I mean, really — is there anything more wholesome than the effort that goes into bringing our little fuzzy guys along for all of life’s biggest transitions? A few weeks ago I learned about Cat, from Merrimac, Wisconsin and her dogs, Bear. Their bond is truly special.
Bear was adopted from a local shelter 17 years ago when Cat was just a kid. Their bond deepened over the years. While her high school friends dreamed of traditional weddings, Cat always dreamed about incorporating Bear into hers. She pictured him coming in a little red wagon, right next to her during this beautiful moment.
Fast forward to now and Cat is on the verge of marrying her partner, Jimmy. However, there is a snag in the plan: Bear is suffering from kidney failure, and his humans are worried about him reaching their wedding date the following oweek. Not wanting to exchange vows sans her longtime partner Cat and Jimmy did something so sweet.
Cat literally could not even think about getting married without Bear being there. She knew her four-legged BFF had to be at her side on the big day, and so did Jimmy. Although Jimmy came to know Bear in 2011, still years later, they immediately placed him in their social circle close boasbuds. Then even took Bear and visited Cat while she was away at college — dedication right there.
When Bear was having trouble making the wedding that Cat and Jimmy originally planned, she floated an idea past him — how about they get married at the vet? Jimmy leapt at the chance.
THE HOSPITAL WEDDING AT THE LAST MINUTE
The ceremony was held at Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center in Middleton, Wis.
According to the VCA, “Cat and Jimmy were to be married next week but following Bear’s hospitalization for his kidney disease wanted him right by their side on this special day.”
Bear had been undergoing treatment there, and he wasn’t doing much at all leading up to the day of days. During the ceremony though, something magical happened. Bear perked up as Cat and Jimmy were exchanging their vows in front of Bear along with family and friends. He walked around a lot, which surprised me – he even got out of his wagon and strolled about!
For all three of them, it was a beautiful day. From the way Bear behaved, you could tell that he was very happy to have his “pawrents” close by on their biggest day of their lives. And the best news? Only two days later he left the hospital.
Bear Was Able To Watch His Parents Exchange Their Vows For The Second Time
A week out from their planned ceremony, they weren’t even sure Bear would be well enough to attend but miracle of miracles!
Well, this 17-year-old furball got way better at home according to the VCA staff, and he actually attended the original wedding with his two siblings, Bruno and Bentley Fish!
The VCA team shared that, “We are pleased to announce that Bear recovered & was even able to join the couple’s other dogs, Bentley Fish and Bruno at the originally planned Ceremony (what a lucky pup – he got to witness his parents say ‘I do’ twice).”
Cat said her hospital wedding with Jimmy is something they will treasure but agreed the latter was a special moment too. They would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
As far as Bear is concerned, he is still thriving in his forever home. We wish he could have remained near his paw out one for as long as possible whilst he was healthy and happy!
I mean, they say: love and a little imagination do wonders. Such a lovely story and although I fully understand these folks getting a new dog to love, once ours have gone, there is an unbreakable bond IMHO. The American Pet Products Association states more than 70% of households in the U.S. own a pet and many think of them as family. No surprise there: so many of you are seeking creative ways to incorporate your pups into weddings.
Did any of your pets show up at parties, weddings? I’d love to hear them!
