The loss of a puppy...

I don’t really know how to even begin putting this into words 💔

On Thursday afternoon the 9th of july, Evi gave birth to a beautiful puppy who unfortunately did not survive. We are absolutely heartbroken. She was a gorgeous black, white, and tan female, a true mini-Evi. Fortunately, Evi is doing well physically.

I’ve had very little sleep. Ever since becoming a mother myself (and not having an easy birth either), I feel this on such a deeper level. Evi is a bit overwhelmed by all the hormones and is seeking a lot of comfort from us, and that’s okay. She doesn’t want to be alone, so I am with her constantly. Everything that happened yesterday plays out in my head at least a hundred times. Even though I know we truly did everything we possibly could, you just can’t escape that little "what if..." voice in your head.

"Our dogs teach us to live more in the moment."

The coming period suddenly looks completely different than we expected. But the world keeps moving, and that feels so unfair and bittersweet. Yet, our dogs teach us to live more in the moment. That doesn't mean we aren't allowed to grieve, but it does mean we look at what is here right now and how to move forward. We are making sure everything in the house returns to its normal routine; that is what's best for Evi and the rest of the pack.

Stella

Our hearts are broken, and I am so incredibly sorry for my beautiful girl Evi 💔. She would have been an amazing dog mom. My mother's heart cries, for Evi and for the beautiful puppy who never got a chance at life. It feels unfair that I get to care for my baby and enjoy his presence while she has just lost hers. But dogs don’t see it that way, and Evi actually seeks Jorick out a lot, even now. It will take time for all of us to process this. We had hoped that as breeders we might be spared this, but unfortunately, this too is a side that sometimes comes with breeding. We are grateful that Evi is healthy and doing so well. It will take a while for all the hormones to balance out again, but we are glad she can find comfort with us and with her mother, Nola.

We named the little pup Stella, which means star. Yesterday, we laid Stella out beautifully with flowers, and today we buried her 🖤.

09 - 07 - 2026

Ad Vitam Amicus Stella 🌟