Hi!


I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

Read more

Mix & Match Mama

Pets ·

Charlie Nobadeer.


Goodness you guys, I am interrupting today’s regularly scheduled programming to bring you a proper introduction to…

…Charlie Nobadeer Shull!

I know what you’re thinking?  Yes, we’ve lost our minds…but isn’t he precious?!

I posted some pics and a video on Instagram Monday night, but then after yesterday’s post, I realized I should have come here first and foremost to make the proper introduction.  I am so sorry!  Let me give you all the deets on our boy 😉 .

Ashby and Kensington love the movie All Dogs Go to Heaven (I don’t understand this as I think this movie is depressing), and the two of them have always said they thought Ashby needed a Charlie.  Fast forward to January and Andrew (who receives the newsletters from our coton de tulear breader) forwarded me one about her newest litter that was almost all boy.  He sent it and said something to the effect of “we should get one” and I said something to the effect of “you need to unsubscribe from that newsletter”.

In March, when the puppies were 8 weeks old, he sent it again.  (Seriously dude, hit that unsubscribe button.)

In April when I was in Boston with my dad, he sent me her latest one saying that a few of her boy pups still hadn’t found a forever home, and Andrew was like “we should really get one”, and I was like “Go Red Sox!”.

And then fast forward to last week, and I told Andrew that okay, we can get a fourth dog but let’s wait until August after our crazy summer of living on an island in the middle of the Atlantic with the other three dogs has come to an end.  Andrew’s response was something to the effect of “but this is our dog”, and I was a puddle of mush.

We wanted to surprise the kids, so we told them that Andrew was going to Nantucket to check on the house but instead, he flew to California that morning, met our breeder (Snowy River Cotons) at the airport, met Charlie and brought him home that evening.  After dinner, I told the kids my parents had driven over and to go out to see them but instead…

…we met Charlie 🙂 .

This girl sobbed her eyes out.

Sweet Ashby has wanted a dog for years and years, but you know, we had to wait until the exact right time.  For her safety and for the dog’s, she needed to be strong enough in her non-dominant arm, her grip strength needed to be better, we just needed to feel that she was physically able to walk, feed, love and care for a dog because even if she weren’t physically strong enough, our determined girl would have tried and that could have lead to injuries she might not ever bounce back from.  Ashby is now almost 12, she’s going into middle school next year, she’s a graduate of occupational therapy, and like I said yesterday, doing remarkably well.  The Lord knew this was the time and this was her pup.

Don’t worry though…

…she has an “assistant” dog mama to help her.  Madeley is really into dogs as long as she doesn’t have to walk them, feed them, clean up after them, and as long as you know, you can bring one to her to cuddle with as she’s on the couch.  Where Ashby cannot wait to go out in the yard and cheer on Charlie when he poops, Mades is like “nah, I’m good, bring him to me on the couch when you’re back inside”.  It’s really the perfect combo.

We’ve only had three days to get to know our Charlie…

…but we are all smitten.

He has joined the pack quickly…

…and we are all so happy he’s ours…

…we can’t get enough…

…look at those faces!

On Tuesday morning after I posted about Charlie on IG, Ashby’s speech therapist (who she had just seen that Monday afternoon before Andrew brought Charlie home) texted me this…

Our girl was so ready for her Charlie and had no idea that he was on his way home to her.

So here are a few Charlie facts just for grins:

1: Charlie Nobadeer is named after the beach on Nantucket that our family loves to drive out on and enjoy.  It’s our happy place.  We knew he was going to be a Charlie, but collectively, we came up with his middle name and that’s the one that stuck.

2: He is a coton de tulear which is the same breed of Poppy and Frenchie.  Our Yankee is a labradoodle.  We just think the world of this breed.  They are the sweetest, gentlest, happiest dogs.  They’re great with kids and do not shed.  Poppy is 12 years old and at this very moment snoring at my feet as I type these words.  She is still as precious today as she was the day we brought her home.  We love our cotons (and our doodle!).

3: Charlie was born January 3 which makes him the oldest puppy we’ve ever brought home…and I’m loving it!  I think our other three were all around 8 weeks old, and he’s almost 5 months old.  This has made a huge difference!  He sleeps really well at night, hasn’t had any accidents and was able to jump right on in with the big dogs (as he was used to playing with his sibling pups).

4: This is the first male dog Andrew and I have ever had.  Andrew and I have had four female dogs since we’ve been married (Tulip, Poppy, Frenchie and Yankee) and then even growing up, his parents and mine always had (and still have) female dogs.  We’re excited to try life with a boy.  Smith pointed out that this is our pattern in life, three girls and a boy.  Ha!

I am positive you will see lots of Charlie moving forward.  We love our dogs!

Was this the absolute craziest time to bring in another dog?

Yes.

Are we so blessed by his arrival?

YES!

Welcome to the family sweet Charlie. xx

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

You’ll Also Love

Frenchie.
My Three Dogs!
Poppy Popsicle

Comments

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      This is her dog too. We are calling him both of their dogs despite the fact that Ashby is doing 80% of the work. Bahahaha!

  3. Amy Heinl says

    I am so thrilled for Ashby….I know how mich she has been longing to have her own puppy and she has the perfect assistant with Madely ( and your description of her assistant responsibilities and viewpoint was hilarious) so glad Charlie has his furever home

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Erika still forgets that Yankee isn’t a boy, and she sees her all the time. Ha!

      • Erika Slaughter says

        I also think Poppy has a very masculine edge to herself and have called her a boy for the last 12 years!! I’m SO GLAD you finally got a boy dog! hahahaha!

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          I literally just lol! I know you have strong opinions on Poppy’s alpha personality. Bahahaha!

  6. B says

    Gosh I love this post. You are making such sweet memories for your kiddos. We just had to say goodbye to our 14 year old mini golden doodle. I say if you can do it, get that dog. The memories you are making will last a lifetime. ❤️

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I am so sorry for your loss. I dread the day we lose one. Our family will be heartbroken.

  8. Alicia says

    So cute!! Do you take your puppies anywhere for training or just work with them yourselves? They always look so well behaved and I thought I had read a few years ago on your blog that you used a certain book or method, but couldn’t find that post. We’re planning on a puppy so just trying to be prepared!

  10. Marissa LaVangie says

    Aww was Tulip a yorkie? I have a female yorkie that looks so similar! Did she pass away recently? Enjoy your new puppy!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      She was! She lived until she was almost 17! We had her about the first 6 years but when our babies started walking, it totally stressed her out and she started having regular seizures. We found her a home with a couple that lived in a kid-free house and she thrived another decade 🙂 .

  11. Erin says

    We’re looking for a dog, and I didn’t know about this breed!! This might be the one.

    Talk to me about your house. How do you keep it fresh and not smelling like dog? Are these just nonsmelly little dogs? I am a really clean person. I have a house cleaner who comes every two weeks. I hate the thought of my house smelling like dog. Been to a few homes like this… 😵‍💫 I am certain your standards are high for cleanliness in general, so how is it?

    How often do you bathe this breed? Etc? I want to get a dog for my son, but I want to know what I’m doing!! Lol.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m not saying that if it’s been raining and they go roll around in wet grass they don’t come in smelling like a wet dog because they do, but other than that, they do not have an odor at all. We learned with these dogs that have longer hair that frequent bathing and brushing is also a key. We have a mobile pet service that comes twice a month and bathes and brushes them. That has been a total game changer for us!

      • kristen says

        I have a Coton that is turning 7 this weekend! I researched breeds for yrs before taking the plunge and came across Coton’s from Shay’s blog and let me tell you , they are the best breed! No shedding, my house does not smell like dog, they are so loyal and laid back and friendly! Every person that meets our Cali always comments how sweet she is, I can’t say enough about this breed! We groom our dog once a month.

      • Elizabeth says

        What mobile groomer do you use? We live in Mckinney too and I would love the recommendation. Thanks!

  12. Kim says

    I also have 4 dogs. 🤣 People thought we were crazy too, but honestly if you can get them on the same vet schedule , that helps a lot. Administer heartworm meds to all on the same day, those kind of things. Divide and Conquer the walks. Our dogs bring such joy to our home! Would never go back.

  13. Kristen says

    Thank you for introducing Coton’s into my world! Coton’s are the best breed ever!!

  14. Allison says

    He is PRECIOUS! Love, love, love him!! Also in the picture with Andrew holding him in the kitchen… it looks like y’all are moving, the counters are so bare LOL!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think it’s because all the lamps are off in the background, it seems empty back there.

  16. Helen says

    Oh my gosh. This made me cry! Happy tears. ;). Just the sweetest!! I agree with other’s comments…making those beautiful memories.

  17. Kay says

    You may be crazy but we all love you for it! Congrats on the new addition. And with so much land, you’ll be fine! Get three more-lol!

  18. Laura Holmes says

    Oh my goodness! He is adorable! We have a male Coton. His demeanor could not be sweeter and nothing is better than their soft fluffy coat!! They are the ultimate cuddlers.

  19. Laura Courtney says

    I have a 10 month old male goldendoodle named Archie and am crazy about him. I’ve learned that male dogs seem to be very loving and cuddly 🥹 i think you will love having a boy pup too!

  20. Gina Mitchell says

    I was excited to see it was introduction day!! Nice to meet you, Charlie! Having someone new to love is always so exciting and perfectly timed – even if it means a little more chaos. Congrats!!

  21. Stefany says

    You are not crazy…we have 4 little dogs too. A Morkie named Bellini she is 9, a Shih Tzu name Oatmael (he is 6 and our only boy), a yorkie named Cheddar she is 2, and a yorkie name Pickles she is almost 1. The 2 Yorkies are from the same breeder and parents just a year apart. They are best little
    Buddies.

    Dogs are like potatoe chips, you can’t have just one, ha ha.

    Congrats on your new addition…💙

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      YOUR DOGS’ NAMES ARE AMAZING!! I legit don’t know which one I love the most! Absolutely perfection!

  22. PaulaN says

    Hi Shay – Charlie is perfect!! I’m so happy for all of you, especially Ashby!! As the proud owner of 4 Cavalier King Charles pups (all under the age of 6), I totally get it! People think we are crazy, but the CKCS’s have 4 colors, so why not get one of each!? It takes a village for sure, but they are so worth it!! I can’t wait to follow the life of Charlie, as well as the rest of your pack!

  23. Kristin Lyngaas says

    Oh he’s adorable! 💙 What a beautiful story about Ashby and her timing. I’m so happy for her and all of you 😊 I work with kids with special needs. One of my high school kids uses a wheelchair and she finally gets to get a car at age 17 that can accommodate that. Yesterday she got to drive her driving instructors car to school, and you would’ve thought she won a billion dollars. She was just beaming, as I’m sure Ashby is doing the same. 🙏🩷

  24. Faith says

    So cute! I am Andrew….can we get another dog? But I also want to stay married as my husband is like you. He is adorable!!!!

  26. Mary C says

    When I first started following you, you always referred to Poppy as “Andrew’s dog” so I took it that he was the only one into the dog and thought you weren’t a dog family. Which now seems hilarious that I misunderstood your tone 🤣

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I misunderstood my own tone. Bahahaha! The older I get, the more they love me and I love them. It’s just us here all day together which has really made us all bond.

  27. Charise says

    OH MY GOODNESS!! Charlie is such a cutie!! I think y’all will really enjoy boy dog life…all of my male animals have been the sweetest and snuggliest compared to the females!!

  28. Emily says

    Ok, so after having both the Cotons and a Labradoodle, do you prefer Cotons?
    We have a mini doodle but the next one we weren’t sure if we wanted a Coton or another Doodle.
    Any thoughts on the differences? Pros/Cons?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We love our doodle, and that’s exactly the dog Smith wanted, but we definitely got the smaller end of the “norm”. We were told Yankee would be larger, and she’s only about 12 pounds (which is totally fine!), but now that we have so many dogs, I’d rather be sure I was getting a smaller one.

  30. Dawn says

    Oh my goodness! This made me tear up!! What a sweet addition to your family and for Ashby! There is no better companion than a dog!! I wish everyone could experience their unconditional love! We are a big dog family-we’ve had 3 girls and 3 boys over the years-and I have to say our boy dogs have been the sweetest ones!

  32. Jill says

    This is just the best kind of news! I’m just soooo happy for your Ashby. My goodness the joy Charlie will be for her as she heads to middle school and into her teens. God’s goodness!!

  34. Dana P says

    Man, this is the sweetest update!! We lost our precious French mastiff last week after losing our English mastiff last November. It’s been so hard, but we really want another dog. Now I’m wondering about the cotons? Are they more popular in France? I’ve never heard of them until yours! They would certainly be more transportable than giant mastiffs…🤪

    Despite being in the midst of grieving our girls, we all (especially our kids) are so thankful for all the memories we have with them. My daughter heard that getting a dog is basically putting a down payment down on future grief, but I think we decided that the heartache is worth all the happiness they bring. 🩷 Your little pack certainly looks like it brings y’all a lot of smiles and comfort, too!

  35. Heather Williamson says

    Can you share your Coton Breeder? We have currently 4 Australian Labradoodles and can’t imagine life without our dogs!

  36. Laura JeanS. says

    EEEk! I”m smitten, and I can’t believe y’all have FOUR dogs HAA!!! Oh, the glorious chaos! I’m so happy for sweet Ashby, and your description of Madeley “taking care” of the dogs is hysterical.
    I’m just wondering, have y’all always used this breeder. You have 100% sold me on this breed, and I plan to find one when the time is right. We live in Houston, and I’d prefer a more local breeder. But I”m also a flight attendant, so I would legit fly to pick up my forever pup if I had to! Loving the puppy posts 🙂

  37. Brenda says

    That second picture with his head tilted!! How sweet is he?! I wondered about the middle name – love it! So happy to hear about the joy your sweet little guy has brought Ashby and all of you!

  39. Mary Kolokouris says

    I just have a new dog as well but struggling with potty training! Any hints?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Have you read Andrew’s post? We swear by The Dog Whisperer books! His puppy book is our favorite!

  40. Jen says

    Simply adorable!!!! What do you feed your dogs! Do you have a previous post on this? I always have the hardest time on what to feed my dogs.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Poppy has a sensitive stomach, so we are a bit pickier because it has to work with her. I need to find the name, and then I can totally share!

  42. Stacey says

    I love all of this – how happy your family is, the fact you homed a dog who was still waiting on his, and the wonderful life he will clearly have. However I just can’t ever wrap my head around why people shop, and do not adopt. The world is FULL of neglected animals – I’m sure you would even find this very same breed somewhere in a shelter right now waiting on a home. It always breaks my heart when people give up LOTS of money to people who make a living off of breeding companion animals. Just my opinion – everyone has one though! Charlie is lucky to have a loving home!

  43. Lana says

    I love Charlie!! Can we get a list of your dog must haves? Specifically the things in the picture with Madeley. Thank you!

Subscribe via Email

Copyright © 2025 Mix & Match Mama | Privacy Policy

svg{display:none !important}img{display:none !important}.pf-content img{display:block !important}.pf-size-full, img { max-width: 25% !important; } li svg.detail-icon{width:55px !important}svg{display:none !important} svg{width:55px !important}