We Do Too

Jessica Burtch
Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:32:26 -0800
Lifestyle

Any die-hard dog lover will understand what I'm about to say: I want my dogs in my wedding. And not just at it. In it.

To me, this is as natural as the premature gray on my terrier's muzzle. We haven't set a date. We haven't nailed down a venue. I haven't looked at a single dress. Yet I know exactly what my dogs will be wearing: sunny orange satin ring pillows attached to white collars with white burlap bandanas embroidered with the words "we do too."
Updated: Mon Jan 26, 2015

Any die-hard dog lover will understand what I'm about to say: I want my dogs in my wedding. And not just at it. In it.

To me, this is as natural as the premature gray on my terrier's muzzle. We haven't set a date. We haven't nailed down a venue. I haven't looked at a single dress. Yet I know exactly what my dogs will be wearing: sunny orange satin ring pillows attached to white collars with white burlap bandanas embroidered with the words "we do too."

If you're already thinking, "This chick is craaaayyyy," you should probably click through now.

Best man and maid of honor are coveted roles in the traditional wedding scene, roles our dogs have been auditioning for since Day One — and killing it. I mean, we humans yak a lot about for better or worse, in sickness and in health, but our dogs — they live this stuff. Foul mood, gnarly breath, smelly feet, dishes piled in the sink for no good reason — they don't care. They're all happy wags and puppy kisses. No wonder we're seeing more best dogs and dogs of honor at the altar.

Flower dog is another relatively new contender in the arena — knocking sullen 10-year-old nieces and fussy babies out of play. Sorry, kids. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and barking is cuter than crying. Etsy has an entire section devoted to wedding attire for dogs (and cats), and collars with attached flowers in myriad colors are hot commodities. You'll also find collars with floral beading, capes with floral appliques and harnesses with the capability of hauling even Princess Di's 7-pound supersized bouquet down an aisle. (Just be sure any fresh flowers you select aren't toxic to your pups.)

As you can see, extensive research on the subject has revealed a number of ways a couple can sanely work a pup or two into their nuptials. And if your guests and your betrothed know you like they should, they're sure to be delighted and charmed, but in no way surprised.

Personally, I envision furry ring bearers trotting down an aisle of sorts, eliciting a chorus of "awwws" and, of course, hitting their mark perfectly, little princes that they are. My pragmatic side will kick in to double up on the securing mechanisms charged with keeping rings attached to pillows. Nervous types could find their zen in attaching fake rings to be swapped out with the real deal at the altar or final destination point.

If — heaven forbid — you can't find a dog-friendly venue, there are subtler ways to include your beloved fluffernutter in your big day. Give the little nugget a shout-out in your vows. Include your handsome hound in your engagement or wedding photo session. Use his mug as a model for the cake topper. Plaster the place with photos of your life with your dog — which is, after all, the point.

Our dogs are in our lives, our daily lives, in deep and meaningful ways. They are our playmates, our confidantes, our walking partners, our couch buddies, our sounding boards, our fierce protectors, our loyal companions, our family. So "we do too" is more than awww-inspiring cuteness. For me, it was an important milestone in getting to where we are as a couple, and that's worthy of celebrating.

Jessica Burtch was the longtime editor and writer for Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis. She is an even longer-time lover of dogs and critters in general. Follow her @sicaleigh. Email her at jessicaleighburtch@gmail.com. Read more at creators.com.

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