Puppy with cleft lip saved by rescue centre after vets tried to put her down

A rescue centre is raising awareness for puppies born with cleft lips after saving a tiny dog from euthanasia.

Breeds in Need in Lincoln specialises in caring for dogs with disabilities and is passionate about giving every single dog a second chance at life.

American bulldog Daisy was surrendered to the charity in March after being born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Little Daisy was tube fed for the first five weeks of her life by rescuers - which involves inserting a tube into her stomach via her mouth every two hours during the day and night.

Charity co-founder Sally Turzanski, 30, told The Mirror : "This is the only way that clefties can be fed, otherwise they would essentially drown to death."

Daisy was almost put to sleep by vets (Breeds in Need)

She was tube fed for the first five weeks (Breeds in Need)

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Daisy was surrendered to the charity as many breeders perceive tube feeding to be "too much hassle" - and instead routinely euthanise these puppies at birth.

"Daisy wants to advocate that having a cleft is not a death sentence and that these puppies are worth saving," Sally said.

"She has an amazing personality. She loves to play with other puppies and thinks biting shoes is the best thing in the world.

"Daisy weighs less than 2kg, but what she lacks in size, she makes up in attitude."

She will soon be ready for a permanent place to call home (Breeds in Need)

Six-week-old Daisy has now been fully weaned off tube feeding and is eating a diet of dry kibble, as any other food may get stuck.

"She doesn't know any different and she drinks water from a bowl, which helps to keep the cleft clean," Sally explained.

"As long as Daisy continues to cope, she won't need any surgery."

The larger-than-life bully will soon be looking for a new, permanent and loving home.

She needs an adopter who is experienced with bulldog breeds and would ideally live with a younger, large breed male dog.

Daisy needs an experienced and loving adopter (Breeds in Need)

She can live with children of any age and alongside cats too.

Adopters will need to stick to preventative care, which includes a kibble-only diet, regular cleaning of her cleft and general cleft care.

"Once we feel she's 100% ready, we will post Daisy on our website," Sally said.

If you think you could be the perfect match for Daisy, you can keep an eye out for her profile on Breeds in Need website.

You can donate to Breeds in Need on their GoFundMe page to help save other cleft pups like Daisy.

Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.