Kynlee Rogers, a 10-year-old girl from the U.S., was born with a cleft lip — a visible reminder of difference that she carried with her since birth. While she bravely endured surgeries and endless medical appointments, perhaps the hardest part of her journey was something much quieter: the feeling of being different.Sometimes, she would quietly ask her mother, Kimberly Rogers, the question that no parent is ever fully prepared to answer:

“Mom, why do I look different from other kids?”

Kimberly’s heart would ache, knowing her daughter was searching not just for answers — but for connection. For someone — anyone — who might share the same story.

And then one night, everything changed when Kynlee asked:

“Do dogs ever have cleft lips?”

A simple question, full of innocence, yet so profound. Kimberly smiled gently and replied,

“Of course they do.”

That one answer would open the door to something magical.

A Meant-to-Be Connection

Soon after, the Rogers family discovered Cleft Rescue Unit, a nonprofit organization that specializes in rescuing dogs born with facial differences — especially cleft lips and palates. Their mission is both unique and powerful: to match these special dogs with children and individuals who share the same physical condition.

That’s when they met Tennee — a tiny dog with a cleft lip just like Kynlee.

When the two met for the first time, something unspoken passed between them. Kynlee slowly reached out to touch Tennee and softly whispered:

“You’re just like me.”

From that moment, they were inseparable.

Tennee wasn’t just a dog. She became a mirror, a companion, and most of all, a quiet healer. No longer did Kynlee feel alone in her difference. Now, every time she looked at Tennee, she saw someone who understood her without needing to say a word.

Love Beyond Perfection

Like many cleft-lipped puppies, Tennee had a rough start in life. Puppies born with cleft palates often can’t nurse properly and face a high risk of malnutrition or death if not cared for by trained rescuers.

But Tennee survived.

And not just survived — she thrived, all the way into the arms of the little girl who needed her most.

“When I saw my daughter hug that dog, I knew I was witnessing something truly rare,” Kimberly said.
“She no longer asked why she was different. She began saying, ‘She’s just like me!’ And with that, everything changed.”

Embracing the Beauty of Being Unique

From the day Tennee joined their family, Kynlee began to blossom. She smiled more. She opened up. She proudly introduced her dog to anyone who asked — not with shame, but with joy:

“We’re the same! We’re both beautiful in our own way.”

And she’s right.

In a world that so often chases perfection, Kynlee and Tennee are a living, breathing reminder that true beauty lies in authenticity — in the courage to be different and the grace to love what makes us unique.

A Happily Ever After, But Not the End

The Cleft Rescue Unit, founded by Lindsay Weisman, has now paired dozens of dogs with cleft lips with people who share their condition. It’s a mission not just of rescue — but of restoration.

“We bring together two cleft communities — people and dogs,” Weisman said.
“So many individuals with cleft lips adopt these puppies because they feel seen. They see themselves in them — and that’s powerful.”

As for Kynlee, every night she snuggles Tennee close, no longer wishing she were different, but thankful that her difference brought her this beautiful friend.

“At home,” Kimberly shares, “Tennee puts her little paw on Kynlee’s arm. And I just know — this is it. This is healing.”

Watch more videos animals here: