FIELD REPORT · WINSTON

When my son and I drove to Essen to collect Winston, we had no idea how closely this dog would become woven into our lives. First came getting to know him: meeting beside the animal transporter, the drive home and wondering how he would settle in. I now look back on those first hours with particular affection, because the English bulldog who joined us that day has long since become my buddy.

01 / PICKING HIM UP

Meeting Winston for the first time.

Winston came from an animal rescue in Hungary and was rehomed through Hercules Bullyrettung. We already knew the organisation because our French bulldog had also come to us through them, and our experience had been positive. This time, my son and I waited in Essen for Winston, who would complete our family life with two dogs.

When he was brought out of the transporter, we could finally meet him. Beside the open door, we put on his broad harness and adjusted it. As the helpers checked the fit, we bent down and stroked him. Amid all those practical tasks, that was the moment waiting became a real encounter.

I crouched in front of him and stroked his head and shoulders. Being so close was different from talking about his arrival in the car. Now this compact brown-and-white fellow was actually standing before me. We had only just met, and I wanted to give him some time before moving on.

Then we walked across the car park to the car together. Winston walked beside me on his lead, and soon he was sitting with us inside. Collecting him was done, but the more exciting part still lay ahead: our other dog and the children were waiting at home. I was curious to see how Winston would greet them and settle into our family.

02 / AT HOME

Now you are with us.

At home, I opened the Jeep and carefully lifted Winston out. His paws had barely touched the pale gravel before the children were beside him. One knelt down and stroked his back while the others petted his head. Winston turned towards them and within moments was at the centre of a little welcoming circle.

That scene has stayed with me because it says so much about our beginning. The children naturally got down to his level, sought his company and got to know him in their own way. How life together would unfold remained to be seen. But when I think of that day now, I mostly see Winston among the children beside the Jeep.

When I was out about a week later and shared a first update, he had already settled in well. He got on wonderfully with our other dog and was especially fond of the children. Whenever they came home from school, he was delighted. Their greeting had become a familiar part of his new daily life.

Of course, not everything went smoothly from day one. During the first week, we also dealt with minor digestive problems. At the same time, Winston increasingly showed his personality. He had a mischievous streak and brought fresh energy into the house. Each day together helped us know him better and find our way as a family with two dogs.

Winston lying at home with his head on his front paws
A quiet moment at home: Winston with his head on his paws.
Winston sitting among grey cushions on the sofa
Winston at home — he has found his spot on the sofa.

03 / WHAT GREW FROM IT

My buddy.

Winston is named after Winston Churchill, and he certainly has plenty of personality. But what makes him so special to me cannot be pinned to his name or a single event. It is the closeness that has grown between us over time and now feels like a natural part of my life.

Winston wearing a harness on a forest path covered in autumn leaves
Out together: Winston on an autumn woodland path.
Winston walking through the shallow surf on the beach
Paws in the water — Winston at the seaside.

I enjoy being outdoors with him just as much as the quiet moments at home. When we lie beside each other on the sofa, no special occasion is needed for the day to feel good. Those everyday moments remind me how much this dog means to me. He is with us on our adventures, but also when there is simply nothing planned.

Florian and Winston lying close together on the sofa
Together on the sofa. That is part of the adventure with Winston too.

When I watch the footage of collecting him now, I notice how little we knew about each other then. My son and I had driven to Essen to bring Winston home. At that point, I could only guess how close we would become. Since then, our shared beginning has grown into a bond I would not want to be without.

Winston has become my buddy. I cannot imagine life without him.

Watch our first moments together on film ↗

More with Winston: our travel report from Normandy →

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