In Support of Cleft Palate Surgery for Killian!

First- thank you so very much to everyone who prompted us to even think about creating a fundraising effort for Bao’s Baby Boy Blue. Second, we are going to go off course for a second to show why we chose a different fundraising avenue over GOFUNDME. Many suggested using GOFUNDME, and truth be told, it was the only online fundraising program we knew about until we did some research. That’s when we found: SUPPORTNOW! They are the only platform where families keep 100% of donations when donors choose to “round up” to cover processing costs. This is the only loophole. You DO NOT need to use this feature at alll and if you elect to not “round up” it doesn’t negate any of the funding for the person or entity you are funding However, GOFUNDME deducts 2.9% + $0.30 from every donation, for every family. THAT IS HUGE!  For example, if you raise $10,000, GOFUNDME takes $290 off (or 2.9%). Additionally, they take .30 cents for every dollar donated, meaning you make $.70 cents for every dollar earned. So, at the end of the day, with GOFUNDME, you think you have made $10,000 to use during your and your family’s time of need, and instead you are provided with a check for $6,710. The difference is memorizing! Yuu think Hallelujah! We did it! We made what we needed and instead you find iout, you have $3,290 left to come up with. Needless to say we were appalled by these statistics , and wanted to pass this info on to those who may want to use GOFUNDME in the future. 

Now that my diatribe is over and I’ve stepped off my soapbox, let’s get back to the real reason for this post. 

Bao’s beautiful second litter was born on Saturday, September 5, 2026 and she produced 2 perfectly, healthy girls, sadly one stillborn, and much to our dismay, a little boy with a cleft palate. He was having trouble with suckling, so we took him to the vet and even though we had looked at him at home for a cleft palate, we didn’t see it until we took him to our regular vet. We were told that our odds were not in our favor, as 90% die from asphyxiation pneumonia or they have to be euthanized because they can’t breathe or they asphyxiate. The likely hood and death is even more prominent in brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, Boxer, and Pugs.

All we heard was, “Challenge Accepted!” So, when we got home we went down a rabbit hole on how to tube feed a puppy. Tube feeding is scary, and nerve racking as there are a lot of perils that can come with it, but we had to try as we wanted to do right by him. There are many perils involved and we just wanted to do right by him. Luckily, we did the tube feeding because he is now over 20 ounces, has surpassed one of his sister’s in weight and is doing AMAZING!$

We’ve temporarily named him Killian for two reasons. 1. We are both of Irish descent and 2. Because he is Killin’ It!

A cleft palate can ONLY be fixed via surgery or the little guy will have life-long health issues. As most of you know, we don't work that way. Our babies come first- ALWAYS! ) Killian’s appointment with the board certified specialist, Dr. Brett Beckman, at Orlando Veterinary Dentistry  is on November 16, 2026. Why is the appointment so far away? Well, he has to grow some first, and 2. he needs to be eating hard kibble which he should be by his appointment. We definitely did our research and looked for the best care for the puppy. Dr. Beckman  brings over 30 years of experience in advanced dental and oral surgical care for pets, and is the only veterinarian worldwide dual-certified in dentistry and pain management, So, what does this means. It means 1, possibly 2 surgeries. One surgery alone, including the consultation, bloodwork, anesthesia specific to a brachycephalic dog, after care rehab, post op appointments, and possibly anything that might go awry will cost between $4,500-$7,500. Of course, we will do what we can but we need your selfless help as well. If you can donate to this amazing cause we will be eternally grateful! We will continue to update this post, as well as our socials to keep you all up to date. Won’t you please help this little guy live a long, healthy and happy life? Additionally, we will be taking names of those interested in adopting this little guy once he gets the all clear from Dr. Beckman and his dedicated staff, as well as his health certificate and vaccines from our normal vet, Dr. Matt at Volusia Veterinary Services.  As stated he’ll only go to his new home once the doctor’s say ok. Moreover, if you decide you want Killian despite all of the unknowns, at home visits begin October 10,  2026 at our house. This can all be determined at a later time.

Lastly, we know that there will be people who read this and think your dog, your problem. However, Brian and I don’t work like that. If we ever have a friend or family member in need, we are always there for them in whatever capacity they need. Two or four legged- it doesn’t matter to us. That’s just who we are— Brian and Kate. Simple as that. So if you can’t be conscientious and compassionate, please don’t engage This is the life of another little being and any rhetoric or ill will shall be removed. It took many discussions between the 2 of us to agree that asking  for help might be beneficial. We have NEVER asked for help before as we aren’t the tyoe of people who ask for help. as we never ask for help. Ever! So, here we’re are now, humbly asking you from the bottoms of our hearts to help give this little guy his best life. One he can show up for every day without ongoing health issues for the rest of his life, for no other reason than we  simply lacked the monetary support needed for helping Killian live his best life! We can’t wait to see what a beautiful baby he will grow to become, but as this post requests- we can’t do it without your generosity! So, please donate what you can. Save the life of this innocent little guy who just wants to play, be happy,, healthy, and live without even knowing there was a time he could have died. Again, many, many thank you’s for your kindness, compassion, and opening your wallets! ❤️🪪❤️‍🩹🥺
P.S. Brian and I of course will be donating as well. We are so far $1,178 in to his care but do plan to make more as the value increases! Also, if you want more info, please ask. Were an open book.