Dogs make wedding guest list

PUPS are going walkies down the aisle – with half of owners bringing them along to watch them tie the knot.

And one in six say their pet played a major part in their big day, dressing as a furry bridesmaids, maid of honour or best man.

Natalie and Adam Duckworth enlisted two-year-old pug Pumpkin as flower girl for their wedding. Tiny Pumpkin almost upstaged the bride in her cute white floral collar.

Natalie, 24, from Chorley, Lancs, said: “Pumpkin was our only flower girl. My baby had to have a special spot. Having her as our flower girl just made it even more perfect.”

Tanguy Peers, co- founder of pet- sitting app Pawshake, which carried out the study, said: “Pets are becoming more and more part of the family, so it’s not surprising to see we are involving them in one of the most important days of our lives.

“We love to hear stories of pets being ring bearers or in the wedding party.”

And after the ceremony, animals OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. still take a lead role in celebrations, with 40 per cent even tagging along on the honeymoon. Many owners admit they would worry about leaving their pup in kennels after the wedding.

Tanguy said: “It’s a shame that some newlyweds feel stressed about leaving their pet behind when it comes to their honeymoon – so much so that they’d even consider cancelling the most special holiday of their lives.

“At Pawshake, we encourage people to use the meet and greet service so the pet and pet sitter can bond and leave the owner feeling secure about their pet while on honeymoon.”

Layla Flaherty, from dog modelling agency Urban Paws, added: “There’s been a huge increase in people involving their pets in their weddings and I think it’s great.

“Dogs play such a huge part of people’s lives and are part of the family so to be part of a milestone event like a wedding is just wonderful.

“If I was getting married, I know I’d want my dog Buttons there.

“It just wouldn’t be the same without him there.” MY dog’s nose is runnier than usual. Could he have a cold? If so, would there be any other symptoms to look out for?

Honeymoon