What’s it all about, Ralfie? Cockapoo puppy joins owners on happiest day
The Boyles married in September – and wouldn’t have dreamt of a ceremony without cockapoo Ralfie in attendance.
Steph and Robert, who met 13 years ago, became engaged in December 2017 and planned their wedding for 2020 but, at the start of the pandemic, they decided to postpone the big day for a year.
In that year, they got a puppy. And when the big day did come along at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss, there was no question that Ralfie would miss the big day.
“Our family dog passed away in 2019 and I knew we’d get a dog eventually as a couple, but due to our busy schedules we didn’t feel it was fair,” Steph said. “When Covid hit we found ourselves at home most of the time and I got a job closer to where we lived so we decided it was as good a time as any.
“Ralfie is a red cockapoo. He just turned one in March. He’s the best decision we’ve ever made (maybe other than getting married!) He’s such an integral part of our family.
“We knew we wanted him at the wedding. He’s such a part of our lives now that it would’ve been weird not to have him with us. Plus we wanted some cute photos!
“But we didn’t want a guest to have to be responsible for him for the weekend. I also knew it would be a long, overwhelming day to have him there for the full time and that’s when we decided to get in some help.”
The couple hired a dog chaperone to bring him to the wedding and help look after him before, during, and after the ceremony.
“Ralfie loved it!” Steph said. “He was quite overwhelmed by everyone though and he was only six months at the time so very young to be around all day. The guests loved seeing him! He got well and truly fussed over.”
Robert added: “We knew Ralfie would make an appearance at our wedding but having a dog chaperone made it possible. At six months old he was too young to be there all weekend and his wellbeing was our priority.
“We met with her numerous times to make sure he was comfortable before we left him which was a huge weight off our minds. He’s been back for days and overnights since the wedding – he absolutely loves it.
“One of the highlights of my day was walking Ralfie round to see our guests. He was a wee star!”