October 3, 2008

The Humane League of Lancaster, Pa., recently held a doggie wedding as a fund raiser where dogs of all breeds and sizes married. "Puptials" are the latest trend in the wedding industry. (Pet Pulse Photo by Chad Short, Design by Mike

LANCASTER, Pa. -- A bright and brisk day brings hope of a long, happy future for the bride and groom. Ribbons, flowers and balloons are primped for the big moment, and the cake stands by.

But it's no ordinary cake and this is not the average American wedding.

For Stella and Tikki, that suits them just fine.

The happy couple meet two years ago at the Overlook Dog Park in Lancaster County.

"They've had their ups and downs already through their long dating relationship, so I think they can make it through any hardship," Melissa Thomas, pet parent to Stella, said.

With pet parent blessings, mix breed and same breed couples joined Stella and Tikki in walking down the aisle at the Humane League of Lancaster's recent event.

This included 8-year-old Buddy, a Shepherd-Lab mix, and his sweetheart, 7-year-old Golden Retriever Sadie Mae, who were finally making it official after "living in sin for five years."

"They fight once in a while, but usually they are pretty good," said pet parent Deb Roth, who adopted both dogs from the Humane League. "Usually he loves her and kisses her and cleans her ears and stuff."

Organized by Humane League volunteer Angie Mast, the event coincided with Manheim Township's 18th Annual Community Day to help raise funds for the shelter.

While the tulle veils, formal bow ties, wedding favors and even the cake were all donated, lavish "puptials" are on the rise.

In the UK, a platinum pooch wedding package is available at the world renowned department store, Harrods, totaling about $7,000, a price that includes a horse- drawn carriage for the departing newlyweds.

But the Brits aren't the only ones to indulge in this latest canine extravagance. Here in the U.S., pet owners in Florida, California and Texas are the most prolific in setting this trend, where bridal fashion is in high demand.

"We have gotten requests from all over the country and it's people of all different ages," said Sandy Maroney president of I See Spot.

Maroney says the requests also range for dogs weighing from five pounds up to 65 pounds to be fitted for the traditional bridal gown and veil, as well as the groom's tuxedo.

While the gown and veil is the best seller, Maroney also offers a T-shirt option for the more laid-back or frugal couple.

"So anyone can do it and it seems that people are really clinging onto this idea," said Maroney, who has watched the bridal segment of her pet fashion business grow especially in the past year. "I'd say by about 25 or 30 percent."

With the trend on the rise, officiants for these canine nuptials are in high demand. Veterinarians are a popular choice, such as Dr. Jeff Steed, who officiated the Humane League's group canine wedding.

But for those who prefer the traditional route of an ordained minister, Rev. Tyker, a miniature schnauzer, stands ready to answer the call.

Averaging 10 ceremonies a month, the five-year-old dog has seen the gamut of canine weddings, recently boasting of "hitching" an equine pair.

Recognized as a minister by the Universal Life Church since July 2005, Rev. Tyker's owner Brad Page originally applied for the certification to prove the point that anyone could become ordained, even his dog.

Through PetWeds.com, Page offers Tyker's services for the fun of allowing pets to be more like humans.

In Lancaster, the fun is had by Steed, who with the help of his clinic's staff, customized traditional vows for the canine occasion.

"Forsaking all other tails, do you promise only to have paws for your mate as long as you both shall live," Steed said before a circle of more than eight canine couples, who sat remarkably quiet on the cool grass.

"I now pronounce you furry friends forever, you may now sniff your mate," and with that proclamation pet parents, and attending friends and family broke into applause and cheers.

The moment was eagerly captured by the traditional slew of tiresome photo-ops, documented with official signatures and blessed with parental approval.

"I couldn't of picked a better mate for him myself," boasted Don Mast, the proud grandfather of one of the grooms.

"Welcome to the family, Stella," exclaimed a new mother-in-law, with hugs to the canine bride.

Then the celebration begins with the traditional cake cutting. But the nod to tradition ends there as Tikki, with some help of other bridal party members, swipes the topper and savagely digs into the organically made cake.

After all the hoopla, and parallels to real-life weddings, folks here realize this is a big step for dogs everywhere.

"It shows just how much you really do care about your dog and that they are a huge part of your life and they are not just objects," explained Angie Mast, who says her dog, Spurrier, is like her and her husband's child.

Mast even said the wedding preparations proved more nerve racking than her own big day.

While Lancaster County is wrought with the plight of puppy mills, Mast says the area is filled with animal lovers who fight against the mills and "who crazy love their dogs."

Whether it's Lancaster, Pa., or Lancaster, UK, the wedding trend points to the fact that dogs are rising citizens of society.

"I think they are getting more attention and acceptance," Don Mast said. "I think the support that the township and community is giving, things like this will continue to grow."

Giving these canine couples a promising future indeed.

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