Last Updated on September 1, 2024 by Fumipets
Golden Retriever’s Role at Wedding Gains New Meaning After Heartbreaking Loss
In a heartwarming yet bittersweet story, a Maryland woman’s Golden Retriever, Benny, became an unforgettable part of her wedding day, a moment that has now taken on new significance following a tragic loss. Meg N., the dog’s owner, shared the emotional experience on TikTok under the handle @staygoldenboys, where her videos captured Benny’s special role during her wedding to husband Joe in 2022. Little did they know that Benny’s presence on their big day would be even more cherished after his untimely passing.
Benny: The Best ‘Doggo’ at the Wedding
Benny, a lovable Golden Retriever, was more than just a pet to Meg and Joe. He was their “best doggo,” a title he earned from the very first day he came into their lives as a puppy in January 2021 during the lockdown. “From the beginning, we always called ourselves the ‘three best friends’ so we knew he had to be there when we got married,” Meg shared. “There was no Joe and Meg without Benny.”
Their bond with Benny was unbreakable, and his presence at their wedding was non-negotiable. Finding a dog-friendly venue became a top priority, as did selecting the perfect song for Benny’s entrance down the aisle. After much consideration, they chose “Jordan Belfort” by Wes Walker, a song that matched Benny’s playful spirit and made his entrance unforgettable.
The Growing Trend of Including Pets in Weddings
The choice to have Benny as part of their wedding is part of a growing trend among pet owners. According to a 2022 poll of 2,000 dog owners conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Amazon Handmade, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults expressed interest in including their dogs in their weddings. From serving as ring bearers to flower girls and even best men, dogs are increasingly seen as integral members of the family who deserve a special role in these significant life events.
Benny’s Big Day: A Joyous Celebration
Meg and Joe tied the knot on November 18, 2022, at the Main Street Ballroom in Ellicott City, Maryland. The day was filled with joy and love, with Benny stealing the show and making everyone smile. “Benny made people smile everywhere we went, and on the wedding day, he was able to ease some of our nerves,” Meg recalled. “Our day and ceremony wouldn’t have been complete without him there for us!”
Benny’s presence was not just a highlight for the couple but also for their guests, who were charmed by the sight of the happy dog enjoying every moment of the celebration. “He loved going for car rides, chasing squirrels, and snuggling on the couch. But his favorite place was the beach, where he would dig and zoomie in the sand,” Meg said.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
Just a few months after the wedding, Benny’s health took a sudden turn for the worse. In January of the following year, he was diagnosed with a severe case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). “He was perfectly healthy, playing in the snow with us at 4:00 pm on a Friday, and by 4 am, he was vomiting and lethargic; not himself,” Meg explained.
Despite rushing him to the emergency vet and numerous interventions to save his life, Benny’s condition deteriorated rapidly. His blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and he was too weak for exploratory surgery. By Monday morning, it became clear that there was no way back. “He fought so hard for us until the very end,” Meg shared. Tragically, Benny passed away just two days before the anniversary of the day he had first come home with his new family.
Grieving and Finding Healing Amidst New Beginnings
Meg, who was 16 weeks pregnant at the time, was devastated by Benny’s sudden death. “I always pictured my life and every new milestone with Benny in it, and to have that taken away so abruptly is so hard,” she said. However, Meg found solace in the birth of her son and the arrival of a new puppy, Marvin, in April. “We named him after one of Benny’s favorite toys and our favorite tour guide from our honeymoon in Turks & Caicos.”
While Marvin is a different dog from Benny, his presence has been a source of comfort for the grieving family. “We had too much love to give to a pup to go without one, and it’s true that a heart healer pup helps with the grief,” Meg admitted. Even with the chaos of raising a baby and a new puppy, Meg feels grateful for Marvin and her son, who continue to help her heal.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Watching footage from her wedding, where Benny is seen happily playing his part, is both painful and precious for Meg. “It’s extremely bittersweet watching back the footage,” she said. “We miss him so much but know that having him be a part of our wedding was the best decision we ever could’ve made.”
Benny’s life, though short, was filled with joy and love. If she had the chance, Meg knows exactly what she would say to him: “I hope you know how loved and missed you are. We still talk about you every single day. I’d do anything to squish your face and snuggle again, and I can’t wait to see you again one day. Keep watching over us for now; we love you so much, Peetey bear.”
Encouraging Other Pet Owners to Include Dogs in Life Events
Meg hopes her story will inspire other pet owners to include their dogs in major life events. “We’re proof that including your dog in any major life event is so special because you never know,” she emphasized. Pets are more than companions; they are family members who bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love. Including them in important moments ensures that their memory is cherished forever.
Frequently Asked Questions )FAQs
Why did Meg decide to include Benny in her wedding?
Meg and Joe saw Benny as an integral part of their family, referring to themselves as “three best friends.” Including Benny in their wedding was a natural choice to celebrate their bond and love for their dog.
How did Benny pass away?
Benny was diagnosed with a severe case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Despite emergency interventions, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away due to complications.
How has the loss of Benny affected Meg and Joe?
Meg and Joe were devastated by Benny’s loss, especially since Meg was pregnant at the time. However, they found healing through the birth of their son and the arrival of a new puppy, Marvin.
Why is including pets in weddings becoming more popular?
Pets are increasingly seen as family members, and many couples want to celebrate their special bond by including their furry friends in important life events. A recent poll found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults would include their dog in their wedding.
What message does Meg want to share with other pet owners?
Meg hopes her story encourages other pet owners to include their pets in significant life events. She believes that creating memories with pets is precious, as they bring so much joy and love into our lives.
For more heartwarming pet stories and tips on pet care, visit Newsweek.
