Introducing our Shih Tzu Coco to the family has honestly been the best move Martyn and I have ever made. Forget buying the house, getting a puppy has been so rewarding. Shih Tzu means little lion, but there’s nothing fierce about Coco (unless he's hungry) The Shih Tzu was bred purely to be a lap dog and companion rather than a hunter. Coco is affectionate and the perfect furry friend but he's very stubborn and is going to need some training.
To introduce Coco to the world and get him used to the sights and sounds of a busy city Martyn and I took him for a day out in Bute park in Cardiff city centre where there are lots of people, other dogs going for a walk and bikes rushing past. We had the perfect spring weather to wander around the park and let Coco explore the herbaceous border with its beautiful flowers. Coco got so much attention and we were stopped every few yards by people wanting to pick him up and pet him.
For our spring adventure I wore my new floral playsuit from Boohoo.com, they have a great selection of playsuits and jumpsuits at the moment and it's perfect for running around after the dog and a spot of afternoon tea. Most of my pins on my denim jacket are gifts from Martyn and music related - a couple of Smiths pins and a Brand New one.
Floral Playsuit - c/o boohoo
Jacket - New Look
Bute Park is 130 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland that once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle. The park is named after the 3rd Marquess of Bute, whose family owned the castle and made their fortune developing the ports in Cardiff to export coal. It's a pretty vast park and I spent a lot of time here as a student as my halls of residence backed on to the park. It was the perfect spot got revision and a post exam picnic.
There aren't many places you can sit down and eat in the city when you have a dog but Pettigrew Tea Rooms is a great spot with a puppy friendly outdoor terrace. Pettigrew vintage-style tea room is located in the historic West Lodge building on Castle Street. You can relax and indulge in the pleasure of taking tea in sophisticated surroundings inside the lodge, or like we did, sit outside on the terrace area with views over the river Taff.
Whilst Martyn and I polished off huge scones and a scruptious selection of sandwiches and cakes washed down with assam tea Coco behaved beautifully. He sat next to me the whole time and let me eat in peace, I don't think he's discovered the joy of human food yet and doesn't beg for for at the table.
I think our first adventure with Coco was very successful and we all thoroughly enjoyed our day out organised by boohoo.com. I'm trying to find more dog friendly places to visit in South Wales, if you've got any recommendations please let me know. Shih Tzu dogs only need two 20 minute walks each day so we won't be taking him for a hike up Pen y Fan but it would be nice to discover some new parks or lakes where we can enjoy a family walk.
13 comments
OMG your images are so cool, coco is simply adorable and can I nick that jacket? Cardiff sounds super exciting and has never looked as pretty to me as in your post. You have done good!
ReplyDeleteYour dog is literally the cutest! xx
ReplyDeleteOMG what a little cutie! Coco is absolutely delightful and I'm pleased you had such a good day xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie pie!! I'm sure he'd be best pals with Milo in a heartbeat! x
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww! Your Shih Tzu Coco is gorgeous, I am a sucker for cute pets. So glad that you enjoyed your day out with Boohoo x
ReplyDeleteThat's the kind of dog I need, two 20 minute walks sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute little dog and I'm loving your pins
ReplyDeleteOh he is just adorable! That afternoon tea looks do delicious - what a lovely day you all had. Kaz
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh your new dog is SO adorable!! We are desperate to have a dog join our family so hopefully soon! Bute Parks looks beautiful too! x
ReplyDeleteOk...I want a Coco of my own and gorgeous Boohoo playsuit too! And Veronica Dearly pins are LIFE right? Sounds like you had a fab day - that doy-friendly afternoon tea sounds glorious too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
How adorable is Coco?? No wonder you kept getting stopped. Love your outfit, especially the pins. I have a slight pin badge obsession.
ReplyDeleteCoco is adorable! It's making me puppy broody.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's the sweetest dog, and you look sooo happy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment, feel free to ask me any questions here or on twitter- @Gemma_DS.