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Emaciated Hunting Dog Clinging to Life Found with Head Stuck in Jug

Pictured: Winnie (Via Doc Williams SPCA)
Pictured: Winnie (Via Doc Williams SPCA)

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.– Employees at the Doc Williams SPCA in Goose Creek believe an emaciated dog near death was abandoned by its owner.

Berkeley County Animal Control Officers recently rescued the dog found wandering in a wooded area of the county. Animal shelter staff has since named it Winnie.

“We named her Winnie after Winnie the pooh, if you remember Winnie got his head stuck in a honey jar and we just thought that was kind of appropriate. She’s a very sweet, very docile dog,” Martha Atkinson with the Doc Williams SPCA told ABC News 4.

Sightings from local residents indicated that the severely emaciated hunting dog had been running loose for several days with a large plastic jug stuck on its head. Blood had pooled in the container and it was feared that the distraught dog’s injuries were life threatening.

Pictured: Jug removed from Winnie's head (Via Doc Williams SPCA)
Pictured: Jug removed from Winnie’s head (Via Doc Williams SPCA)

“Some people consider hunting dogs as property as opposed to a pet, however I think the story and resilience of this dog show that they are living, breathing creatures and they are thoughtful and caring and that humans should take responsibility for their welfare,” Atkinson said.

Once rescued, the officers had to cut the large clear pretzel jug, as well as a radio tracking device popular with some hunters, from around the hound’s neck.

Staff speculates that the running hound became so hungry that she forced her entire head through the 4 inch mouth opening of the container in search of food

Winnie was rushed to the SPCA as soon as the officers were able to catch her.

Doc Williams staff immediately transported the traumatized dog to the SPCA Clinic for emergency medical attention.

Doctors say Winnie should weigh more than 40 pounds, but was found weighing only 18 pounds. She is slowly gaining weight.
Doctors say Winnie should weigh more than 40 pounds, but was found weighing only 18 pounds. She is slowly gaining weight.

SPCA vets David Klugman and Tom Hentges examined Winnie’s injuries and treated her for shock and dehydration. Chest X-rays indicated that a collapsed lung on the left side of the chest with probable pulmonary hemorage. Winnie is now stable and continues to recover from her injuries.

Donations for Winnie’s medical care may be made directly to: docwilliamsspca.org or to the Doc Williams Animal Crisis Response Fund at any South State Bank branch.

You can also click here to donate online.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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