Winnie’s Surgery: A Step Toward Healing
- Winding Branch Ranch
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Today is an important day for Winnie.
She is going in for surgery.
Winnie came to the sanctuary after being stepped on by a much larger cow. Her previous owners could not keep her safe. The other animals were too rough, and she was not able to heal in that environment.
When she arrived, she adapted the only way she could.
She learned to live on three legs.
Over time, Winnie grew into her full size and found stability. She moved, rested, and navigated her days as a tripod. She did what animals do. She adjusted.
But recently, things changed.
She began trying to use the injured leg again to get up and down. Each time, it reopened wounds and set her back. What had once been stable became something that could no longer be managed.
We had our trusted veterinarians come out to evaluate her.
After careful consideration, the recommendation was clear. The best path forward is a full amputation, removing the leg higher up so her body can finally heal without reopening wounds.
This is not a decision we take lightly.
It is a necessary one.
Winnie is being dropped off this afternoon and will stay overnight. Tomorrow, we will bring her home and begin the next phase of her care. Recovery will take time, but this gives her the chance to move forward without the cycle she has been stuck in.
We are sharing her story because this moment matters.
If you would like to be part of Winnie’s recovery, you can support her surgery and care here:
We will be sharing updates as she comes home and begins healing.
Thank you for being part of this with us.
What’s Next
We will continue to update this page with:
Her return home
Early recovery progress
Milestones as she heals
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