Hagrid

For those of you who follow along with us on Facebook, probably know all about this little guy. 

This is Hagrid. He's the most special puppy in Mavis' litter because he has a cleft palate. 

This is a first for us but I am fully aware how common cleft palates are in any breed including humans. So I gave it my best shot to try and raise this little guy. I've technically never tube fed an animal before so that was also I first for me. By now I've done it probably 200 times or so. 

I joined a group on Facebook that supports the efforts of Cleft Palate babies and they are truly a Godsend. 

Hagrid just met a major milestone yesterday. He's able to eat formula soaked/dipped puppy kibble. And boy does he love it! He was getting awful tired of tube feeding and hasn't been really gaining much weight lately. This will really help. 

I'll continue to give it my best shot. From the sounds of it, cleft palate babies can lead a pretty normal life without surgery, as long as they stick to dry food and water, to minimize soft things getting stuck in their clefts.