Pet Corner
A Woman, A Dog, A Wedding, A Honeymoon

By Allen and Linda Anderson

It’s often said that a woman’s wedding is the happiest day of her life. Of course, that’s not true for every woman. But for many, the day she declares her love for someone with whom she intends to share her love ranks right up there on the happiness scale. Even though weddings frequently take place in churches, it is easy to forget that they are actually spiritual events. Two souls have come together to help each other reach a greater level of understanding, compassion, and love.

At a higher level than choosing the right flowers or having the most amazing dress, they have chosen to serve as players on each other’s karmic stages. Their relationship becomes the catalyst for some of life’s most important and memorable lessons. Added to that mix are the animals who are already part of or at some point will join that relationship.

Love me, love my dog is not a comic command, even though it may sound lighthearted. For many women, the dog is part of the package or there is no package.

We heard from a young woman who experienced the spiritual connection a dog can have with a woman as she moves from one phase of her life to another.

Jen and Hattie, Our Wedding Way

Jennifer Hampton says that her furry companion Hattie was trained by Dogs For The Deaf, Inc. Together, they have fought for legislation in Pennsylvania pertaining to the rights and protection of assistance and service dog teams. They are Dogs For The Deaf Ambassadors and run Hearing Dog demonstrations for local school districts and organizations to educate the public about the importance of service animals and their jobs.

Here is their story in Jennifer’s own words.
I often say that, Friday, September 14, 2007 was the day I was reborn. A milestone date for me, my world completely changed in a way for which I’m forever grateful and will never forget. On that date I took my first steps into the world feeling no longer isolated from sound.

Thanks to Dogs For The Deaf, this was the day I was placed with a chocolate Lab named Hattie. Hattie is one of Dogs For The Deaf’s highly-trained Hearing Dogs, who would become not only my ears but also my best friend.

Hattie is trained to alert me to the oven timer, microwave, telephone, alarm clock, doorbell, door knock, smoke detector, and someone calling my name. Without her highly trained skills, I would continue to live in a very lonely, silent, and isolating world.

After placement was complete, Hattie and I took our first steps together as a team and never looked back. She’s been at my side ever since, and I wouldn’t want to face each day any other way. By working together so closely and through complete and utter trust, we have formed a bond that is like none other, with no words necessary.

Our most recent event together was on April 30, 2011. This was the second most life-altering date for me, and Hattie was at my side for the entire occasion from the very beginning.

April 30th was my wedding day, and Hattie was included in the ceremony. She happily and proudly posed for our pre-wedding photos. She was at my side every step of the way — from set up, rehearsal, pictures, meal, and teardown. Hattie greeted our guests as they arrived. She wouldn’t have had it any other way. I wouldn’t have my wedding day without my best friend present.

My father and Hattie walked me proudly down the aisle and gave me away. Dressed in a lavender vest that matched the wedding party, Hattie stood with us during the ceremony and gave her blessing. As only she can do, Hattie celebrated with us and took care of me at the same time.

Hattie also went on our honeymoon with my husband and me to Myrtle Beach, SC. This was my first experience seeing the ocean, and it seemed only fitting that she would be with us. After all, Hattie has filled my life with many firsts and then some. Side-by-side, Hattie and I soaked in all there was to see and enjoyed from the first moment when our footprints hit sand. We enjoyed the most beautiful sunrise together our first morning there.

As I stood with tears in my eyes at the beautiful sight before me, I discovered I could indeed hear the continuous whoosh of the breaking waves. I looked down at my best friend with a smile only to discover that she too was standing there in awe of the beauty before us. No words between us were necessary. Hattie knew my emotions at that time and shared in the moment with me. Together we dipped our feet in the ocean, chased the waves in celebration, and dug for seashells.

Life for me couldn’t get any better. I had my best friend at my side, and we took our first steps together toward a bright new future. Hattie was at my side when I said, “I do.” And she was with me yet again to witness another of our many firsts on our honeymoon.

No matter what lies before me, I know we will triumph and always face it together. We are one, and Hattie completes me.
What pets have been by your side through the important transitions of your life?

Allen and Linda Anderson are authors of a series of books published by New World Library about the spiritual connection between people and animals. They have designed a new course to help others learn from their fifteen years of publication about
animals. Visit: www.allenandlindaanderson.com to check out Woof, Meow, Write, Publish: Writing about Animals for Love and Money. Subscribe to the Andersons’ free, online newsletter at angelanimals.net and follow them on Facebook and Twitter@angelanimals.