Winnie. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte’s Freedom Farm)Winnie. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte’s Freedom Farm)
Chatham

Local dog with special needs to celebrate first birthday

An internet-famous dog living with special needs at an animal sanctuary near Dresden will be celebrating his first birthday this month.

Charlotte’s Freedom Farm is inviting the public out on May 14 to celebrate with Winnie, the dog who was brought to the farm last year when he was about six weeks old.

Winnie was born with some deformities.

Event Planner Haleigh Hill said it's because some of his body did not develop properly when he was in the womb.

His front legs are deformed and he is missing most of his sternum.

"This doesn’t stop him from getting around and living life to the fullest on the farm," said Hill. "He has a custom wheelchair and a nub cover for one of his front arms so that he can run around and play with all of his friends on the farm."

According to Hill, Winnie has gained a significant following on Instagram and was also featured on a popular YouTube channel for animals. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Winston (@winnie_the_roo_)

Charlotte’s Freedom Farm is home to hundreds of different rescue animals, many of which come to the sanctuary with health problems or as orphans before being rehabilitated.

The May 14 event at the farm begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

"This is a chance for families to come out and visit the farm, the animals,  and have a great time supporting the sanctuary," said Hill.

There will be a bouncy castle, superhero sumo wrestling, and an inflatable soccer game.

Admission is $10 and registration is available through the farm’s Eventbrite page. The farm is located at 9543 Brooke Line.

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