Many people are hesitant to help animals, especially those with visible challenges or disabilities. While everyone loves a story with a happy ending, such as a cute, healthy dog finding a loving home after a rough start, not everyone is willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a special-needs animal. Although some may not have the means to provide the necessary care for these pets, many who are capable simply choose not to. Every dog deserves a chance, and the happiness they bring can be extraordinary.
Consider the tale of two puppies who, despite being born with birth defects, have found joy and a chance to thrive. These two French Bulldog puppies were first encountered by veterinary staff in California, who discovered that both had cleft palates. Realizing the difficulty in finding them a permanent home, they reached out to Kelly Sayer, a dedicated volunteer known for her willingness to foster such animals. Sayer, with her experience in caring for puppies with cleft palates, named them Violet and Dash.
Upon meeting the puppies, Sayer noticed their delicate and fragile state, understanding that their journey would be challenging. A closer examination revealed that Violet had a cleft lip and a partial cleft palate, while Dash had a cleft lip and a complete cleft palate. Luckily, with a son born with a cleft palate, Sayer was well-equipped to provide the necessary care these pups required, treating them with the same level of compassion she would for her own family.
The initial weeks were demanding, requiring constant attention from both Kelly and her son Landon. Teaching the puppies to eat was a gradual process, but with patience, both learned how to feed themselves. Sayer understood that finding them adoptive homes would take time, as many dogs with cleft palates are often abandoned due to the additional care they require. But she remained unfazed in her commitment to finding the perfect families for Violet and Dash.
Sayer is an advocate for ethical breeding and is vocal about the unnecessary risks dogs face due to certain breeding practices. In an interview with The Dodo, she expressed her concerns about how altering breeds has led to significant health issues, stating, “We’ve changed the breed so much over the years, and made it so that they can’t breathe, they have spinal issues, they have all these problems that…it’s hard to see that being ethical in any way, shape or form.”
Despite the challenges, Violet and Dash have made remarkable progress in just three months. Sayer is hopeful that soon they will be ready for adoption. Until then, she is devoted to helping them thrive, and their transformation is truly inspiring.
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