Hello folks, we were lucky enough to bring little Koa home for good at 12 wks old. Many may have followed his story thru Daintree as Sol. He came into the world with some challenges for sure.
Trisha and Scott made a split second decision at his birth to try with all their might to give this wee soul a shot at life. They made this decision not knowing where it would lead or what it would entail.
The challenge with his cleft palate and bilateral cleft lip was of course to feed and hydrate him, as he was unable to nurse. This meant that for the first 4.5 wks of his life, he was tube fed every 3-4 hrs around the clock. The level of exhaustion and anxiety during this first period especially was very high. Trisha and Scott did not let up…… he continued to gain weight very slowly, but surely. To say they were committed to him is a gigantic understatement.
I was able to meet Koa at approximately 4 wks old, when I visited. I watched him being fed and weighed and even had him set up in the bathroom while I had a hot shower. It was a technique used to help clear the mucous in his nasal passages, as he had a tendency to get quite congested.
For a pup, the first 8 wks of life at Daintree include a great diet (raw) to supplement nursing; a varied exposure to many experiences (proprioceptive, attention/manding, car rides, learning to be calm when crated, leash walking 101, and so much more…..)
Cleanliness and hygiene are first class at Daintree, for their living spaces, the pups themselves and anything related to feeding/bedding/toys.
I can not stress enough the amount of time and care and love that go into raising these puppies.
Koa came away with all of the above and due to his needs, he received extra doses of hands on time while still being raised with his litter mates.
Personally, I had a hard time forgetting this little guy. After some discussion with Trisha and Scott, it was decided that yes, Koa would come to his forever home with us at 12 wks old. His big sis Franni (our first Daintree pup) had Koa arrive home on her 2nd birthday at the end of Nov 2019. He was 7 months old on April 2/2020. He has had some surgery and will have some more. He is a gem, plain and simple. We are so very grateful to have him as part of our family.
So, if you are looking for an ethical breeder, and one that provides education, support and clear communication throughout the adoption process, then Daintree is my recommendation. Good luck!!
Sincerely the Abbott/Finocchio family, and critters.
Breeder Trisha with Sol and a month later, new owner Patrice with Koa (Sol) pic: Tasha Hall, BC Farm and Family Photography