A Normal Day Takes a Scary Turn
It was a day like any other when I came home, excited to greet Fiona Fox, my beloved French Bulldog. As always, I enthusiastically said hello, but this time something strange happened—Fiona suddenly collapsed. My heart dropped. I immediately panicked, scooping her up to rush her to the ER. As I held her, she lost control of her bladder, and it was as if a waterfall of pee poured out. I was terrified, running to the car with her in my arms. This was the first time I had ever experienced this French Bulldog health issue.
Just as suddenly as she collapsed, she sprang back to life, prancing around like nothing had happened. I was in complete shock—did that really just happen? That night, I watched her like a hawk, scared it might happen again.
Back-to-Back Fainting Spells and Unclear Answers
The very next morning, I booked a vet appointment. I couldn’t take any chances. Later that day, when I got home, I held back from greeting her—it broke my heart, but I couldn’t risk it. A few hours passed, and I couldn’t resist; I greeted her like I always do. And just like before, Fiona collapsed again.
At the vet, they ran a battery of tests—blood work, X-rays, you name it. But the results were inconclusive. The vet suspected that Fiona might have a developing heart condition, but none of the tests could confirm it. Now, as much as it saddens me, I try my best not to greet her with the same excitement. It’s a tough adjustment because I know how much she loves our routine. But I’d rather be cautious and keep her safe.
The Heartbreaking Realities of Breeding: Unexpected Losses
Sometimes, in the breeding world, you have to learn to take L’s and do what’s in the best interest of the dog. I paid a pretty penny for Fiona Fox and, despite all my efforts, I never produced a successful litter with her.
The first time I bred her, everything seemed to go well. Her ultrasound confirmed pregnancy, and as her day of giving birth came closer, she showed all the signs—nesting, lactating, temperature dropping. We were ready. But on the day of her scheduled C-section, just before the vet opened her up, something looked off in the last-minute checkup. Another X-ray was taken, and the vet delivered shocking news: not a single puppy in sight. Somehow, Fiona had absorbed the pups late in pregnancy.
I had spent thousands of dollars on Fiona’s prenatal care, stud service, and medical bills, only for her to never give birth. But I wasn't ready to give up.
Round Two: A Bittersweet Outcome
When the second breeding season came around, I decided to give it another try, being extra cautious to prevent any issues. This time, Fiona gave birth to a healthy litter of three puppies. I was overjoyed! But within 24 hours, all the puppies mysteriously passed away. It was heartbreaking and devastating to say goodbye to the second stud payment, vet bills, time, and effort. Even though my whelper didn’t charge me, I still gave her a little something for her time.
After that, I decided Fiona would just be my pet. I couldn’t put her, or myself, through that again. And now, with her fainting spells, I’m more focused than ever on caring for her well-being.
Bouncing Back After Setbacks: How to Keep Going
Here’s the thing about the breeding world—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. You have to be ready to take losses, sometimes big ones, and keep going. Yes, we’re human—I cried, I was sad, and I felt the sting of losing all that money and effort.
But at the end of the day, those losses just mean one thing: keep going. Every setback is a lesson. It’s about doing what’s best for the dog and bouncing back stronger. That’s how you handle losses like a boss in this industry. You get back up, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward. No amount of money can replace the joy and love Fiona brings me, and that’s what keeps me going.
Pro Tip for New Breeders: Plan for the Unexpected
Before you ever spend a substantial amount of money on a pup or stud, make sure they are health panel cleared to minimize risk. But even with all the precautions, understand that not everything can be predicted. Also, if you’re thinking of entering the breeding world, plan ahead just like you would for your kids. Set up a bank account for your dog! This can help you handle unexpected vet bills or breeding expenses, especially since French Bulldog health insurance can cost as much as $400-600 per month. Trust me, it will save you in the long run.
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