Thursday, September 16, 2010

Doggie Ring Bearer

We've all seen the pictures of pets in weddings.

The question in my mind is - how does this work with energetic, hyper dogs?  Namely, our 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier whose favorite pasttime is greeting people.


We would absolutely love for Dozer to be a part of our wedding ceremony.  Wouldn't he be so adorable in a little doggie tuxedo?


If we were having an outdoor ceremony, I would be a little less worried.  However, we're having a private (family-only) ceremony in a small chapel.  The chapel has agreed to allow him in the building if we pay an additional deposit.


So now the question is - will we regret having him there?  Will he be whimpering to go run around and greet people?  The last thing we need is a distraction from the ceremony.

But we LOVE our dog.  He is a huge part of our lives.  We've had him since our second month of dating!  And we're the silly couple who brings their dog everywhere.  So why wouldn't we include him in our wedding?

Besides, I have this great poem I want to read at the ceremony, that would fit perfectly if Dozer was present.

Falling in love is like owning a dog

First of all, it's a big responsibility,
especially in a city like New York.
So think long and hard before deciding on love.
On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security:
when you're walking down the street late at night
and you have a leash on love
ain't no one going to mess with you.

Because crooks and muggers think love is unpredictable.
Who knows what love could do in its own defense?

On cold winter nights, love is warm.
It lies between you and lives and breathes
and makes funny noises.

Love wakes you up all hours of the night with its needs.
It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.

Love doesn't like being left alone for long.
But come home and love is always happy to see you.
It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life,
but you can never be mad at love for long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!
Love can be bad. Bad, love, bad! Very bad love.
Love makes messes.
Love leaves you little surprises here and there.
Love needs lots of cleaning up after.
Sometimes you just want to get love fixed.
Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper
and swat love on the nose,
not so much to cause pain,
just to let love know Don't you ever do that again!

Sometimes love just wants to go for a nice long walk.
Because love loves exercise.
It runs you around the block and leaves you panting.
It pulls you in several different directions at once,
or winds around and around you
until you're all wound up and can't move.

But love makes you meet people wherever you go.
People who have nothing in common but love
stop and talk to each other on the street.

Throw things away and love will bring them back,
again, and again, and again.
But most of all, love needs love, lots of it.
And in return, love loves you and never stops.

 
So, what's your opinion?  Have you been to a wedding with dogs involved?

5 comments:

  1. I have never been to a wedding where there was a dog involved but think the idea is interesting and have heard of people doing it. I think I would make sure someone is soley in charge of the dog during and after the ceremony. That way your mind is not worrying about your pup. I personally wouldn't want to worry about my dog the whole time I am supposed to be enjoying my big day, but I think if you have someone to take care of him it should be okay. I think that's what I love most about weddings - is the little touches each bride and groom brings to the event. :)

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  2. What a cute dog! :) I think you should weigh which would be worse in your eyes -- not having him there or having the potential for disruptions. A lot of the time, dogs do get very hyper or even scared by all the people in these situations and have to be watched constantly. Plus, are there any guests who are afraid of dogs? He's such a cutie that I doubt that would be the case, but you never know. In the end, you know your dog's personality best and can best determine whether his personality will be a good fit at this type of venue.

    Thank for your comment on my blog today, too! I just became a follower of yours.

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  3. I agree with the above comments. I've never been to a wedding with a dog and as a guest I might find the choice questionable - especially if you are planning a more formal and traditional ceremony than it might not go with the flow of the rest of your wedding.

    But it IS your big day, do what makes you happy! It might be a better idea just to have your dog (taken care of by a handler, as if he's a celeb!) at the ceremony briefly and for some photos with you and your husband. The pup wouldn't have to be around the guests too much and you'd have the photos to always remember Dozer was apart of your day.

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  4. I've never been to a wedding with dogs! I suppose they are kind of like family though :)

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  5. I concur. I think it's a lovely sentiment to want to have him there but I think problems could arise. My wedding coordinator told a story of her assistant having to chase a dog through hotel corridors after he escaped before the ceremony. But he is a cutie pie! I can see why you'd love to have him there.

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