On November 7, 2015 a very special dog named Myles celebrated his second birthday. That may not seem like a major achievement, but Myles is no ordinary pooch. He was born with a cleft palate, his upper lip and nose were split, he had a painful umbilical hernia, and neurological issues stemming from an underdeveloped brain. Veterinarians didn’t know if Myles would live to see his first birthday, let alone his second.
Myles was lucky enough to be adopted and adored by a rescuer with a heart for special needs pups. Kass fell in love at first sight with the pitiful 8-week-old puppy snoring through his rare split nose at a shelter in Fort Worth, TX. Myles’ health concerns became apparent immediately – he spent his first night home with Kass pacing and crying in pain from what turned out to be a golf ball-sized umbilical hernia.
The veterinary staff who cared for Myles through the two surgeries to repair his umbilical and hiatal hernias alerted Kass that they suspected Myles had a neurological disorder. Thanks to Myles’ online supporters, his adoptive parents, Kass and Cory, were able to have him evaluated by a Neurology specialist. MRI results revealed that only a portion of Myles’ brain had fully developed. Although his condition is not fatal, it can cause issues like partial paralysis, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.
Despite his challenges, Myles has learned to do everything an average dog can do – he just does it in his own special way! A setback forced him to use a wheelchair to walk temporarily. He has limited use of his right front leg and suffers from Nystagmus (rapid, uncontrolled eye movement) in his right eye. Every day Myles surprises his proud Mama Kass with his little achievements and upbeat attitude. Nothing takes the smile off this dog’s unique face!
That distinctive mug and happy-go-lucky outlook on life inspired Kass to begin the process of creating a 501(c)(3) rescue organization to help other special needs pups like Myles. The goal of the Smyles for Myles Special Needs Rescue is to promote awareness and acceptance of special needs pets, as well as raise money for their individual care. Kass told BarkPost:
Myles definitely ignited a spark in my heart. Smyles For Myles has grown into such an amazing special needs rescue. We have an entire world of Smylers that connect and help each other, transport, foster, love and adopt. We help any animal, any disability, at any price despite their diagnoses. Our goal is to help every one of them achieve their Smyle.
Dogs like Myles remind us that tomorrow is never promised, and that today is the time to make a difference. Some believe that special needs animals cannot live full, happy lives because of their disabilities. Myles and the other adorable faces of the Smyles for Myles Rescue are shooting down these stereotypes and making the world a better place for all pets!
Posted by Myles – Cleft Lip / Split Nose Puppy on Sunday, January 10, 2016
Being adorable and inspirational is exhausting work!
If you would like to learn more about Myles and his rescue organization, visit him on his personal Facebook page or the Smyles for Myles Special Needs Rescue page. Any donations to the cause are appreciated, and can be made at the crowd-funding site, youcaring.com.
H/T to imnotamonster.org
Featured Image via Myles- Cleft Lip/Split Nose Puppy/ Facebook
