HONOURED GUESTS

GUESTS OF HONOUR

When they hold such a huge place in our hearts why should our dogs miss something as important as our wedding celebrations?

Well today they don’t have to. In fact it has become quite a thing for even four-legged best friends to play an important part in the celebrations. Once you are sure that your venue is suitable, any guests who are not dog fans have been warned and you can honestly say, hand on heart, that your dog will not be freaked out by the whole idea you can start planning what role he or she will play on the big day. During the day your dog could: ◊ Be with you while you are getting ready to help calm any nerves. Pets are known to help reduce anxiety. ◊ Escort you up or down the aisle, or follow you, led by a flower girl or pageboy. ◊ Pose with you in some of the photos, suitably dressed up if you are sure it won’t be uncomfortable. ◊ Be the ring bearer carrying your rings in a small basket or fixed to a cushion on its back. ◊ Act as your greeter, a friendly attention-seeking dog would like nothing better than to welcome your guests on arrival, with a wagging tail and a comical grin. ◊ Be an honoured guest, included in the celebrations, where appropriate, and appearing in some special photos. ◊ And, finally, accompany you both on a quiet break or a short walk alone during the celebrations. Knowing he, or she, is so precious is all your dog needs, whatever the occasion.

Someone to take a lead

Since there is no way couples can look after their dog during the whole day someone suitable will be needed to be responsible for its comfort and well being and to make sure it is ready to perform any duties it has been given.

We asked EMMA BUTTIGIEG, from HAPPY DOGS

how to ensure everything goes smoothly for everyone.

HOW CAN A DOG MINDER HELP COUPLES WHO WOULD LOVE THEIR DOG TO BE AT THEIR WEDDING?

If you are getting married and you want to have your dog present on your most special day, you should hire a wedding dog sitter to take care of the dog/s and keep them under control during the party. Your wedding will be busy throughout the day,with you being pulled in a million different directions, so it is very important to hire an experienced pet sitting team so your family and friendscan just relax and enjoy the wedding!

WHAT SHOULD COUPLES CONSIDER MOST WHEN THEY LOOK FOR SOMEONE TO CARE FOR THEIR DOGS DURING THEIR WEDDING?

Before deciding whether to include your dog in the wedding, the pet’s personality must be taken into consideration. You may assume that your pet will feel comfortable in the crowd, but will they feel overwhelmed with hundreds of guests around? Even if your pet is well-behaved and used to large crowds, there is no real guarantee that they’ll behave well on the day. Experience has shown us that for some dogs, being stroked, photographed or chased by kids can becoming increasingly stressful, so thecouple have to make sure their dog can handle it before involving it.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR A DOG TO MEET ITS MINDER BEFORE THE WEDDING EVENTS?

Meeting with us prior to the wedding will help the dog get to know us before the big day, as some dogs may be nervous or not like strangers. Some couples decide to book dog walks prior to the wedding so the dog sitter and their dog can get to know each other better. We want the day to be as stress free as possible for couples and their dog.

DOGS ARE EASILY CAUGHT UP IN ATMOSPHERE AND SURROUNDINGS SO WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO ENSURE THEY STAY WELL BEHAVED?

Dogs are like babies – they’re unpredictable! By including your dog in the ceremony, you’re accepting the fact that they may not be completely sweet and perfectly behaved all the time. That’s why it is very important to manage your expectations for your pet, and be willing to laugh when something doesn’t go exactly how you thought it might. Dogs will get excited when they see their humans and will not realise that they can’t just jump up or run to them as they are used to doing.

AND IF WHEN NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE DOGS TO ATTEND THE ACTUAL WEDDING EVENTS HOW CAN COUPLES ENJOY THEIR DAY KNOWING THEIR PET WILL NOT BE LONELY AND MISSING THEM?

Happy Dogs offers in-home dog sitting services to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy. If it cannot be present at the wedding, we have you covered as well. We will come to your house and stay with your dog until your arrival back home. Overnight stays are also available.