Kynlee Rogers and her dog, Tennessee (“Tennee” for short), have a lot in common. They’re both sweet, they have the same birthday, and they were both born with a cleft lip. And now, they’re each other’s best friend.

Before Tennee came into Kynlee’s life, Kynlee used to ask her mom, Kimberly, why she was different from other kids. A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip that some people are born with. Kimberly wanted to help Kynlee feel better about her difference. When Kynlee asked if some dogs have cleft lips, her mom told her they do—and then got an idea.

Kimberly found an organization called Cleft Rescue Unit, which places dogs with cleft lips in homes where a family member also has a cleft lip.

“Our mission is to combine the two different cleft communities: the human community and the canine community,” Cleft Rescue Unit founder Lindsay Weisman told the Washington Post.

Cleft Rescue Unit doesn’t just adopt dogs out—it also rescues them by making sure they grow healthy and strong. A puppy with a cleft lip cannot nurse, so it can’t get the milk it needs unless it’s fed with special veterinary equipment. Once a puppy is old enough to eat solid food, Cleft Rescue Unit works on matching it with a home.

In March 2024, Kynlee and her mom attended a Cleft Rescue Unit Event at the Nashville Zoo in Nashville, Tennessee. There, Kynlee met 5-week-old Tennee.

Kynlee’s family adopted Tennee in September. Kynlee has a new pal to love, and being different no longer bothers her.

“Since we have gotten Tennee, [Kynlee] has not asked one question about why she’s different,” Kimberly told the Washington Post. “There’s a bond. Tennee is her comforter.”