The couple exchanged vows in one of the most unconventional places: the waiting area of a vet center.
Weddings are among the most complicated events to plan. You have a thousand decisions to make about the guests, souvenirs, schedule, and of course, the venue. Some couples have a specific gorgeous place in mind. But for Cat Kukla and her husband Jimmy, the best venue is where their dog Bear is.
When Cat and Jimmy met back in 2011, Bear became an important figure in their life. You could say that they’re like a family. So when the couple decided to take things to the next level, they wanted Bear to be a part of their wedding day. Cat, specifically envisioned Bear to be in a little red wagon, rolling down the aisle.
When Cat and Jimmy already had their wedding plans laid out, something unexpected happened. Bear’s health took a sharp turn, and he had to be hospitalized days before the wedding day. Cat and Jimmy were quick to adjust and what they wanted remained the same: to have Bear with them when they say their vows.
How the Couple Adjusted Their Wedding Plans
Bear had to battle with a kidney disease at 17 years old, which led to the possibility of him missing the wedding ceremony. Cat couldn’t imagine pushing through without him, so she asked Jimmy if they should consider getting married at the vet center. Jimmy responded with love and understanding, saying he will marry Cat any day, any time.
The couple then held an intimate ceremony at the VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center, where Bear is being treated. Their family and friends were there, and of course, Bear in a red wagon. He was resting comfortably as he just finished his treatments that day. The red wagon also had a heartwarming message at the back that said: “I loved her first.”
Cat also showed off her tattoo, which she got in Bear’s honor. It signifies that Bear will always be with her no matter where she goes, and also serves as a symbol of the bond they shared throughout the years.
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Bear Gets Back Home
After the successful wedding ceremony, the couple received another great news. Bear has been allowed to go back to his loving home, just two days after the wedding. At home, Cat and Jimmy did their best to care for him. They didn’t lose hope about Bear’s recovery.
Days passed and the couple decided to proceed with their original wedding plan. During this time, Bear was present on the occasion, as well as the other dogs of Cat and Jimmy. Surprisingly, Bear had some energy to get up and walk during the wedding day. The couple didn’t expect this as their senior dog was still in recovery. However, Cat shared that Bear was able to walk a bit outside, and it was something he hadn’t done in a while.
Some dogs who experienced kidney failure were able to recover completely, especially if the disease was diagnosed and treated early. According to experts, symptoms of the disease can also be minimized through diet changes, specifically by adapting a low protein diet. Foods that are low in protein have been described to help improve kidney enzymes, leading to longer life span for our pets.
As for Bear’s case, he’s getting all the help he could get from Cat and Jimmy, from taking any prescribed medications to getting regular checkups for a faster recovery.
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From The Club
Only a true dog lover would do something similar to what Cat and Jimmy did for Bear. Cat was so selfless when she decided to postpone her original wedding plans to be with the pup. It’s not easy to celebrate a festive event while your dog is in another location battling with a disease, so I think having the wedding at the vet center was the best decision for everyone involved. It was also touching to see Bear moving past his disease and into recovery. It’s like the presence of Cat and Jimmy kept him strong and motivated in fighting the disease.