Sometimes breeding brings us so much joy. And sometimes it brings us heartache. This post is one with some heartache – I have endeavored to be honest about the good, the bad, the ups and downs with my journey in breeding and so I want to share this also. You have been warned and I understand if you dont want to read on.

Sylvie’s baby #2 (the biggest girl) thrived from day 1. She was big and healthy and I am grateful. The first baby, I bottle and tube fed for support as she was tiny – I was afraid that she would use up her energy trying to find a nipple instead of growing so she had equal time with mom and supported with a bottle. Baby #3 was born with an overbite. While overbites are fairly common in neonates (they help the latch), this one was an extreme overbite. More than that, she also struggled to breathe, often gasping for air when there was no reason for it.

I took these photos of the 3 girls. Little did I know, they would be the first and last official photos of baby 1 and 3. We lost them both within the first week of birth. To say that we tried everything to save them is an understatement, but I also firmly believe that sometimes it is not meant to be. I am grateful to Dr Thoreson and the team at Klahaya Animal Hospital who took great care of them (and me) this week.

Sylvie got to see both girls after each passed. She grieved a bit but is going amazingly well. Did she know there was something wrong? or is this just natures way? I dont know, but I am grateful she hasn’t skipped a beat in taking care of our precious survivor.

Enjoy these photos of our little ones:

Girl 1: 6.10 oz when she passed

Girl 2:

Girl 3: 9.4oz when she passed

RIP little ones <3