04/21/2026
I always like to be as transparent as possible. We had a very unfortunate first happen here last night.
Our little solid chocolate boy, I believe aspirated and passed away. He was the smallest of the litter and I had been bottle feeding him and giving him extra feedings on mom away from the liter daily. He was 3 weeks old, I have never lost a baby older then a few days old. The time I spent with him feeding him and holding him, he had a special place in my heart.
He was reserved and was supposed to go to a past puppy buyer of ours. So not only was my heart broken, I had to tell them the news. I tried everything I could. Even spent hours on the phone with a dear friend Cammie Sullivan - Hurst about different formulas and methods to help him gain weight and what formula was best for him.
This is true breeding, when you message a breeder asking for a puppy, or any true breeder, or wanting a "cheap or free puppy", you aren't just getting the puppy at the end. You are getting the hours/days spent with these babies. Potentially bottle feeding, sleepless nights where we set our alarms just like you do with newborn babies, checking on them or feeding them every 2 to 3 hours.
I would give anything to change the outcome of poor Brewnos story. He had an amazing life ahead of him with his big brother Boomer from hazels last litter, with puppy parents that I know already adored him.
This situation has broken me. This poor baby passed in my arms last night I watched him take his last breath and go limp. And that is the hardest part. I tried so hard sweet boy. I love you baby boy. Fly high.
Your life was far to short, but every bit of it mattered.
RIH sweet Brewno.
Keep his puppy parents in your thoughts as well
David Rickard and Elizabeth Wiles-Rickard.
😢💔🐶🐶