Meet Winston – Our Gentle Giant with a Heart Full of Love ❤️

“I’ve always been a good boy. I just haven’t always been given the chance to show the world how wonderful I can be.”

Hello, lovely hoomans. My name is Winston, although the people who know and love me tend to call me Winnie. I’m a rather substantial chap, weighing in at around 40kg, but please don’t let my size fool you. Beneath this big, handsome exterior is a sensitive soul who has been through rather more than any dog should have to endure.

My story began when I was bought as a puppy here in the UK. I’m not quite sure where I came from, but I do know that my start in life wasn’t quite the responsible, loving beginning every puppy deserves.

I grew up living in an apartment above a pub, where my owner was the landlord. During the daytime, I had plenty of human company. I would see visitors coming and going, meet people and enjoy the attention. But when evening arrived and the pub became busy, I was shut away from the guests.

I wasn’t really taken out for walks very often, and the big wide world beyond my home remained something of a mystery to me. I didn’t get the opportunity to explore, meet lots of other dogs or learn all those important little things that puppies should experience as they grow up.

And here’s the thing about dogs like me. We don’t know what we’ve missed until somebody gives us the chance to experience it.

My story is, sadly, not an unusual one. The Pointer Rescue Service has seen far too many dogs who were bought as puppies around the COVID lockdowns, only to find themselves growing into adulthood without the socialisation, exercise, guidance and care they needed. When normal life resumed, some of us were simply left behind. We grew older, but we didn’t necessarily grow in confidence or learn how to navigate the world like other dogs.

It’s not our fault. We weren’t born knowing how to be confident, sociable, well-adjusted dogs. We needed somebody to show us.

Thankfully, somebody eventually noticed that I needed help.

A very kind lady, who was in a relationship with my original owner, became concerned about my welfare and asked if she could take me into her care at her home instead. And that, lovely people, was the beginning of a much happier chapter.

For the last 18 months, I’ve been living with her, alongside her lovely Cockapoo. More recently, a little Cockapoo puppy joined the family too.  My carers relationship ended a while ago.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. A 40kg chap like me alongside a tiny Cockapoo puppy? Well, I think I’m rather good at being a big brother, actually! I’ve been wonderful with the puppy, just as I have with the other dog in the household.

And the children? Oh, I absolutely adore them. They love me to pieces, and I’m a gentle giant around them. There’s something rather special about being trusted and loved by little hoomans, and I take my responsibilities very seriously.

My carer, has given me something I hadn’t really known before: stability, kindness and a proper chance to be a dog. She has worked hard to give me the care I deserved, and I’m so grateful.

But sometimes, loving somebody means recognising that they need more than you can give them.

My temporary Mum is heartbroken at the thought of parting with me, but she knows that I still have some learning to do and that I would benefit from a home where I can continue to develop my confidence, particularly when out and about on walks and meeting the wider world.

So, here I am, hoping that my next chapter might just be my furever one.

What am I looking for?

I’m hoping to find a special home with people who understand that not every dog arrives with a perfectly polished set of social skills.

I’d absolutely love a quieter, rural environment where I can enjoy lovely walks, plenty of exercise and the freedom to explore at my own pace. Somewhere peaceful, with less hustle and bustle, where I can gradually build my confidence and discover that the world isn’t such a frightening or overwhelming place after all.

I need people who will be patient with me, give me clear and consistent guidance, and understand that socialisation isn’t something that can be rushed. I may need a little extra help learning how to interact appropriately with other dogs when we’re out and about.

I can be protective, and given some of my past experiences, perhaps that’s not altogether surprising. I’ve had to navigate life without always having the reassurance and security I needed. I need people who can understand this, respect my boundaries and help me feel safe without expecting too much of me too soon.

My wonderful carer has shown that I can live happily with other dogs, including smaller dogs and puppies, but any introductions and future household arrangements will need to be considered upon introduction.

I’m a big boy with an equally big heart, and I need a home that has the space, time and commitment to give me the very best of everything.

A little note about my health and history

Since coming into better care, I’ve finally had the veterinary attention I should always have received. My previous owner hadn’t kept up with my vaccinations or worming, but my current carer has made sure that I’ve had my vaccinations and that my preventative care is now up to date.

My veterinary history has been shared with PRS, and the vets have described me as a little barky during visits, but good with people and a lovely dog.

I’ve been through quite a lot, and there is more to my background than we can appropriately share in a public adoption profile. PRS has a responsibility to protect the privacy of everyone involved, so further details can be discussed confidentially with genuinely interested prospective adopters as part of the rehoming process.

Could you be my happy ending?

I don’t need a palace, although a lovely big garden wouldn’t go amiss!

I don’t need fancy toys or expensive beds, although I certainly wouldn’t object to a particularly comfortable sofa.

What I really need is somebody who sees beyond my size, understands that my past has shaped some of my behaviours, and recognises that there is a wonderful dog underneath it all.

Somebody who won’t judge me for the things I haven’t yet learned.

Somebody who will give me time to settle, space to breathe and the encouragement to discover just how lovely life can be.

My carer has loved me enough to recognise that there may be another family who can give me the opportunities I need to truly flourish. That is a very difficult decision to make, and I hope my next family will understand just how much love has gone into getting me here.

I’m Winston. I’m 40kg of big, handsome, slightly unfinished potential, with a heart that has so much more love to give.

I’ve already had a few chapters in my life, but I’m really rather hoping the best one is still waiting to be written.

Could you be the person who finally shows me what furever really means?

With love, big paws and an enormous amount of hope,

Winston (Winnie) ❤️

An important note from PRS: Winston is looking for an experienced, understanding home prepared to continue his socialisation and confidence-building. His history means that careful assessment, appropriate introductions and a considered rehoming plan are essential. We are looking for quality of life, not simply somewhere for Winston to go. We want to find the home where this lovely boy can finally thrive.