Mia the amazing cleft palate chihuahua

[mchis]

It is amazing she's pulling through but I also agree. What a sad life for the little pup & the owners. I could never ever invest all that time, money & emotion in a dog that very well may not live & if they do it won't be much of a quality life. That's totally setting yourself up not to mention the dog. Maybe I'm just not that much of a strong person in that way. But it is definitely a touchy subject....

[glyndwr]

Awe bless poor little soul, looks so poorly

[Kristi]

Its a touching story, for sure...I tend to agree with Tracy though. I mean, I would do a LOT for my dogs. But the ones that are my pets, who I know I would be tempted to over-extend myself for, are insured...that said, if it were something expensive and one time, we would go ahead with it, but I would never put an animal through repeated painful surgeries because I believe that is selfish and they do not understand. I feel like the best way to love an animal sometimes is to realize you have to let it go. The beautiful thing about dogs are while they are not replaceable so many have a way to get into our hearts. Another dog will love me, even if I lose one that I loved dearly. It chokes me up to think about it but I really do firmly believe in this after seeing people just throw everything they have into basically causing a dog pain.

[Lucy]

Couldn't agree more, Kristi.

[The3DChis]

Good points.
I wouldnt want to put my dogs through so much either.
That wee lamb does look very ill in that pic.

I sometimes look at my 3 babies and think oh god one day you will really break mums heart when you leave me, it's just too awful.
In the meantime and for many many many years to come i hope, i enjoy every single day i have with them, and let them know just how much they are loved and needed. x

[candj315]

I am very new to this forum, in fact I just joined simply to speak on behalf of cleft palate chihuahuas. (BUT i will definitely stick around with all this great chihuahua love support).

I myself am a chi mom of 4. (1, rescue, 2 from breeders and 1 cleft palate/lip pup who was given to me).

My cleft palate/lip baby, Laci was offered to me when she was only 2 days old. When it still wasnt clear if she would live or die. I didnt know if she was a girl or boy or a long coat or short coat. All I cared about was her life. Her breeders (family friends) oddly had a large litter which resulted in Laci
being born with the malformation in her palate. They had taken her to two vets who simply recommended putting her down. The third vet said she may have a chance. Being responsible they wanted to make sure before making the choice to sustain her life through uncomfortable tube feedings that Laci had a future.

Not even 48 hours old weighing a mere 4 ounces I had no choice. My conscious said if she has a chance you have to give it to her. There was no other opion in my eyes. Thankfully Laci's cleft in her palate remained the same size since the day she was born. Now at a boisterous 6.5 pounds and 6 months old the cleft in her palate barely affects her. I was fully prepared to do surgery if needed. I was prepared to do anything to give her a chance at life.

Sue is giving Mia a chance. Mia is only a year old. Children all over the world are born with cleft palates and survive the many surgeries it requires to repair it. We would never suggest what other are suggesting if Mia were an actual human. Mia is only 1, she has her entire life ahead of her.

And I know all on here are concerned for Mia's well being. Just think of it this way. ALL of us think of our chihuahuas as family and some think of them as their children. We would never tell a mother with a special needs child what the best choice is for their child. Why should we do it with someones chihuahua?

[jpaddock35]

I am new to this forum and registered just to comment on Mia...I happen to know Mia and her "mom" personally and I have visited and Played with Mia on several occasions. One thing that everyone needs to realize is that Mia is NOT sick Most of the time. Most of the time Mia is a happy, playful dog just like you would see everyday. She is full of energy and life!! She has recovered from her surgeries amazingly fast and has in no way ever acted as though she was ready to give up. Sue is the most compassionate, dedicated person I have every met and she would never let Mia continue on if she thought for a second that she was suffering. For those who know Mia she continues to Amaze everyone everyday of her life. Mia is NOT emaciated or sickly either. Other than not being able to eat through her mouth she is very healthy. She does NOT have hydrocephalus, her heart is very strong and suffers no other health issues. Instead of judging please join with everyone who loves Mia and Sue and pray that some doctor some where will have an answer to this little dog's cleft palate. Thank you!

[brodysmom]

candj and jpaddock - I'm glad you came on and gave your side of the story. It seems you know this dog personally and the owner? Candj - your dog is 6 pounds and her cleft palate is very minor. You are lucky! I would have NO problems supporting your decisions. Your dog is a good size and not in and out of pneumonia.

jpaddock - I'm glad you have seen this dog in person and think that she is not sick most of the time. But I have never seen this dog, and am going by the videos and website. From the website updates I posted, this poor dog has crisis after crisis. She is in and out of the hospital for emergencies. Is that a good quality of life? You say she is not emaciated, but from her pictures and videos - she certainly DOES look sickly and emaciated to me. Apparently vets agree as they have suggested euthanasia for this dog over and over and your friend has resisted. I just read the latest update. The patch in her mouth is failing and she has a raging infection. Now what? After all she has been put through. I feel sorry for Mia and I feel sorry for her mom. I don't think this little dog would choose this life if she were given a chance.

But everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thanks for yours.