Donations sought for puppy with cleft lip and palate

4:25 pm, Jul 8, 2013 | Written by Mark Robison 

A puppy named Stitch was found wrapped in plastic and thrown in a dumpster, likely because of his cleft lip and palate, which made it difficult for him to nurse. He found his way to Palomino Valley Pet Rescue in Reno, which is seeking donations for future surgeries to help him have a full and happy life.

To help, you can send a check to:

Palomino Valley Pet Rescue,

1285 Baring Blvd. #276

Sparks, NV 89434

Follow Stitch's progress on his Facebook page here. For those who want more background, here's his story from vet tech Chrissy Boyles:

Meet Stitch. Stitches life started out pretty rough and we would like to tell you his story. Stitch is a pit bull puppy that was born with a serious birth defect called a cleft lip and palate. When he was born and his birth defect discovered he was wrapped in plastic and thrown into a dumpster.  Stitch is one tough little guy though and he let the world know he was in that dumpster. A homeless man in the area heard his cries and thought it was a human baby. He then went into a nearby business where police were called and this tiny little new born puppy was discovered. Stitch was bottle fed by a kind woman until he was big enough to begin eating solid food and has found  his way to Palomino Pet Rescue in Reno, Nevada.

Puppies like Stitch born with a cleft palate or lip have an extremely difficult time nursing and they typically starve to death from in ability to nurse or they aspirate milk into their lungs and die from pneumonia. Most of the time puppies born with Cleft palates or lips are euthanized humanely at birth because their chances of surviving to an age where surgeries can be performed are quite rare.

Stitch is a survivor and a very lucky boy. Not only did he find an angel that day in a dumpster, but he has had only minimal upper respiratory problems with his cleft so far. He has also found a rescue organization, a team of veterinarians and technicians whom have fallen in love with him and are doing everything possible to give him the normal life he deserves. Stitch will need multiple surgeries to repair his cleft palate and reconstruct his face in order to live a healthy life. Being in foster care means that what donations do come in are in place to help feed and house many foster animals and take care of minor medical needs such as vaccinations and general health exams. Stitch will be traveling from Reno, Nevada to see Dr. Katrina Hall-Essoe at Encina Veterinary Hospital in Walnut Creek, California for treatment.  Dr. Hall-Essoe is a board certified veterinary dentist who has experience with pets like Stitch.  Locally Dr. Kelly Maclellan will be helping with his veterinary care. Dr. Maclellan practices small animal medicine and is board certified in equine surgery.

Stitch is a very happy, playful boy with a lot of life. He has a lot to tell the world and that’s where he needs your help.  A fund has been set up in his name to help pay for the cost of his medical care and every dollar donated gets him closer to a normal, healthy, life.  He also has a fan page on facebook “Fans of Stitch” and would love for you to follow him on this journey.  

You can send donations to: Palomino Pet Rescue Inc. 1285 Baring Blvd #276 Sparks, Nv 89434

Please put “Stitch” in the for section of the check.