Yes, I am a cleft palate baby...
 

YES!!! I myself am a cleft palate baby!! I had the palate only...my lip was intact. A wonderful plastic surgeon repaired it when I was 24 months old. I actually remember having braces on my arms to keep my fingers out of my mouth...but I NEVER SUCKED A BOTTLE...MY MOM HAD TO FEED ME WITH A MEDICINE SPOON! I have had to have several surgeries. Cleft palate babies have inner ear problems...so you guys watch for that with these puppies! KEEP WATER OUT OF THEIR EARS! THEIR EARS DONT DRAIN LIKE NORMAL EARS! WATER WILL SET UP AND CAUSE INFECTION! TAKE IT FROM ME!
I am fortunate to have a mother who was determined that I was not going to be different from any other child my age. Today, I am married, have two beautiful children and my two puppies. I have a college education and I am a teacher. I am hearing impaired. In fact, I probably will have surgery on one of my ears next month. Growing up I had to deal with the cruelty of children. :cry2: (I had speech therapy until I was a freshman in highschool! In fact, I work at the same school as a former speech therapist!) But as an adult I make sure to instill in my own children that they are above no one! All people are precious in HIS eyes...no matter their "specialty.";)
I am sorry this is so lengthy. I just think it is precious that you guys lovingly care for these pooches. :thumbup: I think of how my mom had to care for me. She had to quit her job and put her life on hold. Keep up the good work! Let me know if I CAN HELP IN ANYWAY. I am sure the condition is similiar in pups as it is in humans. Up until now, I HAD NO IDEA PUPS COULD HAVE CLEFTS!!:eek:

tassibo

Thank you for responding to this thread. It has been quite insightful.
The cruelty of children? Oh heck I lived through that. And it sure did hurt. I hate to think my own children going thru it, but they will.
They will just be stronger for it. I hope they learn to be nicer people because of it, and not hateful people.

This is such an inspirational thread
 

True!! I know I am stronger because of it...

This is a great thread!

I'm so glad more people are joining in here with us !!!!!

Weight Update!
 

I weighed Tia tonight...................drumroll please............................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................3 pounds and 2 oz !!!!!!!!!

I remember freaking out because she wasn't making it to 1 pound!

Thank you!! I'm very proud of Tia. Thanks so much!

Disapointing
 

Well after trying and TRYING Tia will NOT stand for clothes. She put up such a HUGE fight last night that after a few munutes (that seemed forever) I had to stop trying to get the sweater over her head for fear she was going to hurt herself. I mean she put up a fight like you would never beleive. It was horrible! And if you could have seen the way she looked at me after running and hiding under the playpen.

I don't think I'm going to be able to have her wear any of the beautiful clothes you wonder people had made her and given her! :( As soon as anything starts to go over her head she FREAKS out. Its horrible.

I'm wondering if there is naything that she could wear that doesn't have to go OVER her head?

Trying last night put her into such a panic that I don't think I should try again :(

I am so glad that Tia is doing so good. Wow...over 3 pounds. She weighs almost as much as Lizzy. (a whopping 4lbs) You have done a great job. All that hard work is paying off. Way to go!

Thanks! All you guys made me try even harder!!!!!!!

Update
 

Hi everyone, just wanted to update you all on Tia. She's doing real well! She's had her 2nd round of vaccines (which she HATES, poor baby, and needs to be held for awhile after:()

She has a new play buddy ! Brodie seems to have taken to her and they play the whole time they are together! Non stop!!! Its funny to watch and she chases him !!!

I'm attaching some pics. One is of just Tia to show you how pretty she has become :) She is as skinny as a toothpick though. She has these long ole legs and her body is bony. She eats? I don't know if the cleft palate has something to do with it still? She actually is turning into a junk food junky! Everytime I have a snack she thinks she has to too! Lets see, she's had doritos, popcorn, chex mix, pretzels...... :D :D :D I know I'm bad, but I can't resist that face!!!!

So here she is, and then some of her playuing with her special buddy, Brodie.

Hi Breny

Tia is so gorgeous !!!! And what a lovely new buddy Brodie is!

Thank you! They really have alot of fun together!

They are really cute...