How Our First Speaking Engagement Helped a Homeless Animal Find Their Home
Happy Gotcha Day to Rocky! One year ago we brought him from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to a speaking event where he found his forever home!
One year ago we had our first speaking engagement with the National Association for Catering & Events at Postcard Inn on St Pete Beach. We spoke about the challenges we faced as pioneers in the Wedding Day Pet Care industry. We were not only there to lead a conversation with our peers, we were also on a mission to help a homeless dog from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay find his forever home.
We broke the pup out of the shelter & on to a big adventure to join us in St Pete!
Before we spoke, we were able to network with other vendors to talk about our wedding pet care services while allowing the pup to get some much needed socialization. He did so great meeting new people & exploring a new environment & we were so proud of him!
There was one person in particular who could not take their eyes off of the adorable retriever mix. She asked to hold him for a bit while we presented & by the end of the day, she decided she couldn’t let him go back to the shelter without a home.
We met her at the shelter later that day & made things official!
We were incredibly honored to sponsor the adoption fee & send this deserving pup into his new forever home!
Rocky is flourishing in his new home. He is beyond loved by his Mom, extended family & kitty brother.
Rocky just celebrated his GOTCHA day & we could not be happier to have helped connect him with his forever home!
10 Reasons to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
As if you needed reasons on why you should include your dog in your wedding, we’re here to provide some anyway! Maybe your mom or dad doesn’t quite get it or you need help convincing your fiance that your pup deserves to join the celebration, either way we’ve got your back!
As if you needed reasons on why you should include your dog in your wedding, we’re here to provide some anyway! Maybe your mom or dad doesn’t quite get it or you need help convincing your fiance that your pup deserves to join the celebration, either way we’ve got your back!
Here are our top 10 reasons why you should include your dog in your wedding day:
Photo by: POLKBROS Entertainment
Peace of Mind
As long as you do it right, planning care for your dog on your wedding day will bring you such peace of mind. With so many other things on your mind, it will be such a relief knowing you took the steps needed to ensure your dog’s care is covered. Whether you include them in the actual wedding or not, working this detail into your wedding planning is crucial for all dog parents!
Out of the House
Beyond your dog’s needs being met, planning for them to attend your wedding means they will be out of the house & on an adventure. This is especially great for dog’s with separation anxiety!
Guest Entertainment
Have your dog stick around for cocktail hour after the ceremony or greet guests as they are arriving. It will be such a fun surprise for your guests, especially those that may never have had the chance to meet your pup otherwise! It’s a bonus that doggie cuddles makes for great entertainment for your guests while they await the start of the ceremony or reception.
Tired Pup = Happy Pup
Another added bonus of including your dog in your wedding day is knowing they will be getting great exercise. You’ll be able to enjoy your reception knowing your pup is back home & resting after a fun-filled day!
Photo by renee rodgers photography
5. Picture Paw-fect Photos
It goes without saying that if you’re including your dog in your wedding, you’re going to get some incredible, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Seriously, take advantage of this time to get professional photos of your pup - you will cherish them for years to come!
6. Cute Details
Even if your dog cannot physically attend your wedding, you can still find ways to Include them in your details! One of our favorites is a signature cocktail sign with a drink named after them. Create a custom sign to display on your bar & you’ll be cheers-ing to your pup all night long!
7. Stress Relief
Again, as long as you do it right, including your dog in your wedding can actually be a stress RELIEF! Consider having them come by while you’re finishing getting ready & the jitters are really starting to sink in. It can be easy to let the day just fly by, but there’s nothing like a few snuggles from your pup to really bring you into the present moment.
8. Pets Are Family
Many dog owners consider their pet a part of the family. They are your babies, the ones who you come home to every night, take care of & provide you with endless love & support. For so many, they cannot imagine one of the most special days of their lives without their best friend at their side.
9. Their Best Day Ever
If you’re considering your dog’s personality when choosing their role in the day, we guarantee your wedding day will be their best day ever! There is no doubt that they can FEEL the love in the air, even if they may not know exactly what is going on. They’ll be so happy to be surrounded by the people they love most & being able to celebrate with their Mom & Dad!
10. It’s Adorable!
Try to tell us differently, but we won’t believe you. After the countless happy tails we’ve encountered, we’re sure that including your dog in whatever way you see fit will no doubt bring paws-itvity to your wedding day!
Photo by: Autumn Nicole Imagery
While these reasons are likely enough to convince anyone that your dog can be a part of your wedding, it’s our recommendation that you consider your pet’s personality before choosing their role in the day. Be sure to check in with your vendors, as well!
Our number one tip to ensuring you AND your dog can have the best day ever is to hire a wedding pet attendant. Their sole focus will be on your pup & hiring a professional means you can truly relax knowing your dog is getting the care they need & deserve.
Photo by Nate Puhr Photo & Cinema
Or contact us today to learn more about
Wedding Day Pet Care!
Adopt Don't Shop - Rescue Stories *Part 2*
Meet this year’s contest entries & hear their rescue stories Part 2
Every year, we host our Adopt Don’t Shop contest where we reward one lucky couple with a FREE FairyTail Wedding for rescuing their pet(s)!
We had some pretty amazing entries this year & wanted to share their stories with you. Here is Part 2 of all of the rescue pups who entered!
Brody
@jc00p
“Our eight year old puppy brings so much joy to everyone he meets.
He has been the best (wo)man’s best friend that g girl could ask for.”
Gracie
@joelleteresa
“Never has there ever been a pair more fitting for the phrase “who rescue who?”
It’s been one year since we saved Gracie & one year since she saved my fiance.
Their bond makes me okay with being the third wheel.”
Fitzgeraldine
@queenfitzgeraldine
“Getting rescued was only the beginning for Fitz…
Before she was even five months old she adopted and returned twice.
But as they say… third time is a charm!
She is our best friend.”
Moose & Stella
@melissmuller
“A few days after moving to Orlando, we drove to the animal shelter "‘just to look’…
We fell in love with a big brown dog (Moose) who they warned us had been returned multiple times.
They practically gave him to us for free.
He was wild & out of control. We spent months working with him and giving him the stability he needed.
…and he became the perfect dog!”
Ellie
@elilily
“I’d seen just about every dog at this adoption ay and was feeling defeated as I turned to leave.
I pulled out my keys and barely caught this dog from the corner of my eye, sitting still in a pen full of puppies.
I immediately turned around to go back in and meet her.
We sat down and she walked right into my lap and plopped down.
In that moment I knew definitively: She was mine and I was her.
On paper, I may have rescued her. But the truth is, she rescued me.”
Butter
@giuliannaaa
“We share a special kind of love that no one can match.”
Seamus & Jolene
@maciver.it
“Adopting these two was life changing.
I appreciate them so much, along with the rescue organizations that made it possible for me to adopt these beautiful souls…
Home At Last Dog Rescue and Pennsylvania SPCA.”
Ripley
@heystraawberrry
“To know Ripley, is to love her.
We adopted her from Furever Bully Love Rescue last October.
She had been dropped off at the Humane Society with a broken jaw, broke teeth and her back covered in burns…
We met her and knew right away she was the perfection addition to our house.
She is the sweetest, most gentle dog I’ve ever met!
& finally… our 2019 Adopt Don’t Shop winner:
Theodore
Theodore loves toys, swimming and smiling!
He was rescued two years ago from Last Chance Animal Rescue
@amandashalna