Life didn’t start easy for Moo-Lissa. She was born in a crowded shelter alongside her two siblings, but from the beginning, things took a difficult turn. Moo had a severe cleft lip and palate that made it impossible for her to nurse properly. Sadly, despite everyone’s efforts, her siblings didn’t make it. Moo was the only one who survived.
For a puppy in her condition, time was running out. Without specialized care, she wouldn’t have had a chance. Thankfully, two rescue groups stepped in to help both Moo and her mother. That’s when Moo’s story started to change.
One of the rescues, The Bottle Brigade, took Moo in. They specialize in caring for newborn puppies with complicated medical needs. From the very beginning, Moo needed constant tube feeding and close monitoring just to stay alive. She was fragile, but even in those early days, she had a quiet determination to keep going.
Finding the Perfect Foster
As Moo grew stronger and started weaning off bottle feeds, it became clear she would need another foster home to guide her toward adoption. That’s when Caitie, from Caitie’s Foster Family, first saw her.
Caitie had always dreamed of fostering a Highland cow, and when she came across Moo’s sweet, cow-like face, something clicked. “When I saw this sweet girl in need, I was hooked,” Caitie later shared.
Moo soon joined Caitie’s home, where she could continue to heal while surrounded by care and love. It didn’t take long before Caitie noticed that Moo had some quirks that needed attention.
A Journey of Healing
Moo’s cleft lip is noticeable, but it doesn’t get in her way. Caitie explained that while her cleft is mostly cosmetic, it will need to be watched as Moo grows, especially when her adult teeth start coming in. As long as her face is gently cleaned after meals, she’s perfectly fine—and Moo certainly doesn’t hold back when it comes to enjoying her food.
“She loves her toys and absolutely lights up at mealtime,” Caitie said. “She’s the sweetest, tiniest, spunkiest girl.”
Still, Caitie had concerns. She noticed that Moo would spin in circles when she got excited. Worried it might be something neurological, Caitie arranged for Moo to be evaluated. Fortunately, the results were reassuring—Moo was medically cleared, and her spinning isn’t tied to any serious issues.
There is one more thing the vets are watching: Moo has a smaller eye that doesn’t work well and may need to be removed in the future. Caitie is fully committed to seeing Moo through all of her care, and the rescue has promised to cover her upcoming treatments.
Despite everything Moo has been through, her happiness shines. She’s settled in beautifully, has learned to trust her new routine, and enjoys life with the other dogs and cats in Caitie’s home.
Hoping for a Forever Family
For now, Moo will continue staying with Caitie while they handle her medical needs, but soon, this little fighter will be ready to find her forever family. She’s looking for someone who can love her just as she is.
Caitie also hopes to reconnect with the original rescue that pulled Moo’s mom from the shelter and would love to hear from anyone from that team.
The Power of Kindness
Moo’s journey shows what’s possible when people choose to step up. Her survival didn’t come from just one person’s efforts—it took a caring community that never gave up on her.
Every chapter of Moo’s life, from her fragile start in the shelter to her playful days in her foster home, reflects the power of compassion. She reminds us that animals with medical needs deserve the same chance at happiness as any other pet.
Moo’s next chapter is waiting to be written, and all she needs now is a family to help her finish her story.
