
Against All Odds: Tiny Cleft Palate Puppies Find Hope
2025-05-30
Author: Lok
In a heartwarming tale of compassion, Kelly Sayer received a desperate call from a veterinary office about two fragile French bulldog puppies born with cleft palates. Without a moment's hesitation, Sayer, an experienced foster mom for Frenchies, opened her heart and home to these tiny lives.
Meet Violet and Dash, who were so small at just one day old that they could fit in the palm of Sayer’s hand, weighing merely 5 and 6 ounces each—about the size of a mouse!
Violet, the female, faced the challenge of a cleft lip and partial cleft palate, while Dash, her male counterpart, was born with a cleft lip and a complete cleft palate. Sayer has dedicated herself to nurturing canines with such difficulties, drawing on her experience as a vet tech. This mission resonates deeply with her, as her son, Landon, also has a cleft palate.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Landon has taken an active role in caring for the puppies, forming a remarkable bond with them. "He was so gentle, and the animals naturally gravitated to him," Sayer shared. This shared experience allows Landon to connect with the puppies on a profound level. "I love helping them; it feels so good," he expressed.
In their first few weeks, Violet and Dash required around-the-clock care. Newborns are always demanding, but with their special needs, Sayer was up every hour, determined to help them thrive. "It's heartbreaking to see so many dogs born with cleft palates end up abandoned, and I just want to give these pups a fighting chance," she said.
While Sayer remains a beacon of support for cleft palate pups, she’s also an advocate against irresponsible breeding practices that exacerbate these issues among French bulldogs. "The trend of breeding for rare colors has led to significant health problems, making it hard to justify these practices ethically," she stated.
Fortunately, Violet and Dash are now thriving and have blossomed from their tiny beginnings into lively, playful puppies—almost three months old and full of spirit! Soon, they will be ready to find loving forever homes.
Sayer couldn’t be prouder of their progress. As she shared on Instagram, "I’m so proud of these sweet little nuggets!" This inspiring journey showcases the power of love, care, and the resilience of life against all odds.