It started with one dog and two very important questions: 'How can I have him there?' and 'Who will look after him?'

When I got married, I knew I wanted my dog (Bruce) to be there. Dogs are such an important part of our families, so it felt strange to imagine celebrating one of the biggest days of my life without him. But I also knew that a wedding isn’t always easy for a dog. There are crowds, unfamiliar people, lots of noise and excitement, and moments when they might simply need a break. I didn’t want to ask a family member or wedding guest to leave the celebrations, miss part of the ceremony or spend their day worrying about the dog if he became stressed. I wanted someone there whose sole responsibility was making sure he was safe, happy and comfortable.

That experience was the beginning of Paws & Veil Co. I have been working with dogs for the past eight years and, through my work as a qualified canine behaviour professional, I have developed a strong understanding of canine body language and behaviour. This means I can recognise the subtle signs that a dog may be becoming uncomfortable or overwhelmed, often before their stress escalates. I can then adapt what we’re doing, give them space or provide a quiet break when they need it. Today, I run Paws & Veil independently, combining my experience in dog behaviour with my love of weddings and, above all, my passion for animal welfare.

I believe dogs deserve to be included in our special moments, but never at the expense of their wellbeing. Every dog is different, and my role is to understand what your dog needs, whether that means being involved in every part of the day, having regular quiet breaks, or simply knowing they have someone there who understands them.

Your wedding day should be about celebrating the people you love, and your dog should be able to be part of it without being expected to cope with more than they can handle.

Because they should be there to say 'I Do' too.