Two guide dogs played the part of pageboy and bridesmaid for their owners’ wedding.
Dorie, a four-year-old yellow Labrador and Greta, a four-year-old dark Shepherd Retriever crossbreed, had important parts to play on the special day at Maes Manor in Blackwood.
Calum Briars, 23 and Laura Hill, 28 were both paired with their guide dogs in 2019, who qualified just a week apart.
In a scene reminiscent of the love between Pongo and Perdy in 101 Dalmations , Dorie and Greta bonded, just like their owners.
Laura said, “The dogs get on brilliantly and play with each other.”
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It was a no brainer to have them involved in the wedding.
Greta accompanied bride Laura down the aisle, proudly sporting a pink cape saying “furry bridesmaid” while Dorie waited at groom Calum’s side, wearing a bandana fashioned into a tuxedo.
Other canine guests at the wedding included guide dog Lara, a yellow Labrador who lives with her owner Diana in Blackwood, and Milo, a Labradoodle who had travelled all the way from Sunderland with his owner.
Laura and Calum both work at the charity Sight Cymru in Pontypool having originally met at Hereford College. Once they had settled in Hengoed together, they decided it was a good time to apply for guide dogs.
Laura said, “Calum is originally from Stevenage and I’m from Gilfach Bargoed, so we’re like a real-life Gavin and Stacey!”
During the honeymoon, Dorie and Greta are staying with volunteer puppy raiser David Davies, who looked after Greta as a puppy.
Laura explained it was important they both went to the same place.
She said, “He (David) had Greta for a week when we went on holiday but she missed Dorie, so this time he boarded both of them.
“Dave has been a Godsend.”
To top the occasion off, presenter Owen Money chose Laura as his bride of the day on BBC Radio Wales, and their on air conversation was played on speakers for all the guests.
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