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Originally posted in Women’s Voices for ChangeÂ
Yappily Ever After
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Photo: Morgan Yang
 By Roz Warren   July 16, 2011
How do you feel about dogs being part of a wedding ceremony?  If you’re a dog person, you’re probably thinking, “Great idea!†If you aren’t, it’s apparently like suggesting that aardvarks or squirrels be included in the wedding party. A likely response is, “Why on earth would anyone want to do that?“ From personal experience, I can tell you why.
Photo: Morgan Yang
 When my son told me that Jack and Max would be members of the wedding party, I thought it quirky but adorable something that would make the ceremony uniquely theirs. My ex, who was footing the bill for the otherwise traditional shindig (and who is not a dog person), was less enthusiastic at first, but soon came around. He loves the kids enough to want to give them exactly the wedding they wanted.Â
Telling folks that your son’s wedding will include four-legged participants is a litmus test for discovering how they feel about companion animals. People who see their own pets as “family†were charmed and delighted. “Wonderful!“ they enthused. “Tell me all about it.“  But people who don’t much care for dogs were repulsed. “That‘s  weird,†was not an unusual response.  I was also told that including Jack and Max was “offensive,†“disrespectful†and “ridiculous.†Â
But what if they were? Tom and Amy love those dogs and it’s their wedding. The ceremony should reflect who they are as a couple (dog lovers!) and what matters to them (Living happily ever after — with Bichons!) and not be about the comfort level of my friends.Â
Sure, a canine-inclusive ceremony used to be unheard of, but things are changing. Google “dogs in weddings†and you’ll find dozens of photos. Bulldogs in tuxes. Poodles in veils. Labradoodles wearing garlands of flowers. A beaming bride carrying an impeccably groomed Yorkie down the aisle in a small white basket.
Photo: Morgan Yang
The way I saw it, meeting the challenge of pulling off a wedding that included Jack and Max would bode well for Tom and Amy’s ability to meet the many challenges of married life. A wedding ceremony that ran smoothly despite the presence of two lively dogs would be a small miracle. But so is any loving, enduring marriage. And what mother doesn’t want that for her kids?
 “Are the dogs well-behaved?†one dog-savvy friend asked me.
 “One of them is,†I told her. Max, the older dog, is a perfect gentleman. Jack, the younger dog, is more mischievous. She laughed. “Well, it should be memorable.â€Â
And so it was.
Unique, memorable and joyful.
As mother of the groom and “grandmother†of the flower dog, I had the time of my life.
It’s all very well having butterflies or doves released at your wedding to symbolize the love, fidelity and union of your relationship, but is it really wise to include your own pets in your wedding day? Are you just asking for trouble by choosing to include your pet in such a momentous occasion?
The Popular Trend
Dogs in particular are becoming the new untraditional participants in 
When Jane McBride walks down the aisle in Chicago this September she has handed the role of ring bearer to her Mufasa, an 85-pound Akita-shepherd mix. She has already chosen Mufasa’s wedding attire – a multicolored bow tie that will hold the wedding rings. Jane admitted to the Chicago Tribune that she would never consider leaving Mufasa at home on her wedding day.
One of the family!
According to Palmspringslife.com Mindy Weiss, a wedding planner based in Los Angeles, who has coordinated the happy occasion for numerous celebrities, says that “I find that about 30 percent of my weddings involve pets.†Many couples consider their pets to be part of their family or their best friends so it is only right that their pet should be given a starring role in their wedding day.
For their Californian wedding Myra and John Pugh had their 75-pound Akita-German shepherd mix dog Joy accompany a groomsman down the aisle sporting a collar of red roses and greenery. Palmspringslife.com reports that Joy wagged her tail in approval as the couple made their wedding vows. Myra said “She is a huge part of our life. During the wedding, she didn’t bark once. I think she knew that this was serious stuff.†If you are an animal lover then including your pet in your wedding day is no different to inviting yo
Alice Moon-Fanelli, a certified applied animal behaviorist and assistant professor at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass. says “Including pets is a statement of solidarity by the couple who mutually agree that the pet plays a major role in both of their lives.â€
An increasing number of modern couples are treating their pets as children. Sheila Spitza, co-owner of Wet Nose Pet Spa in Geneva, Illinois says “Couples don’t have children, but they do have a dog, so it only makes sense that they would stand up in their weddingâ€.
According to Cleveland.com Laura and Bob Mutsko who tied the knot at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Mentor in 1999, had a traditional wedding ceremony but had their “only child†their 4 year old dog Murphy walk up the aisle with them and present their rings and sat amongst the congregation. “Several of the guests came just to see Murphy†Laura says.
Personally, I wanted to have photos taken with my dog on my wedding day and to spend some time with him on the morning of the wedding. This worked out perfectly and he looked very dapper in his tartan bow! Whilst everyone else rushed around m
You’re in good company!
Although it is not the norm for couples to include their dogs in their weddings, be assured that it is not just wacky dog lovers who are doing it. Celebrities are indulging in this new trend too!
♥ When Premiership footballer Ashley Cole and singer Cheryl Tweedy get married tomorrow at Highclere Castle in Berkshire their pet chihuahua Buster will be playing a part in their wedding. Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bridesmaids have bought Buster a wedding outfit with “Cheryl & Ashley†written on it in diamante.
♥ For her London wedding to Gavin Rossdale, singer Gwen Stefani was escorted down the aisle by her sheepdog Winston, who was decked out in a rose-covered collar and lead.
♥ Tori Spelling wanted her beloved pug Mimi Larue to look her best as she served as flower girl and ring bearer at Tori’s wedding, so she hired a special fashion designer to create her wedding outfit.
♥ Comedian and Hollywood star Adam Sandler had his dogs Matzoball (pulled down the aisle in a wagon) and Meatball at his Malibu wedding. Meatball was his “best dog†and was dressed in a tux with a yarmulke on his head.
Advantages of having your pet participate in your wedding day:
♥ I think it’s a lovely way to personalize your wedding day and to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. You don’t have to dress your pet in a tuxedo to raise a smile from your guests – the novelty of a pet being present at your wedding will be enough to make them smile.
♥ It makes your wedding less of a formal occasion and can lighten up the mood which is always a good thing. Weddings are not supposed to be somber affairs!
♥ If you do not have nieces, nephews or little ones to act as flower girls or page boys then a pet is a perfect alternative! In the same way they love to see a cute flower girl or page boy walking up the aisle, on the whole wedding guests do enjoy seeing a dog walk down the aisle – it brings a fun element to the wedding.
Get permission!
♥ The first thing to do if you plan to include your dog in your wedding party is to check with the officiant. Make it clear to them what your dog’s role in the wedding will be. Ensure that they are comfortable with this idea.
♥ You should also check with your ceremony and/or reception venue whether dogs are allowed. This is really important and you should not leave something like this to chance on the day – refusal to allow your dog entry to the venue because you have not received permission prior to the wedding would cause unnecessary upset on your special day. Ask in advance so that you can either plan to include your dog in the wedding or make alternative arrangements for his care on your wedding day.
Are they up to the job?
You must ask yourself if your dog is well-behaved enough to participate in your wedding. Be honest with yourself. Just as a cute dog will always be remembered on your wedding day, so too will a naughty unruly dog. You don’t want your wedding day to be spoiled by a ‘doggie disaster!’
Here are some points to consider:
♥ First and foremost think of your dog’s comfort. Will he be comfortable attending your wedding? Will he have to travel a long distance to get there? If the answer is he would be more comfortable at home, and if this is an option, then you should do what is best for your dog.
♥ You should assess how your dog reacts to large crowds and to noisy situations. Does it bother your dog? Do you think he would rather not be there? You know your dog so use your own judgment on this one.
♥ Does your dog have unpredictable behavior? Of course, like children, you cannot predict exactly how they are going to behave on the day of the wedding but if you have any doubts that the dog might get over-excited or aggressive it is best not to include them in your wedding ceremony.
♥ Is your dog well-trained? What is his obedience level? Does he respond to commands? A dog that has yet to master simple commands such as “sit†and “stay†might not be suitable to be included in your wedding. This is very important if you intend on giving them a role in the wedding where they are expected to follow orders (e.g. walk down aisle and wait patiently whilst you untie the rings from around his neck). Unless you are absolutely certain that your pet can be counted on to behave during your wedding ceremony then it might be better to have them participate in the wedding photos and leave it at that.
Wedding roles for your pet:
You should choose a role for your pet in your wedding which is appropriate to their temperament and behavior. A dog who is highly energetic will need to be kept on a leash throughout the wedding ceremony whereas a lapdog might be quite happy to be held by one of the wedding attendants/guests during the ceremony.
Here are some ideas for roles in your wedding for your pet:
♥ The popular choice is to have your dog bring the rings down the aisle on a satin pillow or in a small bag tied to his collar. Bridalpeople.com have a really cute ring pillow which attaches to the collar with 2 Velcro fasteners. The pillow shown here is suitable for medium and large breed dogs but there are lots of smaller pillows available on the dog clothing stores listed below or on eBay. You could even make a pillow yourself.
♥ If your dog is really well trained he could carry the rings down the aisle in a pouch using his mouth – this is guaranteed to get gasps of delight from your wedding guests!
♥ How about having your pet accompany you to the altar. This might be a popular choice if the alternative for you or your partner is walking down the aisle alone.
♥ You could have your dog act as flower dog and carry flowers in his mouth or a basket of flowers if at all possible. Do make sure beforehand that they are not toxic to your dog and will not present a choking hazard to him.
♥ It is becoming popular nowadays for dogs to stand as maid-of-honor and best man. Have one of the other wedding attendants walk your dog down the aisle so that they can stand proudly next to you during the ceremony.
♥ Rather than carring a bouquet of flowers you could carry your dog (if he is small enough) down the aisle. Make sure that someone is willi
♥ If your venue does not allow your pet to participate in your wedding then why not just have them included in your wedding photos. That is what I did as our wedding venue did not allow dogs. I had the best of both worlds as my dog got to have some fun meeting and greeting all the wedding guests in the gardens of the venue whilst the photos were being taken and then my bridesmaid’s mother kindly collected him and took care of him for the rest of the day, so I was able to relax knowing that he was being well taken care of!
♥ Do you own a pet which is small and quite patient? Would it be willing to sit in the arms of one of your wedding guests? If you think it would be safer and the pet would be more comfortable then keep them secured in their carrier during the ceremony.
♥ As mentioned, dogs are the traditional choice of pets at weddings but if you have a smaller, less social pets such as a hamster, lizard, guinea pig or even snake which you desperately want to bear witness to your nuptials perhaps you could place its cage nearby as you exchange vows or have one of the (willing) wedding guests hold it during the ceremony!
Tips for getting the best out of your pet on your wedding day:
♥ If it is paramount to you that your dog plays a key role in your wedding then, for his comfort, perhaps you could choose a dog-friendly venue for the ceremony and/or reception. The ideal venue would be outdoor such as a 
♥ A lot of dogs can’t handle the heat so if it is a hot day either reconsider having your dog in your wedding party or ensure that they are able to sit in the shade or (even better) an air-conditioned room during the ceremony or reception until the sun has gone down. Do make sure that your dog has access to fresh water if it is a hot day.♥
♥ Sometimes it is best to draft in professional help to look after your dog. After all which member of your bridal party is going to want to scoop your dog’s mess of the lawn during your wedding reception! Delegating the pet-handling task to a professional will alleviate unnecessary stress on you, your partner and your wedding guests. You should definitely consider hiring a pet coordinator or pet-sitter who will be responsible for dressing your dog on the morning of the wedding, transporting him to and from the reception, ensuring he gets fed, watered and takes toilet breaks and deals with any antisocial doggie behavior. The hire cost depends on how long you need the dog handler for.
♥ If possible make sure your dog is familiar with the ceremony and reception spaces so that they know how to sit comfortably there. It is a good idea to include your dog in the rehearsal so that your dog can get to know strangers he will encounter during the wedding as well as his new surroundings. This is also a great way of checking out, from your dog’s point of view, what possible hazards there could be for your dog on the wedding day, including toxic plants, swimming pools or other animals which might distract him during the wedding ceremony.
♥ If you intend on having your dog sit in the receiving line then practice beforehand so that he gets used this. The earlier you start this sort of training the better.
♥ If you are getting married out of town remember to make sure that you book accommodation for your dog at a pet-welcoming hotel.
♥ It is important that whoever is handling your dog on the day of the wedding (whether it is a professional or one of your bridal party) is aware of the timings of key events in the wedding ceremony and reception. They need to have time to walk your dog and make sure that he is well exercised and has used up some of his energy so that he can walk calmly down the aisle or sit patiently during the ceremony.
♥ Avoid giving your dog too much food or water immediately prior to and during the ceremony. This will help to prevent unwanted toileting accidents!
♥ It is important to ensure that whoever is walking the dog down the aisle is strong enough to control the dog. The last thing you want is your bridesmaid being dragged down the aisle on the end of a dog leash Indiana Jones-style!
♥ Make sure that your dog is not permitted to run around unsupervised, especially if there are children present at your wedding that your dog is unused to. Your dog might behave like an angel usually but if he is provoked by a child wielding a stick up his bottom you don’t know how he might react!
♥ Have a plan in place that if your dog becomes tired or antisocial he can be discreetly taken away from the wedding ceremony or reception and cared for – this is a good reason to employ a professional dog-sitter as your attendance is not going to want to miss out on the wedding because of your dog!
♥ You must be flexible if you are including your dog in your wedding ceremony. Anything can happen and you have to be prepared for that, to have measures put in place to deal with dog emergencies and be able to laugh it off!
♥ Never cause your dog any unnecessary stress. If you feel it is necessary bring their cage with them so that they can be locked up safely and comfortably if your wedding proves to be a bit too much for them.
♥ If you have a totally unpredictable dog but you really want them to participate in your wedding, have a parent or friend lead to the alter to deliver your wedding rings during the ceremony and then they can lead the dog away immediately before he has a chance to do anything mischievous!
Wedding attire for your pet:
To help your dog look the part for your wedding, outfit them for the occasion. Some ideas for doggie wedding attire are:
♥ A simple bow tie, bandana or ribbon around your pet’s neck to match the color theme of your wedding (my dog wore a tartan ribbon for my wedding photos – very simple but incredibly cute!).
♥ A new collar and leash that match your wedding colors.
♥ A dog tuxedo, formal dress or t-shirt with printed words on it. According to the owner of a dog wedding apparel store the bridesmaid’s gowns and ring-bearer tuxes are increasingly the best-selling items.
Personally I think that just the fact that your pet is attending your wedding will be cute enough for your guests so there is really nor a great need to dress them up in formal wedding attire. It is you decision though – do what you think is bes
Unless you are absolutely certain that your pet can be counted on to behave during your wedding then it might be better to have them participate in the wedding photos and leave it at that.
Of course some dogs at weddings probably turn out to be better behaved than the human wedding guests! My opinion is that if your pet is important to you and your fiancé, and you don’t mind sharing your spotlight with a four legged friend, then embrace the new trend and include them in your wedding – it is your special day and you don’t want to have any regrets!
Posted by Kelly from From Tucson Bride and Groom ….
Originally posted Feb. 3, 2011
Many topics divide people when it comes to weddings…assigned or open seating, buffet or plated dinner, open or cash bar, in a place of worship or outside, you get the idea, but one topic that really seems to get under people’s skin is dogs at weddings.
Some think a wedding is no place for an animal (unless it’s the best man dancing up a storm) and some feel that dogs are family members who shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun.
Regardless, many couples are increasingly incorporating their furry babies into their special day, and that’s OK (hear my group therapy style acceptance?).
Dog lover and animal expert Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow, offers some insight for those of you planning to include your pooches on your wedding day. Camp Bow Wow® is a premier doggy daycare and overnight camp that has grown to include over 100 Camps across North America so I am thinking she knows her stuff!
 Heidi weighs the pros and cons: The image of Fido walking down the aisle as a ring bearer is a memorable occasion for pet lovers. Before proceeding, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of having your pet at your wedding. Unfortunately, very few religious and indoor venues will allow dogs on location other than service animals. If you are open to an outdoor wedding, including your pet is more realistic.
Additionally, it is important to consider your pet’s personality. If you have a free-spirited animal, he may not abide to walk down the aisle on his own. Also, be cautious of guests with pet allergies; warn them in advance that your dog will be attending. However, the benefits are endless. Since proud pet owners consider their dog as part of the family, Fido’s attendance will add a special touch to your day.
How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony:
1. Training Day: Weeks, then days, before the wedding, take your pup to the location so that he is well acquainted with the area. Have him practice walking down the aisle and reward him with a treat.
 2. A Doggy Makeover: A fresh bath and a trip to the groomer is necessary the day before the wedding.
3. Dress Up Your Pup: Everyone in your wedding party will be dressed up and so should Fido! Consider buying a dog collar and leash that matches your bridesmaid dresses or a cute little bowtie to go with the groomsmen. This will make your wedding party more uniform.
4. Energizer Puppy: To avoid having an overly hyper dog at the wedding, take them to Camp Bow Wow to run, play and gets lots of energy out the days leading up to the wedding, or take your pet for a long walk or run 
5. Stage Fright: If your pet is nervous around strangers, limit his role and have him leave after the ceremony. If you have a friendly dog, then let him stay for the reception.
 6. Doggy Chaperone: Don’t leave your pet unattended. Designate someone as the dog’s sitter to make sure that he is taken out for bathroom breaks, or hire Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow to take the responsibility on.
from Elle’s Barkery
7. Doggy Buffet: Make sure your pet doesn’t sample human food and have dog food handy at the reception to ensure that he is well fed. Don’t forgot to have a bowl with fresh water!
8. Let Them Eat Cake: Since the wedding cake is strictly off limits, consider investing in a special cake from a dog bakery.
Brides, if you are going to include your dog in your wedding, just follow Heidi’s advice… for everyone’s sake!
Chatting Soon~Kelly
I love dogs…I have 2 myself.  I’ll be more than happy to photograph your dogs with you….and if you let me know what kind of dog(s) you belong to, I may carry a treat or three in my pocket!
3. How do you accommodate dogs and their owners?
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I just love my dogs!  They’re both rescue dogs.  Holly is the most wonderful, docile Golden Retriever/German Shepard mix and is now about 14 years old.  I rescued her from the animal shelter almost 9 years ago.  About 6 months after Holly joined our family, I got a call from a friend…who had a friend that needed to get rid of the dog he just rescued.  I offered to house the dog temporarily until I could find her a home.  Well….you know how thos
e stories go.  I became the proud owner of Jesse, then a 4 year old)…a very hyper border collie that loves bubbles and frisbees.  And when those aren’t available, she’s more than willing to bring you any sock she can find in order to play fetch.  They are two total opposites…crazy hyper but sweet, and totally calm and even sweeter.  Yep, they’re my constant pals when I’m editing.  I’d take them on shoots, but Holly would drive everyone crazy trying to get petted, and Jesse would drive everyone crazy wanting to play! lol   Â
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Stephanie Hickerty
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A note from the editor: I have personally experienced the benefit a Therapy Dog can provide you when you are hospitalized. They just make you smile, which is no small thing when you have been lying flat on your back attached to more IV’s and monitors then you want to recall. The feeling they leave you with lingers too. Painkillers? Gimme a dog licking my face anytime! – Gary
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Want to Be a Therapy Dog Team? Start Here!
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Guest blogger Rachel McPherson is the founder and executive director of The Good Dog Foundation in New York City and author of the new book Every Dog Has a Gift from Tarcher/Penguin Publishing.
The following is an excerpt from the Petfinder Blog.
 
A therapy dog can provide healing to his or her companion or family, as well as hundreds of other people in a therapeutic setting – whether a hospital, a school or a retirement home. The remarkable work of therapy dogs (as well as service dogs and household pets) inspired me to write Every Dog Has a Gift. Likewise, I hope that readers will be inspired by the amazing stories in this book to do some good work with their own companion dog!
If you’re interested in getting your dog certified, here are some tips to get you started:Â
* Undergo an evaluation and a training course. A good animal-assisted therapy organization should offer a thorough evaluation, training program, basic obedience training (if necessary) and follow-up. An experienced trainer will evaluate you and your dog as a team and place you in the appropriate courses. Training courses should use positive reinforcement and patient, reward-based methods.
* Volunteer! The Good Dog Foundation maintains relationships with hospitals, schools and other facilities where we help schedule and orient therapy teams as they begin their outreach. After certification by a therapy organization, you and your dog can volunteer on your own or, even better, work with that organization to find volunteer opportunities in your area.
If you would like to continue reading more sections from this article, including:
* Why become a Therapy Dog team?
* What do Therapy Dogs practice?
* How are Therapy Dogs evaluated?
* How do Therapy Dogs get certified?
* Therapy Dogs and kids: How they help?
Please visit the Petfinder Blog (this link will take you directly to the article)
Oh gosh, there are so many fun and creative possibilities when it comes to incorporating your dog(s)! For many people, their pets are a part of their family…and we totally get that. Just like how you’d want to involve your sister, brother or best friend in your wedding/commitment ceremony, those wanting to have their dog(s) involved is no different. When we meet, we can talk about how your pups can be involved as little or as much as you’d like them to be! Here’s just some of our ideas:
- As long as they aren’t too fidgety or anxious, Sparky and Rocco can act as a “flower girl†and/or “ring bearer†with a cute dog outfit/costume attached to one and a pillow gently strapped to the other.Â
- If they aren’t a fan of doggy attire, they can simply be a part of your bridal party with a little collar bow tie or floral accessory clipped to their hair!Â
- Another way they can take part in your celebration is to be at the very end of your receiving line, should you choose to have one!
- Sparky and Rocco can even just lay at your officiant’s feet and look simply adorable throughout your nuptials, too.  Â
We’re a wedding/special event planning and coordinating firm based out of North Jersey. Our motto: “No limits. Just high standards.†should speak for itself — so of course we would happily incorporate dogs into a wedding, birthday or other special event! As a wedding and special event company, we’re committed to making you happy and stress-free by providing outstanding, luxurious, personal planning and advising services for weddings and various social events.
What makes us unique is that you actually get more than just a wedding/special event planner, coordinator and staff. Our clients (and yes, even your pups) really receive a high-class personal and luxurious experience. We love the relationships we build with our clients, and it doesn’t just stop at your event. We’re a fresh firm, offering both traditional and modern takes on wedding/special event planning. Whatever it is, we’ll do our best to make it happen. You and your pups will have the best team supporting you all!
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Well first of all, we LOVE dogs so we do our absolute best to accommodate them and their engaged owners as much as possible right from the very beginning. Our complimentary consultation (and even future client meetings) can take place at the comfort of their own home or their local dog park! It’s really wherever you and your dogs are most comfortable.
We also provide a bunch of perks and benefits when working with us that both you and your pups can take advantage of. For example, here’s a taste of what we offer: Â
- Clients receive a customized website where you can keep track of all your planning/vendor docs, inspiration, finances and more. We can customize this to include engagement pictures or any special pictures of you and your pup(s)!
- While our human clients are really the focus of our Lifetime VIP circle, we never forget about your pups! Your pooch will also receive a gift at the wedding along with some extra special belly rubs and scratches behind the ears! There will also be annual check ins (letters, gifts, discounts, invitations to exclusive events, etc) that may be available to you and your dogs, too!
- On the day of your wedding, we may designate one team member to provide extra special and close attention to your pups to ensure they’re having a fun and relaxing day too
- While you and your other half take part in your cake cutting ceremony, your pups will enjoy a little treat for themselves! (Great photo opportunity)Â
 fax:    1 (800) 870-1093
From Vow-wow-wow – To Gabriela and Justin of No Limits Events
Thank you so much! Â
Celia, Michael, Gary, Sophie and Sparky
–Ben Williams
Many loyal dog owners generously endorsed my recent article about the advantages of owning a dog as opposed to having a facelift. Hundreds of readers offered wonderful anecdotes, advice and direction regarding dog and cat adoption/rescue and the wonders of owning a pet. Each comment contributed mightily to the content and message of the article. I was surprised, however, that the piece garnered little interest or curiosity about canine-assisted therapy or its counterpart, animal-assisted therapy. The ability to volunteer with your loving animal to help another person who is sick, ailing or simply lonely is a special experience that I would like to share with you. I think it is appropriate to consider this form of volunteering for the good of your fellow man during this holiday season. So please allow me to explain what I believe is the most important reason to get a dog instead of a facelift.
Animal-assisted therapy was first described in the ninth century in Belgium to treat people who were handicapped. In 1792, animals were used in psychiatric hospitals in Great Britain to help patients learn to care for a living creature in a form of what we now call behavioral therapy. Over 100 years ago, Florence Nightingale wrote that pets are perfect companions for patients confined to the hospital with chronic illness. Animal-assisted therapy was first used in the United States in 1940 to treat veterans and allowed them to interact with animals as therapy.
The premise of canine-assisted therapy involves a team composed of a dog and an owner/handler who provide physical and psychological therapy through social interaction from canine companionship. Studies have shown that interaction with the dogs, petting them, handling them and just playing with them reduces stress, increases physical activity, relieves depression and anxiety, calms and motivates patients and helps normalize difficult situations. It is used to assist both children and adults in hospitals, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, elder care centers, boarding schools, college and professional schools, schools for special needs children, juvenile jails and prisons. Groups of people that have benefited from canine-assisted therapy include nursing home patients, hospice patients, cancer patients, pediatric patients, autistic children, children with learning or reading disabilities, children with behavioral problems and teenagers and adults with substance abuse problems.
There are several local and national organizations that administer canine-assisted therapy. Not every dog is a candidate for this program because it requires a canine that is fairly even-tempered, well-behaved, comfortable being petted and touched by strangers and gets along with other dogs. The handler and dog team undergo a five- to nine-week training program (one evening per week) to enable them to be comfortable in a hospital- or institution-type situation and teach them the different types of interaction needed. Dogs that demonstrate good basic obedience, obey commands such as “sit†and “stay†and leash-walk calmly require only the five-week therapy-training course. This once-weekly training includes socialization, instruction on safe dog handling in a healthcare facility, role-playing and desensitization to loud noises and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches and IV poles, etc.
I can speak firsthand about the benefits of volunteering, as I have watched and witnessed the trials and tribulations experienced by my wife Valerie and our 120-pound Bullmastiff Lily. Their nickname is “Beauty and the Beast,†but Valerie vigorously objects, arguing that Lily is the “Beauty.†Over the last several years they have visited public schools where children with reading disabilities read to the dogs and gain confidence in reading out loud because they understand that the dog will never judge them. They have visited troubled teenagers in juvenile jail, anxious and stressed college and medical school students around exam times, lonely elderly people in nursing homes and cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital. Every visit is eventful and memorable for all parties involved. I have watched my no-nonsense, born-and-raised-in-New-York-City wife well up with tears while describing the obvious relief and escape experienced by the cancer patient as she curls up with Lily because she misses her dog so. For a short time she is at peace and forgets her pain. Yes, our beast of a dog gets in bed with some patients (when invited!) and usually naps with them! The hospital visits benefit both patients and staff members alike, as caring for people who are sick and dying can obviously be very stressful.
The experiences are also invaluable for the therapy team. Dog and owner bond in an even more special and delightful way, as they both realize and enjoy the fact that they are bringing a small but important amount of sunshine into the lives of people who need it most. It is the purest form of giving, and as Susan Ariel Kennedy observed most eloquently, “dogs are miracles with pawsâ€!
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This Blogger’s Books from
2011 looks to be an exciting year for all of us ‘rescue dogs’ at Vow-wow-wow. We thought we would take this opportunity to wish you, and all of your loved ones, a very happy New Year.
If this is the year that you are going to get married, Congratulations! (English..lol) Mazel Tov! (Hebrew) ¡Enhorabuena! (Spanish) Onnittelut! (Finnish) Congratulazioni! (Italian) Félicitations! (French) and Pongezi! (Swahili).
Pink Poodle courtesy of Deeva Beauty
We invite you come spend some time with us and learn how to include your best friend (canine variety) in your Wedding Ceremony, in your Wedding Celebration, or both. We plan on having all sorts of extremely valuable information about Dogs & Weddings!
Along the way, we hope to introduce you to some of the finest vendors in the Wedding Business – Dog Friendly Wedding Venues, Dog Friendly Destination Venues, and Photographers, Florists, Make Up Artists, Dog Groomers, Dog Trainers, Dog Handlers, and Veterinarians – All Dog Friendly! Of course!
We have some very exciting plans for this next year, and when the time is right, we promise you that you will be the first to know about them!
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Michael is on the right, with Sophie!
The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of our overall blog health ..we’re alive and kicking! !!
The Blog-Health-o-Meterâ„¢ reads This blog is on FIRE!
Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 1,400 times in 2010. That’s about 3 full 747s.
Is this the cutest puppy yet? I so want one!
In 2010, there were 11 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 318 pictures uploaded, taking up a total
of 59mb. That’s about 6 pictures per week.
The busiest day of the year was December 2nd with 206 views. The most popular post that day was About Us.
Where did they come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, weddingwire.com, mail.yahoo.com, wedding.ebonito.com, and mail.live.com.
Some visitors came searching, mostly for vowwowwow.wordpress.com, vow wow wow, vowwowwow, vowwowwow@wordpress.com, and vowwowwow wordpress.
Attractions in 2010
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These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.
About Us September 2010
1 comment
A ‘Tail’ of Romance: Your Dog, Your Wedding, Your Way! December 2010
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Our Vendors September 2010
Slideshow November 2010
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Thank you for helping to launch Vow-wow-wow in 2010, just wait to see what we have in store for you in our dog house for 2011!
Please come join us in making Vow-wow-wow the premier online destination for all things Dogs & Weddings! Arf!
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Please come join us in making Vow-wow-wow the premier online destination for all things Dogs & Weddings! Arf!
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From Celia Milton:
Every wedding party needs a venue, and if you’re going to invite “Spot or Princessâ€, you need a venue that will welcome your dogs as warmly as it welcomes your guests. Â
1. Tell us about your business
I am the Senior Catering Sales Manager to the social market (weddings!) at the Hilton Boston Logan.
We are a Pet-Friendly Venue! We provide dog treats at check in, dog beds & water bowls, and have a walking trail on the property.
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Our placecards were dog shaped people cookies. I also provided labeled milk bones for the dog of every guest.
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 4. Tell us about YOUR dogs! 
Beth Rolfe * Senior Catering Sales Manager
phone:Â 617-568-6716
Hilton Boston Logan | One Hotel Drive, Boston, MA 02128
617 568 6700 hotel | 617 568 6856 fax
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