The heartbreaking story of Winston's life

Winston's life began January 31, 1995.   He was one of at least 6 puppies born to a breeding pair owned by Pamela Varner of Zanesville.   Sometime during his first few weeks of life we believe he broke his front leg.   During this period he was seen by a prospective puppy buyer when she viewed the litter with the intention of choosing a puppy.  On her first visit to the home she was told by Pam that the puppy had broken his leg.  When she came 2 weeks later to take her new puppies home, the puppy with the broken leg was gone.  Pam Varner informed her that she had found a "good home" for the broken leg puppy.  

How Winston lived those next years is unknown to us,  We know that his owner moved away from her home in Blue Rock, (Zanesville, Ohio)  approximately 2 years ago, leaving Winston alone on the property.   She did make arrangements with an elderly relative to provide food and water which was done.  However in our opinion that does not negate her responsibility.   When I think of what this poor dog must have endured, living alone, abandoned to the elements but for a (hopefully) daily visit where he was given food and water.  Ohio weather can be very extreme, high heat in the summer and below freezing in the winter.   We can only surmise that as he aged the pain from his untreated injury must have caused him distress.

 So, now we know that Winston spent 12 years walking around on a broken leg.   Why it was never amputated, we can only guess - any vet would surely have recommended amputation.  Among the things we had asked the Prosecutor to obtain during our meeting with him was evidence that Winston had been cared for during his lifetime.  We asked the owner to produce veterinarian records showing that the dog was cared for, that he did receive medical care.  We asked for photos to prove first that his leg was always that way, and to show that he was a loved companion.  Sadly there were no records because Winston was never seen by any veterinarian during his lifetime!  And sadly, the only photo that the owner could produce was taken a few weeks prior to her surrendering Winston to the Warden.   That photo showed him in the same condition as when he arrived at the shelter.    We also asked that the breeder produce whelping records to prove that the litter was deformed .   Ms. Varner was also unable to produce any records. 

Given the Prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges against the owner due to the limitations of the animal abuse laws in Ohio we have little choice but to move forward with a civil proceeding.  Using the logic that the California criminal court was unable to find OJ Simpson guilty, yet the civil court found him liable for the deaths of Ronald Goldman and his former wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, we are hopeful that Winston can still have his day in court and justice will be served..

 The neglect that Winston suffered during his lifetime should not be endured by any animal!