Late last month, a small bully mix puppy arrived at Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook, Illinois. The moment she walked through the doors, the shelter team was completely charmed by her.
The puppy was short, round, and unbelievably adorable. Her sweet little face and unique appearance made her stand out right away, and staff members quickly became attached to her.
A Special Little Smile
Soon after her arrival, the rescue team noticed that the puppy’s lips and nose looked a little different. A veterinary checkup confirmed that she had a cleft lip.
Thankfully, the condition was not painful and did not stop her from enjoying life. It simply meant she needed a bit of extra care to keep the area clean and healthy.
To the shelter staff, her little cleft lip only made her even more lovable.
Meet Onion Ring
The team decided to name the puppy Onion Ring, a playful name that matched her one-of-a-kind personality.
Even though she was still very young, Onion Ring was surprisingly calm. Instead of bouncing around nonstop like many puppies, she loved relaxing near the staff, curling up under desks, and spending quiet time in the office.
Her gentle nature made everyone love her even more.
Extra Care And A Foster Home
While Onion Ring’s cleft lip did not greatly affect her daily life, puppies with this condition can sometimes be more prone to upper respiratory infections.
Because of that, the rescue wanted to move her into a foster home as soon as possible. A home environment would give her the comfort, attention, and care she needed while she waited for her forever family.
The Perfect Adopters
It did not take long for Onion Ring to find the right people.
A mother and her teenage daughter saw her adoption profile and immediately felt a connection. They had previously cared for a micro bully with both a cleft lip and cleft palate, so they understood Onion Ring’s needs and were not intimidated by her condition.
Their experience made them an ideal match for the tiny puppy.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The rescue team was thrilled that Onion Ring found such a loving home, but saying goodbye was not easy. In the short time she spent at the shelter, she had become a favorite among the staff.
With her round little body, calm personality, and unforgettable face, Onion Ring left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
To the people who cared for her, she was part puppy, part potato, and completely impossible not to love.