Weddings are moments of pure joy, full of love and unforgettable memories. But sometimes it’s not just the couple who get all the attention. That’s where dogs come in – our loyal companions who often add an extra charm to these special days. Whether they’re walking down the aisle as ring bearers, stealing kisses during the vows, or simply adding their undeniable cuteness to the celebration, these furry friends have the ability to turn a beautiful wedding into an extraordinary one.

1. Rescue puppies instead of bouquets of flowers

Source: ABC Action News/YouTube

When Andee Ondina and her wife Tina Krasinski were planning their wedding, they wanted to highlight the importance of rescuing pets and encourage adoption over purchasing. In keeping with that mission, they rescued a litter of puppies and their mother from a kill shelter. Instead of traditional bouquets, each bridesmaid carried a “puppet” down the aisle and presented these adoptable puppies to guests. It was an incredibly sweet idea that not only charmed everyone, but also benefited the animals.

2. Dog surprise

Source: T&T Creative Media/Youtube

At the altar, one groom cried tears of joy when his wife surprised him by having his beloved dog walk down the aisle in a tuxedo to greet him since some family members couldn’t be there. Shane Witkowski, 42, of Tampa, Florida, is very attached to their dog Tucker, according to his wife Lindsey, 35. Tucker played a key role in bringing the couple together — when Lindsey adopted him in 2017, she and Shane were just friends. Lindsey sent Shane a picture of Tucker and called him the dog daddy, and when their relationship became official, Shane trained Tucker, who now follows him everywhere. Lindsey understood the bond between Shane and Tucker and knew she had to include Tucker in their April 28 wedding in Tampa!

3. Dog runs down the wedding aisle!

Source: Inside Edition/YouTube

Colonel, a Labrador retriever who served as both best man and ring bearer, was eager to witness his owners’ wedding in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. In his excitement, he ran down the aisle and even knocked over the microphone. To prepare for the big day, the bride and groom hired a professional dog trainer to teach Colonel how to carry the ring down the aisle with composure. However, the four-legged ring bearer had his own plans and didn’t quite manage the task. Still, bride Kate Gueno says she wouldn’t have changed a thing.

4. Maid of honour carries dying dog

Source: Inside Edition/YouTube

Kelly O’Connell and her brown Labrador Charlie shared an unbreakable bond, even on their wedding day. After 14 years together, Charlie, who was suffering from a brain tumor, found the strength to walk down the aisle when Kelly married her partner James Garvin. The walk back was too much for the sick dog, however, so Kelly’s sister and maid of honor Katie Lloyd gently carried him down the aisle!

5. Bernese Mountain Dog interrupts

Source: Motion Art Wedding Films/Youtube

In a video by Motion Art Wedding Films, the bride and groom’s beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Rosie, just couldn’t wait for the ceremony to be over. She left her place in line to greet guests in the front row, then excitedly jumped on her mom to say hello.

Dogs have a unique ability to spread warmth and joy wherever they go, and weddings are no exception. Their unfiltered love can transform a perfect day into a truly magical one that creates lasting memories for everyone involved. As these stories show, when dogs are part of the celebration, they’re not just present – they steal the show, reminding us all of the pure and simple joys that make life and love so special.

We encourage anyone thinking about getting a pet to only adopt instead of buy and use this amazing Pet adoption search tool by WildWatchers to find shelter animals near you!

For more animal adoption resources, visit One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 reasons why everyone should adopt a petAnd These heartwarming before and after pictures of adopted rescue animals will make your day! Read Tips for adopting pets And What should you consider before adopting an animal?.

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