Celebrating Recovery: A Dog’s Newfound Joy After undergoing a successful surgical procedure, Felix, a black Labrador retriever who was born with a cleft lip and palate, is now able to revel in the simple pleasure of splashing around in water. This heart-warming journey showcases Felix’s resilience and the transformative power of veterinary care, allowing him to embrace activities that many dogs take for granted. With his newfound ability to enjoy the water, Felix’s playful spirit shines through, as he joyfully leaps and bounds, creating ripples of happiness that reflect his triumphant recovery.
Felix was just 11 days old when he entered my life, a tiny puppy in desperate need of help. His rescuer, Jamie, shared with Bored Panda the harrowing circumstances surrounding his rescue: “I was the rescue worker called in by the breeder who discovered that one of the puppies in their litter was struggling to survive due to a severe cleft palate and cleft lip, which prevented him from nursing properly from his mother. By that time, he had developed aspiration pneumonia and was on the brink of death.
” For the next seven weeks, Jamie dedicated herself to tube-feeding Felix at home while also managing his pneumonia, a labour of love that ultimately saved his life. Now, at 14 months old, Felix has blossomed into a healthy adult Black Lab, having undergone surgery in January that significantly improved his well-being. Jamie explained that cleft lip and palate are congenital defects with no known cause, often linked to the mother’s inadequate nutrition or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, affecting both humans and animals alike.
Today marked a significant milestone for Felix, as he ventured to a river for the first time since undergoing surgery, eager to feel the refreshing splash of water on his face. This spirited boy, however, faces a multitude of health challenges beyond his cleft lip and palate. Despite these hurdles, Felix’s zest for life remains unshaken! He grapples with digestive issues stemming from a rare condition where his colon developed on the wrong side of his body, yet he navigates these quirks with remarkable resilience. His owner shared that although Felix has only one functional eye, misaligned jaws, and a right side of his face that resembles a melted candle, he seems to be thriving. “With his teeth not aligning properly, he primarily relies on canned food, which can be a bit tricky for him when he tries to join in on the hard food that I occasionally offer. Nevertheless, it keeps him engaged and feeling included in the family.”
– Felix underwent corrective surgery on January 31, as shared by his owner Jamie in an interview with Bored Panda. This procedure was crucial for addressing his unilateral cleft palate, which impacted both the hard and soft palates of his mouth.
– The surgical team successfully utilized Felix’s own tissue to reconstruct the roof of his mouth, including the soft palate that was previously absent. This innovative approach not only improved his oral structure but also aimed to enhance his overall quality of life.
– Post-surgery, Felix has been experiencing a neurological tic, which Jamie suspects is linked to changes in his skull position following the operation. This tic manifests as episodes where he spins around and growls at seemingly nothing, indicating a possible neurological response to the surgery.
– To help manage Felix’s neurological tic, Jamie is currently exploring new medication options. This experimentation reflects her commitment to finding effective solutions to improve Felix’s well-being and comfort.
– Reflecting on Felix’s condition prior to surgery, Jamie noted that a year ago, the idea of such a successful operation seemed impossible. His previous struggles with eating and drinking were significant, highlighting the severity of his cleft palate.
– Before the surgery, Felix faced immense challenges during mealtime. Jamie had to use a specially designed tool to clear food from his cleft, which was a time-consuming and difficult process that added stress to both of their lives.
– Regular veterinary visits were necessary for Felix, as he required sedation for cleaning and maintenance of his cleft. This routine was not only inconvenient but also highlighted the ongoing medical needs associated with his condition.
– Living in Alaska presented unique challenges for Felix’s care. Jamie recounted an incident where a piece of salmon skin became lodged in his cleft, illustrating the difficulties of managing his dietary needs in a remote location.
– Another memorable incident involved a plastic dental flosser that got stuck in his cleft, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Felix’s condition and the constant vigilance required from Jamie to ensure his health.
Read More: How to Create a Safe Space for Rescued Pets
– Overall, Felix’s journey from a challenging pre-surgery existence to a hopeful post-surgery recovery showcases the resilience of both the dog and his owner, as they navigate the complexities of his health and strive for a better quality of life together.
Felix is truly lucky to be surrounded by a loving and supportive family. He has four siblings who add to the warmth of his home. Jamie shared some insights about her pets, mentioning her second dog, Sammy, an Australian Cattle Dog with a minor cleft that didn’t require surgery. Alongside him is PB, a small 12-year-old dachshund, and Baby Girl, an Alaskan terrier from Bethel. The last member of this quirky pack is Meera, a 20-pound brindled whippet. All of these dogs were rescued, and Jamie is dedicated to supporting a veterinarian who specializes in rescue work, a man she holds in high regard. The camaraderie among Felix, his feline friend, and the various foster animals that Jamie brings home is heartwarming. Since 2015, she has fostered over 400 pets, showcasing her commitment to animal welfare.
As Felix continues to grow, he is becoming quite the big boy, thriving in an environment filled with love and companionship. Jamie describes him as the happiest dog she has ever owned, brimming with energy that often leaves them both in a whirlwind of activity. Remarkably, Felix remains blissfully unaware of any health challenges he faces. Recently, Jamie took him swimming for the first time, and he excelled, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey. With hopes of training him to be a “real retriever” this summer, Jamie reflects on how different things were before Felix underwent three surgeries in three months. Now, almost fully healed, Felix is back to his joyful self, ready to embrace new adventures.
Felix, the exuberant and playful dog, truly thrives on the joy of playtime, which is his absolute favorite pastime! His owner shared with Bored Panda that once a ball is thrown, Felix is ready to chase it for hours on end, showcasing his boundless energy and enthusiasm. After undergoing surgery, he has made a remarkable recovery, now able to eat and drink without any issues, and his strength is truly impressive. During his recovery, he had a feeding tube attached to his neck, and for several weeks, his owner had to administer liquid dog food through it. Remarkably, Felix remained calm and still throughout the process, despite being unable to chew, which was tough for a dog that loves to have something in his mouth at all times. His resilience has been inspiring, and his owner wishes him nothing but happiness in the days ahead.
Felix’s adventurous spirit has led him to consume two plush toys and even a rock, resulting in two surgeries to address the consequences of his curious eating habits. His family clearly cherishes him, providing a loving environment where he can frolic with other dogs, cats, and his beloved stuffed animals. His affection for these toys is so intense that he recently ingested two of them, necessitating yet another trip to the vet! This delightful Labrador embodies the playful nature typical of his breed, bringing joy to everyone around him.
“The greatest reward is witnessing his recovery after such challenging times,” Felix’s owner expressed with pride. “What a remarkable dog he is; he truly is a happy boy.” However, Felix’s escapades haven’t been without their mishaps, as he also recently ate a dead bird, which left him feeling quite unwell. Jamie, his devoted owner, feels incredibly fortunate to have Felix in her life. Despite some people’s suggestions to put him down due to his antics, she is grateful she chose to keep him, emphasizing the importance of spaying or neutering pets and embracing their unique personalities. Felix’s journey is a testament to resilience and the joy that comes from loving and caring for a spirited companion.
Share this content:
