New Beginning for Dog Hurricane Survivor

Winnie, a retriever and Newfoundland mix, was abandoned in Florida just before Hurricane Milton struck. Found in Tampa two days after the Category 3 storm hit, Winnie lay outside a home, malnourished and too weak to move. Dominique Amerosa, director of Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, discovered the neglected dog and was astonished at her survival. “We have no idea how she managed to survive because Milton was terrible here,” Amerosa said.

Winnie’s past is a tragic one. Her human, suffering from dementia, had been evacuated, but the family chose to leave the dog behind. Despite enduring such trauma, Winnie is now beginning her road to recovery. Amerosa immediately took Winnie to a vet, where she received critical medical care, including medication for her eyes and a biopsy on a growth.

Initially, Winnie remained quiet and unsure in her temporary foster home. But with love and patience, she’s rediscovering how to “act like a dog,” showing her playful and affectionate side. “She’s very docile and laid-back, but she loves playing and chewing a bone,” Amerosa shared. Now, with a permanent foster home secured, Winnie is on her way to a better life, and there is hope she will find her forever family soon.

The rescue footage, posted by Rags to Riches on TikTok, went viral, resonating with thousands.

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• Dog Rescued from Hurricane Flooding by Tampa Police
• Animal Shelters Step Up to Help Pets Affected by Hurricane Helene

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