07/10/2026
Some stories are incredibly difficult to read—but they're important to share. My heart breaks for Rylie's family and for the unimaginable loss they're experiencing. ❤️🐾
Please take a moment to read their story. It's also an important reminder that we all need to stay vigilant when it comes to protecting those who depend on us—our beloved pets, wildlife, livestock, and even young children. It only takes a moment for a tragedy to happen.
If this post helps even one family recognize a danger they hadn't considered, sharing it will have been worthwhile.
Please keep Rylie's family in your thoughts. 💙
The Hebert family are just devastated after losing their beloved pup, Rylie, when she suffocated in a chip bag on July 4th. Samantha Hebert writes, “On July 4th, we lost our sweet daughter, Rylie, after she suffocated on a chip bag that had been left on our countertop while we were swimming in the pool. It was an unimaginable tragedy, one that could have been prevented if we had known about these risks.
Rylie was a mixed breed, we think Pit Bull and Husky, although we're not entirely sure. My husband and I adopted her from a rescue in 2017 while he was deployed. She was with us through three different military bases and was such a source of comfort and companionship for our family. She was the sweetest girl, a lover, a cuddler, and endlessly curious. She had a tendency to counter surf, get into the trash, and keep us on our toes, but she was truly the best dog.
We were celebrating the Fourth of July and had just finished putting away all of our food. At the last minute, we decided to go to the pool. As we normally did, we put the kitchen trash can away and pushed a few chip bags back against the backsplash on the counter. We said goodbye to both of our dogs and headed out. When we came home, only one of our dogs greeted us at the door. That immediately felt wrong because Rylie was always the more energetic and excited one. I let our other dog outside and started searching for her. I found Rylie next to our bed with a chip bag completely covering her head. I ripped it off, but I immediately knew she was gone. The shock and trauma of that moment are something our family is still trying to process.
As we began sharing what happened with friends and family, it became clear that none of us had ever heard of the danger of chip bags or pet suffocation. We had no idea this was even a possibility.
It's my hope that by sharing Rylie's story, another family will learn about this hidden danger before it's too late. If telling her story can save even one pet's life, then her legacy will continue to make a difference.
We are still trying to process and accept what a tragedy this has been. Your nonprofit was the first thing I found when I was frantically searching online after it happened. The information and stories you share have been both heartbreaking and comforting, knowing we're not alone.”
Holidays are a vulnerable time for pet suffocation incidents. It’s easy to get distracted as many of us get occupied with company, entertainment, and activities. Please share to spread awareness in honor of sweet Riley, gone too soon. Thank you.
www.preventpetsuffocation.com
