Well, if you follow me on instagram, then you got to see the big surprise already. We didn’t get just one puppy….we got TWO! Go ahead and let that sink in. 🙂 And then take as long as you need to soak up all of the adorableness.
Chris and I have known for several weeks now, but we were keeping it a secret, because we hadn’t told Carter yet.
So here’s how it all went down….
After Scout passed away, we always knew we would eventually get a new puppy. But we were so broken hearted when we lost him, our hearts definitely needed some time to heal. Chris and Carter constantly talked about wanting to get 2, but I shut down the conversation every single time. Two? HECK NO. NO WAY. No thank you.
And then we met all the puppies about a month ago (mama had 13 puppies!). And y’all. My heart started changing.
Now, even though my heart had started changing, I didn’t tell anybody. Because even though I was starting to think about the idea of 2, I was scared. But about a week later, things started happening. When talking about the puppy to other people (we were so excited and showing the above pictures to everybody!), several different people were trying to convince us that getting two was better. And I’m telling you, they were pretty darn convincing. And then, I went to lunch with my dad. We were talking about how cute the puppies were, and out of the blue he said “So are y’all getting two puppies?”
I responded with “no” and a nervous laugh, but deep down inside I was thinking “I think we are!” (again, even though I hadn’t told anybody). He said “The second I saw the pics from last week, I thought y’all were going to end up with two.”
Well, that was it.
I went home and immediately told Chris that I was thinking we should get two. He was floored at what he was hearing. I mean, he’d been talking about two forever, and I had shut him down time after time. And now, here I was saying “TWO”! I texted a couple of friends that had 2 dogs, asked them their opinions, and they both said that 2 at a time was so much better…so much fun.
We talked about it the rest of the day, but went back and forth. That night I was sitting on the couch and Chris was sitting in his chair, and I sent him this picture from our first meeting with the pups. Puppies had been crawling all over Carter that day, and I happened to grab this picture of him with 2. We both teared up, and that’s when it became official. We were going to get two.
So, that’s how it happened. We made the decision to keep it from Carter because we absolutely loved the idea of surprising him!!!!! Now there’s been a couple of times I’ve said “puppies” instead of “puppy” at home, but thank heavens Carter didn’t catch on.
After we met the pups the first time, we had 4 weeks (4 reallllllllllly long weeks) before we were able to bring them home. The plan was to go out this past Friday and pick Buddy. And remember, Carter only thought we were getting 1 at this point! We were first pick of the litter for the boys (there were 7 boys total that were all adorable), but it was pretty easy to pick out this little guy……..
We had our eye on him the first time we met the litter. He was the chubbiest and fluffiest of the bunch, two very big criteria Carter had when deciding on a puppy. 🙂 We told the breeders about Scout, and how he was so calm and loving, and they agreed that this was the one for our family.
Already in love!
So here’s the heartbreaking part of the story, and why you don’t see Carter in any of the above pictures. We spent Friday morning at home, just getting excited about going to pick out Buddy. We hopped in the car about 11:00 and were going to grab lunch at one of our favorite burger spots on our way out of town before our appointment to pick out Buddy at 1:00. Realllllly long story short, Carter started not feeling well. I texted Jena and asked her if we could go later that day or early Saturday (remember we were the first pick, so we had to get there before the other families did on Saturday). As she’s texting me back that the second family was actually coming at 2:45 that day, Carter started throwing up. Yep. In the car, throwing up.
We ran home, threw Carter in the shower, and gave him a choice. We told him we could either trust Daddy to pick out Buddy, or we would just have stuff in the car with us in case he got sick, and he could still go. Without hesitation, Carter said “I’m going.” He was NOT going to miss out on this moment.
On the way there, he got sick again. Awesome.
At this point, I wasn’t convinced it wasn’t just a nervous stomach because he was just so dang excited…but we decided it wasn’t smart to chance it. Just in case he did have a bug, we didn’t want to expose the pups, so we told him he was going to have to stay in the car.
And y’all. It crushed him.
He was so sweet about it, but his little heart was breaking. He had to watch us interact with the pups, love on them, play with them and he sat in the car with his nose pretty much pressed up against the window watching it all. Saddest. Thing. Ever.
So we picked out Buddy, took him over to the car and introduced him to Carter, and then left. Remember, at this point Carter still thought we were just getting 1 pup and that we were driving back to get Buddy on Saturday. (We told Carter we had to go back the next day to get him because he wasn’t 8 weeks old yet and he had to be 8 weeks before we were allowed to take him.) The real story of course was that we just wanted to take both pups home at the same time.
Third pick had an appointment Saturday morning, so we had to wait until after they picked their furry guy before we got to pick our 2nd! We were praying that Carter would rally and be able to be able to go back with us to pick the 2nd and get to fully enjoy the surprise. I mean, I’d been dreaming about the surprise for weeks, he HAD to get better!
Well….prayers were answered and Carter seemed totally fine by about 6:00 Friday night. Thank you, God! He ate dinner, kept it down, and slept all night.
Our appointment was Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Carter could not wait to snuggle Buddy. He was about to come unglued on our way there.
He got out of the car and went straight to Buddy for some puppy lovin’.
We let him love on Buddy for a bit, and then we let him interact with the other pups. He was having the best time, but he had no idea that we were about to reveal the huge secret that we had been keeping!
If you want to see the video of THE BIG SURPRISE, click HERE. You might want to get some tissues ready. Or maybe that’s just me. I’ve seriously probably watched it 50 times, and I cry almost every time I watch it.
So, we would like to introduce to you…… Buddy and Charlie Sims! We’re a family of 5 now! And to be honest, I’m not sure who is the most excited. 😉
After a bit more time with the other pups, it was time for us to pack our guys up and take them to their forever home.
We know that although the first bit is going to be challenging (to say the least), we are up to the task! And I’m telling you, we are are in love. I mean, how could we not be.
I’ll of course be posting pics here and there of the new pups on both the blog (on Friday Favorites) and instagram (search @sheaffertoldmeto for my account), but if you are a dog lover and would like to really follow along, follow them on instagram HERE (search @ourgoldenpups). We created an account for them to guard against me over-sharing them on my Sheaffer Told Me To accounts. 🙂 Chris and Carter are going to run it, and you’ll be sure to see plenty of puppy cuteness over there.
I hope y’all have a wonderful July 4th with your families. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday! Before you go, here’s some more pictures from the last day and a half. I think it might be time to increase storage on my phone. 😉
It’s amazing how many visitors you have when they know they’ll get to see some precious pups if they come over.
And here’s some more from our weekend.
Remember, if you are a dog lover, you can follow along with Buddy and Charlie over on instagram on the handle @ourgoldenpups.
And if anybody is interested, there are still two sweet boy puppies left! If you want me to connect you, you can e-mail me for info!
Lexie Good says
Sweetest post ever!!!!! My family loves Goldens, and they of course have an Instagram too, @goodsgoldens. We are obsessed!!!
Bethany says
So so cute!!!! I love fur babies!
Megan says
I’m not a dog person but boy are Buddy and Charlie adorable! Congrats on the expanded family!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Amber says
2 is the way to go!!! Good choice!!
Dawn says
Oh my gosh! They are just the cutest! Carter is a lucky little boy! Already started following them on Instagram-I love puppy pics!
Shay Shull says
Sheaffer! Why am I so emotional over this???? My whole weekend has been consumed with refreshing your IG page. Girl, we are so excited for you guys!!
Susan jeffries says
So excited for you! They are perfect!! We have an only child as we were unable to have more children. So we have two labs. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Good decision and enjoy!
Erika Slaughter says
So stinkin’ cute!!! I’m so happy for Carter (and you). The video was absolutely precious. The picture of you holding a sleeping puppy gets me. How sweet, Sheaffer!!
Mona S says
Buddy and Charlie are just adorable – Congrats on your new family members! We lost our Golden, Chloe, about a month ago. Like you, we know one day we will have another Golden, after our hearts heal. How did you find your breeder? (Google, friend recommendation, etc) Can’t wait to follow along on Instagram!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Mona! I was speaking at a MOPS group at our church when I met Jena! If you are local, you can e-mail me at [email protected] for her contact information! We had a WONDERFUL experience and I can’t recommend Jena’s family enough! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Narci says
I mean! We love those cute puppies! Pretty much the cutest puppies ever! So happy for the Sims Family!
Amy says
Absolutely love everything about this post! There is something so special about kids and their dogs…and yes, two dogs together is always better than one. Double love!!!! Congratulations on your precious new additions to your family.
kathy says
Aw, so excited for you all! You look so happy!
heidi says
It’s embarrassing how many times I watched that video and cried lol…
I showed it to my husband. . He’s not on board yet with getting a puppy… but even he thought it was sweet.
Welcome home Buddy &;Charlie
Joy Good says
Getting two is the best because they bring out each other’s personalities in ways you wouldn’t see if there were just one! Follow ours at @goodsgoldens and my blog at goodsgoldens.com❤️
Laci says
Oh my word this is too much sweetness and love for one post! I am puppy/dog lover and I can not get enough!! I always say I wish I had got two when I got ours. I always feel guilty when we are gone that she doesn’t have a brother or sister. Haha! I am crazy and we treat our dog like a true family member. ❤️ Hopping over to Instagram to follow Buddy and Charlie!!
Amy says
So stinkin cute…I want one. The pictures are adorable plus I loved the video of your son hearing the news for the first time! Enjoy!!
Brinkley Brown says
You will never regret getting two pups! I know it can be a handful when they are puppies, but so worth it in th end. They will always have a friend and someone to keep them company, which is the biggest thing. They’ll keep each other entertained instead of destroying the house..lol! Well, they are adorable!!! Congrats on your new additions!
Dana says
So exciting and they are adorable! I couldn’t help but notice their cute collars. Would you share where you got them?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Dana! Oh, yes…I meant to do that! I’ll talk about them in Friday’s post! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Beth says
So adorable! Thanks for the morning cry????! Have fun with the 3 of them!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
It’s all just so unbelievably precious and I couldn’t be happier for you guys!!!! How can we keep them puppy like this forever???? That’s too much cuteness, I can’t even handle it!!!
Patty says
FAVORITE post and pictures EVER!!! You now how the PERFECT accessories for EVERY outfit…PUPPIES!! Soooo happy for your family!!! PLEASE keep sharing pics and stories!!❤️????❤️????
Holly M says
This made my morning! I’m a dog person and am now following @ourgoldenpups….they are so precious! I can just feel that puppy breath:). I’ve never had 2 puppies at same time but we have decided that two dogs is better than one….for variety of reasons! (We have 3 now….NOT per the plan but I’m a rescue nut….and that the maximum per our neighborhood HOA-which is relief for my husband!). Enjoy!
Hannah says
Having more than one dog is so great! We have three dogs and a 9 month old baby and it’s so fun to watch them all play together! 🙂 Enjoy! Such a fun time!! (One of our three is a golden too, they are the BEST dogs!)
Laurie S says
Congratulations on the TWO new furry additions to your family!!! Somehow I had a feeling you would adopt more than one… I know you mentioned that they are already microchipped but please be sure you UPDATE their microchip info to YOUR contact info and not left with Jena’s info. I cannot wait to follow the adventures of the 4 Sims. Congrats again!!
Michele says
Love, love, love!!
Renee says
Cuteness overload (in the best possible way)! This was so uplifting. Thanks, I needed that. I have a Maltese and a Standard Poodle and the little one is the boss! You will have fun with the two of them and they will be pals for each other.
molly Fry says
Adorable pups. What lipstick and gloss are you wearing in the pictures. I love it.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Molly! I’m so sorry, but I don’t remember! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Deanna Lee says
Everything about these pictures, your family and the puppies are adorable! I have that blouse as well, with the yellow embroidary! I get a tons of compliments every time I wear it!
Cindy Beck says
Well, this certainly brought on the happy tears this morning. Congratulations to all of you…..my favorite pics are of Carter with the pups…..a boy and his dog(s). This also brought back memories of when we picked out our Golden, Lucy. SO EXCITING. She is now 11 and is the best dog ever. Once we had a Golden, we can’t seem to want any other dog. They are truly the best. Your work is cut out for you….ha. But, so much fun at the same time!!!
Ashley Murphy says
Congrats on the puppies Carter looks so happy. Looking forward to all the pictures of Carter and the puppies growing up =)
Lynn Duncan says
So adorable!!
Some life saving ideas..
Crate training
Puppy kindergarten class, where the three of you learn to train the two of them. ????
Start immediately with sitting for a meal.. They learn so quickly!
Clicker training where they associate a clicker (you can also click your tongue) with praise and good things.
Anticipation, as in outside as soon as they wake up, right after eating, before bedtime for Carter, and when you go off to bed.I
Also if they start circling, outside fast.
Of course copious praise if they do the job outside… But you have been through potty training.
Use your chosen phrase telling them this is the time to pee and poop, like Go Potty..
If they go to the door and ask to go out, and succeed, even more praise.
They want to please you so much..
The rest Is just love, puppy proofing, pool safety.. They should be natural swimmers but have to know how to get out.
So much love in those furry babies!!
You have started my week off with a huge smile.
By the way look up zoonotic you have more chance of them infecting you than vice versa and their shots, working and your hand washing will greatly reduce those odds.
Still it was sweet that you protected the pups.
Congratulations!!
Sheaffer says
Thanks for all the tips, Lynn! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Lynn Duncan says
I know you have great experience with the best golden ever, but new puppies take us by surprise with all that energy! And love!
In the clip where Carter stood up when you told him there was a big surprise… He is getting to be so tall!!!!
I think the camera angle brought that home.
I loved his reaction.. Just precious.
This time he will help with raising them, and they will become a soft place to call for all of life’s big and little hurts.
Those two pups couldn’t have found a better family!
April Parrish says
Such a sweet post that you’ll always cherish and Carter will be able to always to look back at! They are adorable. The pic of you & Carter with the pups each holding one should be printed on a very large canvas! Sweetest pic!! So happy for y’all!!
Jeanie says
Be still my heart! Oh, how I envy you. I have three dogs, but they’re all adults. The youngest is three, the oldest eleven. But you have PUPPIES!! Can’t wait to watch them grow. Off to watch the video.
Cassie says
Love it so much!!!! We got an English Golden in December and 4 months later we had to get another puppy. They are inseparable and love each other so much. Two is way easier and better than 1! So now they are 8 months old and 4 months old. Have fun!! You’ll be so glad you got two! They are adorable.
Cassie G says
Love it so much!!!! We got an English Golden in December and 4 months later we had to get another puppy. They are inseparable and love each other so much. Two is way easier and better than 1! So now they are 8 months old and 4 months old. Have fun!! You’ll be so glad you got two! They are adorable.
Southern & Style says
Oh my goodness, double the puppies-double the fun! The video of Carter finding out was so cute!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Kelly says
I CAN’T EVEN with the puppies…they are the cutest things on earth. I’m a HUGE animal lover. They are adorable. I wish every dog had a happy home. I’m glad they have each other. 🙂 We have a yellow lab who is just like a kid to us. He’s so loyal and perfect. HAVE FUN. And keep the pictures coming.
Holly @ While I'm Waiting... says
Literally crying over here! This is the sweetest, best post I’ve read all day! Keep the pictures coming!
Terra Heck says
Congrats on the newest additions to your family. The pups are adorable.
Erin Port says
Oh my goodness they are precious. I still remember the day we brought home our girl golden retriever. She used to sleep on my chest as a puppy. When she died, it broke my heart. Our son would LOVE another dog! Maybe someday. We loved our Golden, they are just the best family dogs ever! xoxo ERIN