Refusing to refund money paid for a puppy that died

Initially my experience was very pleasant and they were able to offer me a yorkie puppy after mine was tragically ****ed. I paid the R1000 deposit to secure the puppy and was to await the litter to be ready. However, a week before the said date- I got a call to say the booked puppy had died and they didn't know why. This caused my family and I a double dose of trauma !! I understand that this is unforseen, however, since then they have completely ignored my efforts to contact them and refuse to refund me my deposit. This is completely unacceptable and they have basically ****** money and offered nothig in return. Very very disappointing.