Update 4/18/26: Gorty is still recovering and will likely have to stay a few days. The surgery was extensive so he will now have a feeding tube for a few days. He will be heavily sedated also for pain control. I miss him terribly!

I've had my sweet boy Gorton Crumbcoat since he was just 3 days old, and at only 6 months old, he's already stolen our hearts completely. Despite his serious medical challenges – a cleft palate, hydrocephalus, and severe brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome – he still manages to zoom around our house every night at 9pm with the most amazing personality.

But Gorton's conditions make it incredibly difficult for him to breathe. He frequently passes out during episodes, and because of his cleft palate, he often aspirates when this happens. He can't even spend 5 minutes outside in the heat or play like a normal puppy without struggling to breathe.

This morning's emergency consultation at Tufts revealed he needs upper airway surgery and cleft repair – both life-saving procedures that could cost up to $10,000. Without this surgery, he'll likely go into respiratory distress, which can turn fatal quickly. He's currently in surgery right now.

As a working parent with a young child in daycare, this unexpected expense is overwhelming. Any donation or share means the world to us. Gorton deserves the chance to breathe easily and be the happy, quirky puppy he is inside.