The Doggy Bloggy

Eddie Van Halen’s new bride was escorted down the aisle by her venerable old Pomeranian. Gwen Stefani was escorted down the aisle by her sheepdog, Winston. Sir Elton John’s best man was his Cocker Spaniel, Arthur. Other celebrities who included their pooches in their nuptials are Adam Sandler, Tori Spelling and Gisele Bunchen and Tom Brady.

But it’s not just Hollywood where dogs are playing the role of groomsmen, bridesmaids, ring bearers and flower girls. It’s become an ever increasing trend in modern weddings all over America and Europe. Some couples even have their cats or birds participate.

Some couples choose full participation in the ceremony, some choose to just have their pets join them for the wedding photos or as guests at the reception. Snuffy, the lovely Saint Bernard pictured above, got to do both. First she was the ringbearer – she carried the rings in her cask of course — and then attended the reception and danced the night away with the newlyweds.

More and more churches, banquet halls and hotels are making allowances for pets to attend. But just because you can have your dog at your wedding, doesn’t necessarily mean you should. There are many factors to review when considering whether or not Fido should be one of your groomsmen.

“Some dogs get scared or aggressive in the midst of a lot of people and activity,” explained Jennifer Burgess, a clinical instructor of animal behavior and welfare at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “A dog may be able to handle a crowd, but then add loud noises, strangers, children and a costume, and it may be pushed over the edge.”