There is nothing more special than the love between a child and their first pet. But for one little boy and his new puppy, their connection runs even deeper—bringing them together at a time when they needed each other the most.
Bentley Boyers, a 2-year-old from Jackson, Michigan, was born with a cleft lip, a condition that causes a split in the upper lip. While he has undergone multiple surgeries to correct it, the journey has not been easy.
“We had to sit him up, feed him carefully, and hold his lip together just so he could eat. It was a long process,” his mother, Ashley, told WILX.
Then, something incredible happened. Last week, Bentley’s father, Brandon, visited an animal shelter intending to adopt chickens. However, he unexpectedly came across a two-month-old rescue puppy—who also had a cleft palate.
Surprised by the discovery, he immediately called Ashley, and the couple knew right away that this puppy was meant for Bentley.
The joy on Bentley’s face when he met his new puppy was undeniable. Photos capture him petting and kissing the dog, clearly overjoyed to have found such a special companion.
The shelter confirmed how rare it is to see dogs with cleft lips, making this meeting a truly remarkable coincidence.
For Bentley, having a pet with the same condition as him means more than just companionship—it’s a source of comfort and understanding. He still has to undergo a bone-grafting surgery for his lip, but now he has a furry friend who shares a similar journey.
“To see him have something in common with his puppy means so much. He can grow up knowing that they share something special,” Ashley said.
Similarly, the puppy has found a loving home where she will be cherished regardless of her differences.
“Her condition doesn’t hold her back at all. As she grows, we’ll monitor her to see if any adjustments are needed, but right now, she’s thriving,” said Lydia Sattler, Animal Services Director at the shelter.
“She might look a little different from other dogs, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit.”
The shelter celebrated their heartwarming bond, sharing on Facebook: “They instantly loved each other. We wish this special pair many years of happiness as they grow up together!”
