Dogs
By Tamara McRill
Naturally, we would like to have our canine companions present at all of life's major events, but does this include weddings? With two exceptions, there isn't an easy answer, whether you're the bride and groom or a guest. If you're thoughtful and ask questions the answer shouldn't be too hard to come up with.
Here are some questions to ask and issues to think over before bringing your dog to a wedding:
Ask the Bride and Groom
This is your first stop on your way to seeing if your dog can be your plus one. It also happens to be the easiest way to find out if your dog would be welcome at the nuptials. If the bride or groom say no, then that's your answer. Don't try to pressure them otherwise—it's their special day.
Does the Venue Allow Dogs?
The second easiest way to discover if your non-service animal can attend the ceremony or reception is to ask if the venue allows animals. Most inside facilities—and some outdoor ones—don't allow pets on the premises. So even if the bride gives you the green light, make sure to check. She'll have enough on her plate with the planning.
Check the Guests
Is anyone on the guest list allergic or afraid of dogs? If so, then it might be best to leave your dog at home or in the hotel room. You don't want to not ask and have the groom's sister bring things to a halt by having an allergy induced asthma attack or some other scenario. Again, the spotlight should be on the couple and not any distress inadvertently caused by your pet.
Friendly and Trained?
Has your dog been taught to sit quietly among a group of strangers? Don't guess or risk it with a dog that has never been in that kind of situation. Even if your dog is well-behaved, they may still be affected by all the excitement and get antsy.
Do They Have Bladder Control?
Remember, you may not be able to get up in the middle of the ceremony to take your dog to relieve himself. If your pet has trouble holding it for a few minutes, then you might want to reconsider bringing her along. (Always let your dog go to the bathroom before any event, regardless of bladder control.) As this video shows, you never know where a dog will relieve themselves—even if it's on the wedding dress!
Food for Thought
Are you absolutely sure your dog can resist sampling the wedding food? And will you be able to keep an eye on your pooch at all times so a guest doesn't feed him something he shouldn't have? Food that’s deadly to pets, like chocolate for example, is often served at weddings. Never bring a hungry pet to a wedding reception. It will be torture for them and make disturbances more likely. Try to bring along dog treats and even some CANIDAE dog food so they can eat too.
Will You be Drinking?
If you plan on having more than one alcoholic beverage at the wedding reception, then it would be safer to not bring your dog. With dulled senses you won't be able to keep track of your pet like a busy social event demands. You might be able to bring your dog to the ceremony, but get them safely home before cocktail hour begins.
If the bride, groom and guests are all dog people and you've gone through all the possibilities, then your pet will probably enjoy being at the wedding.
Have you ever taken a dog to a wedding? How did it go?
Photo by Deb Gray
Read more articles by Tamara McRill
- Petco Weddings & More: A Giveaway
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- Petco Wedding Fashion Fun
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Wedding Dresses For DogsIn this post you will see most beautiful designer Wedding Dresses For Dogs. A few of the accessories you can purchase consist of amazingly jewelry, ribbon and lovely veils. These types of add a touch of sophistication...
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Wedding Dresses For DogsIn this post you will see most beautiful designer Wedding Dresses For Dogs. A few of the accessories you can purchase consist of amazingly jewelry, ribbon and lovely veils. These types of add a touch of sophistication...
Dogs
Should You Take a (Non-Service) Dog to a Wedding?
Naturally, we would like to have our canine companions present at all of life's major events, but does this include weddings? With two exceptions, there isn't an easy answer, whether you're the bride and groom or a guest. If you're thoughtful and ask questions the answer shouldn't be too hard to come up with.
Here are some questions to ask and issues to think over before bringing your dog to a wedding:
Ask the Bride and Groom
This is your first stop on your way to seeing if your dog can be your plus one. It also happens to be the easiest way to find out if your dog would be welcome at the nuptials. If the bride or groom say no, then that's your answer. Don't try to pressure them otherwise—it's their special day.
Does the Venue Allow Dogs?
The second easiest way to discover if your non-service animal can attend the ceremony or reception is to ask if the venue allows animals. Most inside facilities—and some outdoor ones—don't allow pets on the premises. So even if the bride gives you the green light, make sure to check. She'll have enough on her plate with the planning.
Check the Guests
Is anyone on the guest list allergic or afraid of dogs? If so, then it might be best to leave your dog at home or in the hotel room. You don't want to not ask and have the groom's sister bring things to a halt by having an allergy induced asthma attack or some other scenario. Again, the spotlight should be on the couple and not any distress inadvertently caused by your pet.
Friendly and Trained?
Has your dog been taught to sit quietly among a group of strangers? Don't guess or risk it with a dog that has never been in that kind of situation. Even if your dog is well-behaved, they may still be affected by all the excitement and get antsy.
Do They Have Bladder Control?
Remember, you may not be able to get up in the middle of the ceremony to take your dog to relieve himself. If your pet has trouble holding it for a few minutes, then you might want to reconsider bringing her along. (Always let your dog go to the bathroom before any event, regardless of bladder control.) As this video shows, you never know where a dog will relieve themselves—even if it's on the wedding dress!
Food for Thought
Are you absolutely sure your dog can resist sampling the wedding food? And will you be able to keep an eye on your pooch at all times so a guest doesn't feed him something he shouldn't have? Food that’s deadly to pets, like chocolate for example, is often served at weddings. Never bring a hungry pet to a wedding reception. It will be torture for them and make disturbances more likely. Try to bring along dog treats and even some CANIDAE dog food so they can eat too.
Will You be Drinking?
If you plan on having more than one alcoholic beverage at the wedding reception, then it would be safer to not bring your dog. With dulled senses you won't be able to keep track of your pet like a busy social event demands. You might be able to bring your dog to the ceremony, but get them safely home before cocktail hour begins.
If the bride, groom and guests are all dog people and you've gone through all the possibilities, then your pet will probably enjoy being at the wedding.
Have you ever taken a dog to a wedding? How did it go?
Photo by Deb Gray
Read more articles by Tamara McRill
- Petco Weddings & More: A Giveaway
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com I Take Thee...The bride and groom are probably quivering with excitement as this moment arrives. I now pronounce you spousepuppies! Isn't the bride beautiful?!!! Every proper wedding write up should note...
- Petco Wedding Fashion Fun
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Beautiful Wedding Accessories With fun Fido wedding events going on in the blogosphere, Petco decided to get in on that action. Our latest review package is a fashion show for the wedding party--the bride,...
- Mutt Monday Mellows Out
by Carrie Boyko, CEB It's time to let the groom out of the garage.....err, something like that. I've got a son getting married in less than 2 weeks and things are really hopping around here. I've been rolling in high gear for weeks now and...
- Wedding Dresses For Dogs
Wedding Dresses For DogsIn this post you will see most beautiful designer Wedding Dresses For Dogs. A few of the accessories you can purchase consist of amazingly jewelry, ribbon and lovely veils. These types of add a touch of sophistication...
- Wedding Dresses For Dogs
Wedding Dresses For DogsIn this post you will see most beautiful designer Wedding Dresses For Dogs. A few of the accessories you can purchase consist of amazingly jewelry, ribbon and lovely veils. These types of add a touch of sophistication...