Ernie's Lost Puppy

by Della Cain, Kaytea Kat

Ernie lost his puppy and found his new daddy.

I have one Pup-Pup stays home.

My sweet stuffed puppy is my most treasured gift. The ER doctor who treated me after my accident told me that when things felt impossible, I should hold him close and remember I was strong and brave. Pup-Pup has been my lifeline ever since, worn soft from years of desperate hugs.

I was transferred that night and never saw him again. But I never forgot his soft smile, his kind eyes, his calm, supportive voice…or the way he made me feel safe.

Today, I break my rule and bring Pup-Pup to a job interview. I need to remember I’m strong and brave and that I can do this. And it works. It’s my best interview yet. I celebrate with a fancy coffee in the park…where a real dog steals him from my open bag.

I’ve had nightmares like this where Pup-Pup is gone, leaving me all alone. Only this isn’t a nightmare—it’s more of a dream come true when the dog’s owner brings him back.

It’s him.

The doctor who once placed Pup-Pup in my hands is now returning him. And he’s not looking at me like a patient anymore.
He’s looking at me like a man.

Ernie’s Lost Puppy is a sweet age play romance featuring a little who loses his treasured puppy and finds his new daddy, a daddy who gave a stuffie he’d been saving for when he found his boy to a patient who needed it more, the patient who never forgot that doctor, the real-life fur ball who brings them together and will steal your heart, presents galore, snuggles, cuddles, stuffies, footie jams, a memorable day at Chained, new beginnings, some old friends, true love, and a guaranteed happily ever after. If you like your romances on the Hallmark side but a bit kinkier, check out Ernie’s Lost Puppy by USA Today Bestselling author Della Cain and her bestie and frequent partner in crime, Kaytea Kat.

Genres: Romance, LGBT

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the meet cutes in this series, and then I flip to the end. There were too many sentences that did not make sense, more thorough proofreading is required.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ernie has always relied on Pup‑Pup, the stuffed puppy given to him years ago by the ER doctor who treated him after an accident. That doctor, Jovan, told him to hold the toy whenever life felt overwhelming, and it became Ernie’s constant source of comfort. On the day of an important job interview, Ernie breaks his own rule and brings Pup‑Pup along for courage — only to lose him when a real dog snatches him from his bag. When the dog’s owner returns the toy, Ernie is stunned to realise it’s Jovan himself. The doctor who once soothed him as a frightened patient is now looking at him with recognition, warmth, and interest — not as someone to care for, but as someone he wants to know. Their unexpected reunion turns a moment of panic into the beginning of something hopeful and deeply personal.

A sweet, gentle story built around a lost stuffie, a mischievous dog named Zoe, and the unexpected reunion it sparks. Ernie’s panic over losing Pup‑Pup turns into a lovely moment when Jovan — the doctor who once comforted him years ago — is the one who returns it, and their steps toward a relationship feel warm and hopeful. I especially loved the care Jovan shows Ernie; his patience and kindness give the story its heart. Ernie’s hesitation did feel a little bit silly at times, which held the emotional depth back just a touch, but the overall tone is soft, comforting, and easy to enjoy. A short, sweet read that leaves you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ernie was a teen he was in a horrible traffic accident, the ER doctor who treated him wanted to offer him some comfort and Pup Pup came into his life. Now Pup Pup is a constant companion, at home, he doesn't go out. Well he didn't, the day of an important interview is the day Ernie takes Pup Pup out, almost loses him in the park and reunites with the beautiful ER doctor.

Jovan has never forgotten the young man he gave the stuffed dog to and suddenly he's seeing him again. Having taken his dog to the park the naughty girl saw Pup Pup and wanted to play. Is she also playing matchmaker? It's entirely possible as that meeting leads to another which leads to more...

The angst is there though, a gentle angst. Ernie is nervous, not having found any other man who understands his needs, needs as a Little. Jovan is anxious because he thinks of Ernie as a past patient even though he absolutely wasn't. He was on his last shift at that ER and now works in another. As we explore with them we see that they both have plenty to gain from a relationship. I couldn't put the story down, not until I knew if it would work out or I had finished! It's completely addictive and a wonderful addition to the series which can be read as a standalone without issue.

Thanks Della Cain for another sweet, charming story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Ernie and Jovan meet when Ernie is a teen and involved in a serious car accident. Jovan is the doctor that saves him, giving him a stuffed puppy to help him get through his long recovery. Pup Pup never leaves the house but when Ernie has a big job interview, he ends up breaking his rule and taking Pup Pup with him. But on a walk in the park after the interview, he will find Pup Pup missing. Jovan is walking his dog, Zoe in the park when she comes back with a stuffed dog not her own. And Jovan recognizes both the stuffed dog and the owner sitting on a bench. The two reconnect and find they have quite a bit in common. Jovan is hesitant at first to date Ernie but will give in and I love how their story unfolds. There is small bump in the road but the two figure out how to overcome it together and I love their happily ever after!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gem Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a found daddy story from Della and Kaytea. I’ve read them all and somehow I’m still surprised we are on book 16!

A decade after Jovan had saved Ernie from a very nasty car accident, they meet again when the cheeky but adorable dog Zoe stole Ernie’s favourite stuffie called Pup Pup, given to him by Jovan 10 years prior, and led her human dad back to Ernie. What follows was an adorable little story, of finding your person, and finding your way. I really love these books, they are just long enough to change my mood for the better and short enough to take an hour or so for yourself.

I highly recommend the whole series! It was lovely seeing a Glimpse of Bridger and Hudson again.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading these sweet romances in this series. Love the covers which draws me to them everytime. Especially Ernie's Lost Puppy. Ernie found his daddy in Jovan. They met prior under terrible circumstances but Ernie always remembered Jovan. When Ernie lost his "pup pup" and was returned by Jovan...it was really just fate. Not a lot of angst in this other than Ernie and Jovan doubting themselves but their romance took a real journey of trust and love and it was wonderful. Enjoyed reading this and I think others would love it too.

I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the “Found By Daddy” series. Reading this as an ARC, I was surprised by the spelling and grammatical errors I kept running into in the first half. I really love this storyline and the characters so I hope the authors have a chance fix this.

Overall, this is a nice, low angst, quick read if you love DDlb stories. I loved the slow approach and thoughtfulness each character gave to their relationship instead of just falling into instalove and ignoring reality.

Thank you Booksprout, Decadent Publishing, Della Cain and Kaytea Kat for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

3.5 ⭐️

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute.

I enjoy these stories so much and eagerly await each one. Ernie is such an amazing young man. Being injured the way he was and having the strength to be where he is now wasn’t easy. Plus, he has a great work ethic. Jovan is a great Daddy and an amazing doctor. I adored Zoe.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific light story, a sweet addition to the series. I liked that Jovan cares enough to really stop and talk through what is bothering Ernie. Together, they made a plan that worked for both of them. Their relationship is lovely, and they work together to make it healthy and happy.
Recommended author and series

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet "little" story along the lines of the others in this series. There's really nothing outstanding here but it does provide a few hours of mindless entertainment so that's a plus some days.

The premise was cute and the characters more solid and realistic than some others in the past. Definitely worth picking up if you've been following the core group of littles from the series.

[Metz874 · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review
This is a sweet story about a daddy and his little. I love that the MC's have a connection from meeting in the past, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
It's a speedy read without any drama, and adorable furball that brings to men together. So for those looking for something short and cute, this is it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a life-altering injury, Ernie learned to move forward and embrace life. But he never forgot the empathetic and caring doctor who saved him. Thanks to Pup Pup and Zoe, they reconnected when they were both in the right place. You can’t help but love little's and their daddies.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ernie and Jovan's book is a very sweet book and short enough to enjoy away from the real world. Ernie and Jovan have met once years ago, but now they are brought back together and neither wants the other to leave again. This was a wonderful book and a prefect addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I absolutely loved this story. The idea that a lost item could lead you to the right person is such a wonderful idea and I have truly enjoyed every one of these stories. These two were so cute together and I loved how they actually communicated with each other.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another sweet story in this series. Ernie and Jovan had a connection from the first time they met and now get a second chance at a happily ever after together.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

littles are always adorable

Doctor daddy to the rescue!!! Matchmaking doggies and a stuffie hospital appt. All leads to happy ever after for daddy, doggie, and little.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed Ernie and Jovan’s story. It’s sweet, low angst, and adorable. This is a fun addition to the series

[newt · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt unfinished

it was cute but the ending didn’t tie up the story super well overall a pleasant low stress read i just wish the ending didn’t feel so

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute doctor and his dog.