At the age of 6 weeks, Winnie was brought to Charlotte’s Freedom Farm due to developmental issues and the inability of his breeders to provide proper care. Although it was initially believed that only his front legs were underdeveloped, it was soon discovered that his sternum had not formed correctly, leaving his heart and lungs vulnerable. As a result, Winnie will require thoracic reconstruction surgeries to ensure his safety. Lauren Edwards of Charlotte’s Freedom Farm has stated that they must limit Winnie’s activities to avoid any potential risks due to his condition.
Winnie, a dog at the sanctuary, can’t play with other dogs anymore because they play too roughly. This left him without any playmates until Wilma arrived. Wilma was found wandering alone and taken in by Charlotte’s Freedom Farm. She has a lively personality and her rescuers believe she may have jumped off a livestock truck.
As soon as she arrived, they crossed paths and started playing together in just a few minutes, according to Edwards. He described their interaction as adorable, with the two of them entering play mode as soon as they laid eyes on each other.
When Wilma plays with Winnie, it’s a different kind of play compared to when she plays with the dogs. This makes it a bit safer for Winnie, but Edwards still ensures that Wilma keeps a close eye on them during their playtime and sets boundaries to keep Winnie safe. Despite these limitations, Wilma and Winnie remain the best of friends and enjoy each other’s company. Even when they hang out outside, Wilma is busy looking for insects while Winnie just relaxes and watches her.
Winnie has been a great companion for Wilma as she adjusts to life at the sanctuary. According to Edwards, Winnie has made her feel at ease and less lonely during her quarantine period. This arrangement has also benefited Winnie since he no longer has a dog sibling to play with. Overall, the friendship between these two animals has worked out well for both of them.
Although Winnie and Wilma may appear to be an odd pairing, they are actually the perfect match for each other. It is hoped that their friendship will endure for a significant period of time, even as Wilma grows considerably larger than Winnie.
According to Edwards, the sight of the two of them together is adored by many. As she continues to gain weight and surpass 800 pounds, observing his reaction to her growth will be an enjoyable experience.
