Wed like our dog to be the ring bearer, she said and he nodded. You want your dog to be the ring bearer? I echoed in a wobbly voice. Yes, she said with a perfectly straight face. It is because of the dog that we are together and we want him to be in the ceremony. Inside my head I was hearing a voice screaming, No. No. Not a dog in a wedding! No, that just wont work. But my mouth said calmly, What kind of dog is it? The groom responded calmly, A Rottweiler. (My life flashed before me along with the image of this big Rottweilers mouth around my throat as I tried to pronounce them husband and wife.) As a wedding officiant it my strong make that very strong opinion that the wedding ceremony should be exactly what the couple wants. I put that on everything I send out and it is a major point when having the initial interview with couples. But a dog in the ceremony? Wasnt that taking it a little too far? Now I just say, O.K. How do you intend to handle it? You see, I have officiated two weddings with dogs as the ring bearer. I certainly dont recommend it but it can be managed. (I dont think a cat would ever get down the aisle and I dont know about other animals ability to participate, but some dogs can do it). In the instance of the Rottweiler, the groom attached a heart shaped red box securely to his collar and put the ring box inside. A tuxedoed friend walked the dog down the aisle just as it was time for the ring exchange. The dog seemed quite delighted about being the center of attention and sniffed everyone on his side of the aisle as he ambled down to his beloved bride and groom. His tale wagged like a giant windshield wiper and he gave the grooms hand a big lick with his tongue. But he sat like a statue while they took the ring box out and gave it to the best man. The dog, with his attendant, then took their places beside the groomsmen for the remainder of the wedding and, like the gentleman he was, he walked out sedately with the rest of the wedding party in the processional. So when the next couple wanted their dog, Turbo, in their ceremony I said yes without too much concern. If they believed Turbo could do it I was willing to work with them. But I had images of some giant Doberman racing down the aisle, teeth bared, aiming for someones leg. I didnt meet the dog until the wedding (there was no rehearsal). He wasnt as big as my cat and wiggled all over as he yapped down the aisle. But the couple loved it and the guests seemed quite amused. It went well. While I certainly never recommend to couples that they make their pooch a part of the wedding party I am willing to work with them to make their wedding memorable and exactly they way they want it dog and all. |
