Tiny Cleft Palate Pet Defies Loss of life And Steals The Highlight

February 19, 2026
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Luna’s journey started earlier than she even opened her eyes.

I fostered her mother whereas working at our native Humane Society. She was very pregnant and gave start nearly instantly in my lounge. Luna was born with a cleft lip and palate, and from the beginning, we knew her survival would require extraordinary care.

Small black dog wearing a red dress with rose details and a tulle skirt sits on a tiled floor, looking up with wide eyes.

Katie Phelan

I tube-fed Luna for weeks to maintain her alive. As a result of she would aspirate canned meals, I rigorously and slowly weaned her onto dry meals. Each feeding was a lesson in endurance and hope.

In opposition to the chances, Luna didn’t simply survive — she thrived.

Small black dog in a basket, carried by someone dressed as Dorothy in a stage production of The Wizard of Oz.

Katie Phelan

In 2018, she turned the primary pet our shelter ever despatched to Animal Planet’s Pet Bowl. She proudly represented us on a nationwide stage and has by no means forgotten it.

Luna went on to turn into an authorized remedy canine by means of Love on a Leash, the place she completely adores visiting youngsters. Her light spirit makes her a pure comforter.

Small black dog in a basket, surrounded by other characters in a stage production of The Wizard of Oz.

Katie Phelan

In 2024, she auditioned for and gained the function of Toto in our native skilled theater’s manufacturing of The Wizard of Oz. She was one among two Totos and was particularly beloved by the younger solid members who performed the Munchkins. Luna, in fact, believed the whole manufacturing was created only for her.