Kate Middleton and Prince William's 9-year-old dog, Lupo, died last year. The couple welcomed Lupo into their family before they had their first child, George, and his loss was a great
one for the family of five. But before Lupo crossed the rainbow bridge (as dog lovers call it), the Cambridges welcomed a new puppy. The pup has been living with the royals at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall for the past few months, per The Mail on Sunday.
"They were devastated when Lupo passed away, as any dog owner will understand, but got the new puppy before he died," he said. "It was hoped that the younger dog would give Lupo some company and give him a little bit more life and energy."
The black eight-month-old puppy was a gift from Kate's brother, James Middleton. In 2012, Kate and William got Lupo from the litter of James's dog Ella.
"It is with great sadness that Lupo, the beloved dog of my sister Catherine and her family has passed away," James wrote last November. "Lupo was the son of Ella, brother to Zulu, Inka & Luna. He was 9 years old. Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of a dog. For those who have never had a dog, it might be hard to understand the loss. However for those who have loved a dog know the truth: a dog is not just a pet; it is a member of the family, a best friend, a loyal companion, a teacher and a therapist."
Kate and William also posted a note to memorialize Lupo:
"Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away," they wrote. "He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much. - W & C"
Per the Mail, James bred a litter of six puppies with Lupo's sister, Luna, as the mother. The Cambridges, reportedly with the help of Charlotte and Georige, chose one of the puppies to bring home.