A LITTLE dog with a big heart has found her forever home after a badger baiting incident saw her almost mauled to death.

Winnie the terrier was found in Flimby by the RSPCA Westmorland Branch in 2018 after she was abused by illegal badger baiters.

The young dog, thought to be around three years old at the time, had suffered significant injuries, including skin being ripped away from her jaw and multiple bite wounds to the front half of her body.

After undergoing an operation, which was funded by £1,000 raised by the community’s donations, Winnie was given another chance of life, and the feisty terrier is loving every second.

Before finding her new home, Winnie stayed at Milnthorpe Kennels and Cattery, and owner Stella Norman is thrilled the little dog now has the life she deserves since finding her loving and caring owner in June 2019.

“We’re so happy – it’s absolutely brilliant!” she said.

“Winnie has been through so much, so it’s nice to see her settled.”

The pleased animal lover added: “We couldn’t have got a better outcome for her.”

Winnie the “little star” had her lifesaving operation at Oakhill Veterinary Centre in Windermere, and although it looked like she might need a second procedure, she pulled through and “healed perfectly” with just the one – a “brilliant” outcome for the pretty pooch.

RSPCA re-homing coordinator Jean Kitchen is also delighted to know Winnie is living life to the full, and said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see her re-homed.

“The first home for her failed because of her excitable personality, but the second people just came along and accepted her the way she is, which is exactly what she needed.”

She added: “Her new owner works from home so she’s never on her own, and she has a lovely big garden to play and run around in – it really is perfect for her.

“Everything came through for her, and she’s finally got the happy life she deserves.”

Speaking after Winnie’s operation, made possible by the generous donations from the public, RSPCA Westmorland branch manager Christine Lowe expressed her thanks to all who supported Winnie’s journey.

“Winnie is still as vigorous with her love of life, and has been amazing with her robust and care-free approach to all the treatments,” she said.

“Thank you to the team at Oakhill for the progress that has been made, and a big thank you to all our supporters who have made this possible for this little dog.”