The dog stayed outside until the hurricane and finally learned what unconditional love is

The devastating story of a dog who was abandoned before Hurricane Milton in Florida touched social media users, but now she has found a foster home and will see what true, unconditional love is.

Winnie, believed to be a retriever/Newfoundland mix, was found outside a home in Tampa two days after Milton came ashore on Oct. 9. She was spotted by Dominic Amerosa, director of Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, who saw her lying in the street alone. looked extremely exhausted.

Amerosa told Newsweek that Vinnie’s former owner evacuated and instead of finding proper care for the dog, she was “put out on the street right before the hurricane.” instead of. It’s unclear how it survived the Category 3 hurricane, which killed at least 24 people and left behind 3 million inhabitants without power.

With some help and encouragement, Amerosa was able to get Winnie into her car and take her straight to the vet. She was given medication for eye problems, as well as a dewormer, and had blood tests and x-rays. A biopsy is taken of the growth on her snout.

“She was exhausted, hungry and stiff from lying in the same place,” Amerosa said. “We have no idea how she managed to survive because Milton was terrible here.

“Her owner suffered from dementia and the family knew full well she had a dog but still chose to leave the dog outside when it was evacuated rather than care for the animal,” she said.

When she was first rescued, Winnie was taken into custody. temporary foster pet for a couple of weeks while Rags to Riches Animal Rescue looked for a longer-term location. A permanent foster home has finally been found for her and she will be moving there in the coming days.

They say that at first Winnie behaved very quietly in the foster family, but after a few days she began learning to “behave like a dog” again. Now her true personality is starting to emerge, which Amerosa says is “so touching to see.”

No doubt the poor pup will need some time to recover from what she’s been through and she needs to put on a lot of weight. But Amerosa hopes to be adopted in the future because she would make such a wonderful pet.

“She is very docile and laid back, but she loves to play and chew bones, carry toys around and even snuggle on a bed that someone kindly sent her. She will be put up for adoption soon. She really seems to like other dogs.” so I would suggest a home with another pet because she will need a friend.”

How did social media react?

Footage showing the moment Vinnie was rescued was published on the Rags to Riches website. TikTok account (@ragstorichesanimalrescu). Later in the video, you can see how much happier she looks in her foster home, as she can be seen. lying on the bed getting some fuss.

The caption above the clip reads: “Vinnie was in trouble, but now she (knows) only love.” The post went viral and received over 31,100 views and 3,700 likes on TikTok in just a few days.

Many users have praised the work of Amerosa’s rescue organization and she hopes it will encourage others to help an animal in need. “I always encourage people, if you see something, to say something because it could save a life,” she said. Newsweek.

Among the commenters on the viral TikTok post, many were shocked by Winnie’s story and thanked Amerosa for saving her life.

One wrote: “And she’s just waiting at the front door for them to get home. It breaks my heart. How can you do this to an animal?”

Another said: “Poor puppy, she looks so defeated. So glad she’s safe now.”

“My heart is broken for this sweet baby. Thank you for saving this love,” the user added.

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