When Anthony Albanese became the first prime minister to get married in office, the pressure was on for his ring-bearer, a 10-year-old in a white gown trimmed in tulle.
Fortunately Toto, the prime minister’s blond cavoodle, was escorted down the aisle on his white lead by Albanese’s five-year-old niece, Ella.
Toto may be the First Dog but he is not the first dog to be featured in a human wedding; it’s becoming extremely popular.
Nearly half of Australian households have at least one dog, making them the most popular pet in the country. That means there are about 7.4 million pet dogs – many of them invited when their people get hitched.
According to research by the pet-sitting service Pawshake, half of brides and grooms are planning to include their dog in their wedding, with almost a quarter making them ring-bearer, maid of honour, or best man.
In New York, pets are allowed to be an official witness – signing the marriage licence with a paw print, so long as a human being also adds their signature. In Australia, dogs are limited to more predictable duties, like walking and looking cute.
Charlotte and Josh Corsbie had an outside wedding in Brisbane, in part so they could have their dog Ruby there. “She walked pretty efficiently down the aisle,” says Charlotte.
Ruby wore a floral collar decoration that matched the bridesmaids, made by the mother of the groom. During the ceremony, she stood prominently at the front beside Charlotte’s brother.
But what to do with Rubes when it came time for dancing and cake – a more hazardous environment for a small dog?
“We had to find someone to pick her up after the ceremony as she couldn’t stay for the reception. This had to be a person who we could trust but wasn’t invited to the wedding – which is hard! Luckily my brother’s friend helped us out.”
For anyone who finds that impossibly awkward – asking someone to look after your dog but not inviting them to the wedding – there is a solution: hire a qualified chaperone.
Brooke Trott is a veterinary nurse who runs Wedding Tails in Perth – one of many businesses that offer dog supervision at weddings (packages start at around $500). She’s done more than 250 events, the vast majority of them with dogs.
“We had a couple include their cat, one with four rabbits, a few purebred dingoes and an enquiry for a snake, but I unfortunately couldn’t bring myself to do that one,” she says.
Most people want their dogs to greet guests, carry rings, and appear in photos. Trott has also seen them featured on invitations, napkins, stubby holders, and welcome signs, as well as figurines on cakes and specialty cocktails named after them.
A video went viral last year of a couple in America who danced with two enormous cardboard cut-outs of their cat’s face (the cat, for unspecified reasons, could not attend).
For such precious wedding guests, it makes sense to hire someone who speaks dog.
“Our experience with body language is the biggest tool we have,” says Trott.
“We understand when a dog is getting overwhelmed or stressed and can respond in a safe, calm manner. We have confidence handling them, we can provide first aid, and respond to any signs of illness or injury.”
Abbey Carroll had Trott supervise her dog Oakley when she got married in Matilda Bay last year.
“Oakley wore a tuxedo bandana and had a special ring pouch attached. He did a few excited barks throughout the ceremony which made everyone laugh, and otherwise was very well behaved.”
There was even a lint roller on hand in case guests ended up with the golden retriever’s fur on their wedding attire.
So, is all of this a good idea? According to experts – if it’s done right.
“If the dog is a well-adjusted member of the family, then it’s a beautiful thing to do,” says Dr Julia Crawford from the Australian Veterinarian Association.
“We’d just want to make sure it’s not too hot, that the dog is fed and looked after, and that they’re not anxious.
Of course, Crawford clarifies, including an anxious or crowd-averse pet in a wedding wouldn’t be ideal, which may rule out some pets.
“Cats may be a challenge. Birds might fly away. Ferrets? I have no idea. Dogs, though – if they’re happy with it, they’re a gorgeous addition to any wedding.”
