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    I Do! I Do! Want My Dog at My Wedding!

    By Yvonne DeVita, Purina Blogger | Pets – Wed, Mar 18, 2009 3:04 PM EDT

    Is having your dog as ring-bearer at your wedding a really crazy idea, or just fine? I was reading this article titled "Wedding Tails" and it really hit home because a few years ago my eldest daughter got married and her dog, Reznor, was her ring bearer!

    At the time, I was skeptical. Even a dog lover like me wondered how Reznor would handle the wedding festivities. All that pomp and circumstance, all the fuss and muss, all the people, for heaven's sake! Reznor was a mixed breed, but mostly Greyhound, we thing... and always so well-behaved, my daughter had no qualms about including him in the ceremony, despite her mother's astonishment.

    The Wedding Tails article says, "It's becoming more common for pets to attend weddings, and the wedding party pets are not always dogs. Cats get their share of wedding invites, but they are more often in the party as part of the ambiance."

    Which leads me to my question: I'm planning a wedding. Yes, it's a second marriage...but, we're doing the wedding thing big (compared to the tiny wedding I had way back when). Should I consider bringing my cat, Wabby Wibby, to the wedding? What about dogs...we hope to adopt two dogs from our local Humane Society Shelter, Lollypop Farm, soon. Should we plan on having the dogs at the wedding?

    Hmmm...I think Wabby would freak. She's not cut out for big parties. But, a couple of friendly dogs...that might work. Here's the rub - my sense is that weddings that include dogs are outside weddings, in a park, or a location that offers outdoor ceremonies. I mean, how much fun can it be for the dog, if everything is held indoors...and people are so attentive to the bride (now, isn't that how weddings are?)...that the dog gets a little...forgotten? This article by Elle from Wedaholic has some excellent tips on how to include pets in your wedding, like - most churches say no, so search out other options well ahead of time.

    My daughter was smart. She assigned one of her bridesmaids to take care of Reznor. Carrie, who is also a member of the family, loves dogs. Being in charge of Reznor during the ceremony, and for the pictures afterwards, was just natural. That seems like a good solution - having someone in charge of the pets. Plus, after the pictures, we took Reznor home - he would not have enjoyed the on-going festivities!

    But, the pictures prove it, Reznor was a big part of this wedding because he was a member of the family - beloved and accepted.

    So, what's the consensus here - bring your dog to your wedding: yes or no?

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    30 comments

    • annah
      annah  •  2 years 10 months ago
      wooooooooooh i really luv d sound of it,am seriously giving it a thot,i would luv 2 do dat on my wedding dat
      annah b
    • Cheryl
      Cheryl  •  2 years 9 months ago
      I had my schnausher give me away at my 2nd wedding, all dressed in a tux and hat. He was a wonderful part of my wedding. He is my best friend and has been there for me through everything. He was just as excited about it as I was. I wouldn't have done any different.
    • Cary
      Cary  •  2 years 9 months ago
      wish i could of had my dog at the wedding
    • A Yahoo! User  •  3 years 2 months ago
      Yvonne - what a fun post. i'd love to have my westie max at my wedding but i'm afraid he'd steal the show ;-) perhaps i'll just invite him the reception!
    • Zorica Lazareva
      Zorica Lazareva  •  3 years 0 months ago
      i want my dogie in my weeding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Jennifer
      Jennifer  •  3 years 2 months ago
      I say absolutely! I love my doggies..they are my kids and my joy! I would do it in a heart beat no matter what anyone said or thought!They are our family and should be allowed to share in our special day! :)
    • js
      js  •  3 years 2 months ago
      absolutely have the pooch in the wedding! i had my beloved smokey in mine & wouldn't have had it any other way! she even had a white frilly collar on! everyone thought it was so cute & she wasn't a bother at all. she just laid down under the table during the meal & festivities.
    • Abhishek
      Abhishek  •  3 years 1 month ago
      You absolutely should...I got married last year and I had an Indian ceremony and got my dog as well...it was absolutely great having her...you ought to share this important moment with the creature who understands and loves you no matter what..have a good day..)
    • Aerie Marie
      Aerie Marie  •  3 years 2 months ago
      my dogs will be at our wedding they are a big part of the family.
      and they are also part of the package.so why shouldnt they be there?

      he wont be in the wedding but have a chair right up front.
    • Writers_block
      Writers_block  •  3 years 2 months ago
      It's your wedding, if you want your dogs, cats, canaries, or pet snake there it's up to you. Just make sure they're taken care so that nothing happens to spoil you day (or your dress, or your guests shoes)
    • urangel62902
      urangel62902  •  3 years 2 months ago
      How cool!!!:) Did they wear a tux??? Cuz my huge wolf dog would be handsome in it...he's look great giving me away!!!:) Super idea people!!!:) thanks a bunch!
    • Jordyn
      Jordyn  •  3 years 2 months ago
      Okay a dog as a ring bearer just plane crazy
      what if something bd happens and the dog loose the ring
      or just the simple fact that all ppl arent dog lovers..!
    • opiniononly
      opiniononly  •  3 years 2 months ago
      Since not all folks have the same warm fuzzy about animals and/or have allergies, do you tailor the guest list to avoid those who don't/can't be around animals?

      my opinion...I'm tired of pets as fashion accessories and think including them undermines the spiritual component of a marriage ceremony, but it's not my wedding, so do what you want. (And yes, I do have both cats and dogs and love them to death, so don't jump on me as an animal hater!)
    • tina
      tina  •  3 years 2 months ago
      omerlm: that is such a cuutttee story, i wouldnt have been able to say "no" either. I'd have my Roxie at mine, but no one wants a dog begging for food at every dinner table, poor girl. Though if I let the guests bring their dogs and had a doggy play area set up they could all keep eachother happy =)
    • sheanderson4
      sheanderson4  •  3 years 2 months ago
      Yes and No
      yes because it would be cute
      no because you could get people sick
      and some people just don't like dogs.
      (I do like dogs, so don't get mad at me!)
    • Eileen
      Eileen  •  3 years 2 months ago
      my dog would love to go. she is very friendly she weighs only 7 lb so I would carry her as well as have her on a lead.
    • janeporricelli
      janeporricelli  •  3 years 2 months ago
      My dogs were in my wedding! They walked down the aisle with my brothers before my father and I walked down. They didn't stay for the ceremony - a friend was waiting to bring them back to my parents' house... but just having them there to walk down the aisle and be a part of the day was so special. Plus, my girl Ryder got to wear a pretty, girly, custom-made flowery collar!
    • counterreaction
      counterreaction  •  3 years 2 months ago
      I think it just kind of depends on atmosphere that you're trying to create. If it's a family friendly, comfortable, more casual atmosphere a pet would be totally welcome.

      However, if you're going for a more formal atmosphere, they might not fit in well (thus becoming the center of attention instead of you!).

      It's your wedding, if you want them there, bring them!
    • Michelle
      Michelle  •  3 years 2 months ago
      been there wouldn't go agian - please tell me you have a picture!!!!!!!
    • cen cen
      cen cen  •  3 years 2 months ago
      absolutely not!!! that's very bad idea.
     Post a comment

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