Patch Pets: Winnie

Meet Winnie, a three-legged Maltese in need of a caring family.

Left for dead inside a cardboard box by her previous owners in East Harlem last November, Winnie was emaciated and severely injured when she came into Fresh Meadows resident and animal rescuer Garo Alexania's life.

"A pedestrian noticed Winnie inside of a box and brought her to my truck ... I felt for a pulse, which was faint, so the Veterinarian I work with began resuscitation," Alexania said, speaking of his Vet-Mobile, a low-cost mobile vet clinic regularly parked in front of an animal control facility in Manhattan.

According to Alexania, Winnie's dire situation is something the staff of the Vet-Mobile has been encountering more frequently of late.

"It's a shame, but as the economy worsens and the cost of caring for a pet goes up, more and more people are finding it difficult to get their dog or cat the care that they deserve," Alexania said.

Fortunately for Winnie, the Vet Mobile was there to give her the care she needed — making a swift recovery with a few short weeks. 

However, it's clear that Winnie has been through a lot in her 8 years or so of life.

Her leg had to be amputated, and Alexania said she suffered some brain damage as a result of oxygen deprivation.

"But she has a strong will to live, and is very affectionate," he said. "She'd make a great companion."

For more information on adopting Winnie, contact Garo Alexania at 718-544-PETS (7387) or e-mail adoptions@companionanimalnetworktv.org.