into our newsfeeds, an adorable 'wonky' puppy with bowed legs is learning to walk again with the help of swimming lessons.
The 18-week-old American bulldog pup, named Winnie, suffers from a disease affecting the carpus. For those not in the know, that's the doggie equivalent of the wrist joint, between the paw and the leg.
The disease stunts limb development, meaning that Winnie's ligaments and tendons don't form properly. This left the poorly pooch unable to properly support her own weight. As a result, she has rather curvy legs.
Winnie was dropped off at the RSPCA branch in Essex aged just nine-weeks-old, after her owners struggled to cope with her condition.
After her diagnosis, Winnie was prescribed swimming lessons by the RSPCA. The motion and gentle resistance of the water will help her tendons develop. Luckily, she'll be back on her paws in no time.
Kathy Butler, animal support worker from the RSPCA, said: "When Winnie arrived she had severe knuckling on her forelimbs, which left her legs collapsing under her weight. She thankfully wasn't in any pain but needed urgent help."
Kathy continued: "The clinic gave us a treatment plan and Winnie started hydrotherapy and physiotherapy immediately. Hydrotherapy has transformed Winnie's life and helped us to save money which we can now use for other animals in need."
Luckily for Winnie, the team at the hydro pool where she swims have agreed to provide her hydrotherapy sessions completely free of charge for as long as her recovery takes.
Ms Butler added: "We'd now really like to find Winnie a paw-fect forever home in Essex so Winnie can continue her hydro sessions at Completely K9."
The RSPCA is a vital support system for animals like Winnie, who might otherwise struggle to find specialist care they need.
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With Winnie making waves in Essex and beyond, we're sure she'll be adopted in no time.
Topics: Dog, Cute, Puppy, Real, Life, Dogs