The wedding party gasps when she walks in the room – heads turn, faces light up, and camera phones flash, while others rush to greet and adore her. Not the bride, like you may be thinking, but none other than her loyal canine companion.
“Careful not to get too much fur on your pants!” Laurie Ruttenburg, owner of Middletown’s Lucky Dog Resort, cautions one gentleman in an immaculate black morning suit.
Cream Lab Brodie makes quite the entrance at her owner’s ceremony, an elegant oceanside affair at Belle Mer, where non-human guests are nontraditional but not impossible with a little help. While planning their Newport nuptials, the New Jersey couple was delighted to discover Ruttenburg’s door-to-door Wedding Valet service, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary, to ensure Brodie wouldn’t be overlooked in the joyous day.
“We have more bookings than ever,” says Ruttenburg, adding that even storied locations like Rosecliff now make allowances for a special canine cameo, provided they leave before the food is served.
Instead of placing the responsibility on a friend or family member, Ruttenburg acts as a dedicated chaperone for the furry guest, beginning with exercise and play at her picturesque facility. She explains, “This helps to get the dogs in a calm and relaxed state.” She also dresses them for the occasion. Ruttenburg shares that recently one Manhattan couple even requested their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel arrive at the Castle Hill Inn in a remote-controlled Porsche. “The place erupted!”
SIT, STAY
“The first thing to ask is if your dog is comfortable with crowds and will they be okay being separated from you,” Ruttenburg recommends. “The better trained the dog, the smoother the process. And bring favorite toys and treats!”
BLOOPER REEL
Though pleased to report she’s never witnessed any major mishaps, Ruttenburg relays, “though we did have one 11-year-old chap slide down the aisle like he was on ice – a combination of shiny dress shoes and the Retriever pulling so hard to get to the bride and groom!”
FLOWER GIRL
One of Ruttenburg’s favorite memories took place at St. George’s Chapel in Middletown with rescue pitbull Eva resplendent in a flower wreath. “Not only did the owners make a generous donation to the SPCA in lieu of wedding favors, it was clear that Eva’s loving presence made their big day even more special.”
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