Q.How does heartthrob dogwood grow
I have a new sampling heartthrob Cornus dogwood, not quite sure it’s alive. It has a few leaves at the base but for All rights and purposes this is just a stick 3 feet tall.

Is this a bare root tree?
Did you purchase a potted tree?
Young Heart Thrub Cornus Dogwoods can be slow growing in the first few years of planting.
If you seeing leaves, this would be a good sign.
Make sure your tree has been properly planted and is receiving adequate water to become established.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-varieties.htm