I’ve mentioned this briefly but in July, after almost 7 years, we had to let our sweet Tulip go live with some family friends. Andrew and I love, love, loved that dog. She was our first baby and it was probably the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make in letting her go. If you knew Tulip, then you know why we did it…she was the devil :). Tulip is three pounds of feisty energy and absolutely hates all children. She is a teacup Yorkie with an attitude of a pit bull. She is loving life at her new home. Her new family emails me often with pictures and antidotes. They completely spoil her rotten and that’s exactly what Tulip needs. They also don’t have any small kids…Tulip is in heaven.
That being said…we’ve been lonely around the Shull house these last 11 months without a dog. My kids have asked for one just about daily. Andrew and I did thorough research on the right breed for us…we contacted several breeders…and on Sunday, we surprised the kids with our new family dog…meet Poppy Popsicle…
Andrew (and my sweet dad) drove 8 hours to get this particular dog. The kids were shocked. Absolutely shocked when we said Daddy brought them home a surprise.
Poppy Popsicle getting to know Kensington.
It was love at first site. These two have quickly become besties.
Love!
Me and Poppy. Poppy is a Coton de Tulear (leave it to me to get a snooty French dog).
Look at that grin!
Kensington has done nothing this week but play with her new dog.
Sunday night, Kensington wanted Poppy to watch Bolt with her. (It’s a cartoon movie about a girl and her white dog, Bolt.) They snuggled together for some movie time.
Poppy is right at home.
Some quick facts about Poppy…my kids both have British names…something that was very important to me. I really, really wanted to name Kensington Poppy instead (because Poppy is totally British) but Andrew vetoed it. So, I settled on naming our new dog that instead (plus we had Tulip, and my mom has Lily, so this is just another flower name as well). The kids told us about 3 months ago that they wanted their new dog to be named Popsicle…I asked about Poppy Popsicle and they loved it. She was named and loved before she came into our home. Poppy will be about 12 pounds, she doesn’t shed and she is suppose to be low energy…check, check, check for my dog criteria. So far, she’s been an absolute dream dog. We love you Poppy!!
Linda says
I am laughing my head off at the description of Tulip! "We had to let our sweet Tulip go…why?…simply because she just happened to be the devil." Love it, and love darling Poppy. She does look and seem perfect for your family.
Dina says
Oh my goodness, that puppy is adorable! Your kids are too!
Slightly Askew Designs says
That last picture is PRECIOUS! Snuggled up under a towel next to the iPad. LOVE IT! Thanks for letting us snuggle with her the other night. Luke talked about Poppy NON-STOP! When he starts asking for a puppy of his own I'm going to send him down the street, k?
CMae says
I would love to know the story behind your kids names! They are very unique! As you mentioned in this post, you said british names were impt to you. I was just curious how you came up with their names, and how you got your husband to like the uniqueness! (As often men/husbands veto uncommon names) 🙂 I'm a teacher so I always get intrigued by kids names!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi CMae! The story behind the names is that Andrew and I love to travel. Our very favorite place is London and within London is a quaint little neighborhood called Kensington. Once when we were there (before pregnancies and babies), we decided that if we had a girl, we would name her Kensington in honor of that place. We also picked a British middle name, Kate. Then when we were pregnant again, we decided to keep the trend and pick a British boy name, Smith William (William is also the name of my late-grandfather). So, there you go. If we had 100 kids, they would all have British names :). Have a great weekend!
Jodi says
That puppy is adorable. I've never heard of that breed but it looks sweet. I love the faces of your kids especially your daughter. She seems to be pretty happy w/ your new addition. congrats!
Carolina Charm says
wow – not sure who is more precious, Poppy or Kensington! What a perfect lil addition to your already adorable family!
Sue says
Just found your blog and I am in LOVE with your dog. That is my favourite breed and if/when we get a puppy it is SO going to be a Coton! My sis has a Bichon/Havanese mix which is in the same family as the Coton and he is SUCH a good dog! Enjoy your newest family member! I look forward to more pics as Poppy grows 😉