06/06/2026
✨ The Story ✨
Some stories begin with celebration. Others begin with a battle.
The journey that brought Phoenix and Asher into this world was one of the most challenging whelping experiences we've faced to date.
Mila labored actively for nearly 8 hours. As the hours passed, concern grew. Despite our best efforts to assist and encourage, as we always do, there were still no clear signs that a puppy was on its way. After performing an internal exam, it was obvious Mila would require something more than our knowledge and experience.
We made two ER vet visits and came frighteningly close to making a third. The first ER vet could not accept us. The second ER vet performed X-rays and a fetal heart check. The X-rays revealed that the first puppy was not positioned for delivery, but was lodged just below the lip of the cervix, preventing progress and making labor difficult for Mila.
As the hours passed, concern continued to grow. During the fetal heart rate check, only one heartbeat could be located out of the three puppies. The heartbeat belonged to the puppy positioned highest in the uterus, nearest Mila's rib cage. That puppy would later become Asher.
The vet explained that Mila was not in distress and nature could still take its course, however, a C-section was also an option.
Since learning about the position of the first puppy, we attempted to assist Mila by pushing her stomach as contractions presented, in an effort to guide the first puppy over the lip and into the birth canal, with no obvious success.
It brought some comfort to know Mila was not in distress. With the blessing of the ER vet, we made our way to our regular vet, who would be opening very soon, in case a C-section would be needed.
During this time, Mila’s contractions seemed to subside as if she was either no longer in discomfort or just too tired to continue. These contractions were not the same. With growing concern, we stroked her back to comfort her. Just then, a bulge was felt under her backside. Could it be? No, could it?!
Then, after everything she had endured, Mila accomplished what seemed impossible. She finally delivered on her own. Despite her long labor, Mila maintained her strength, delivering three puppies back to back like the resilient, and devoted Warrior Princess she is.
The first puppy was finally born, and although we knew what to expect, our hearts broke as we watched Mila clean and love on the puppy who was born sleeping.
But amid the heartbreak came hope. Two tiny warriors soon followed, entering the world determined to live. Their names chosen with great purpose.
🔥 Phoenix — named for the legendary bird that rises from the ashes after destruction and loss. He was one whose heartbeat could not be found. His name symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the ability to emerge stronger after adversity.
🌟 Asher — meaning "blessed," "fortunate," and "happy." The only heartbeat that could be found during those long, uncertain hours belonged to him. His name is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, blessings can still be found.
Together, they became our "Born To Rise" edition. Their story is not just about survival. It is about perseverance, faith, strength, prayer, and the miracles that sometimes come after the hardest battles. Phoenix and Asher remind us that some of life's greatest blessings are born through the greatest trials.
From a mother who fought with everything she had, to a baby boy who never took his first breath, to two tiny pups who refused to give up — each, in their own right, born to rise!
Welcome to the world, little warriors. You were truly Born To Rise. ❤️ ✨
(Rest in peace baby boy. You rose before us, but we will surely see you on the other side of the rainbow bridge 🌈)
