Puppy Love

Last November, Dakin volunteer and foster caregiver Jennifer McLam fostered a pair of two-month-old Labrador Retriever puppies, Walt and Alice. She and her fiancé, Josh, took great care of the pups, and formed a special bond with Walt, who they adopted. Jennifer also found an adopter for Alice, who is now living large with her new people.

What was it about Walt that endeared him to Jennifer? “He has the goofiest personality,” she said. “We knew with his tolerant demeanor and silly antics that he would be a great addition to the family.”

Walt also bonded with the couple’s resident dog Leila, a six-year-old American Pitbull. The two became fast friends, further cementing Walt’s place in his new home. “Leila is very dog-selective,” noted Jennifer, “but she is adjusting, and while they love to tussle, they are still finding their boundaries with one another.”

When Jennifer and Josh’s wedding took place this past May, Leila and Walt weren’t able to park their paws at the big event, but they were certainly there in spirit. Their images were featured in centerpieces on the tables, there were specialty drinks named for them, and finally, the most adorable tribute to the pups; two lookalike figurines seen taking a bite out of the wedding cake.

“I found photos on Pinterest and fell in love with the idea,” said Jennifer. “We found a company that was able to make custom figures with just a few photos. The cake was an absolute hit, and we were told that the specialty drinks were being ordered all night; ‘Can I get a Leila?’ and ‘Can I get a Walter?’”

Hats off to the newlyweds for finding such a fun and creative way to honor their beloved pets on their big day. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!