2 rescued street dogs tie the leash
HUBBARD
It’s rare to see the bride and groom wandering around during their wedding ceremony.
But Bear and Izzy did anything but stay still while they tied the leash.
Nancy Nanes, an elder of the United Church of Christ, presided over their Saturday evening ceremony before about 50 guests at The Learning Dog Training and Enrichment Center, 751 N. Main St.
“I think it’s wonderful when we can come together to celebrate love,” Nanes said. “Especially puppy love.”
Bear, a 9-year-old husky mix, and Izzy, a 5-year-old shepherd mix, exchanged dog tags instead of rings before being pronounced “forever fur mates” by Nanes.
The canine couple also dressed up for the special occasion. Bear wore a tie, and Izzy’s collar was decorated with lace and jewelry.
Nanes, who adopted a dog through Legacy Dog Rescue, came on board to officiate the wedding. This was a first for the Lake Milton resident, who usually presides over funerals.
“I want to help them to find a forever home,” she said. “These dogs need a voice.”
She added that dog weddings are becoming more popular across the country.
The event was presented by Legacy Dog Rescue of Ohio, Baron Pet Care Services and The Learning Dog. The wedding cake was donated by The Original Fat Guy and an Oven in Hubbard.
Both dogs had roamed Youngstown’s East Side together until they were rescued two years ago. When they were on their own, Bear would circle around Izzy while she ate to protect her.
The goals of the wedding were to raise awareness of the need to foster and adopt rescued dogs and to increase Izzy and Bear’s chances of being adopted together.
“They are a bonded pair,” said Jennifer Overmier of Legacy. “It’s harder to find them a home [together].”
Both dogs “had quite a recovery” from heartworm, a condition that’s fatal if not treated, she said. The dogs are now healthy.
Izzy “would be very lost without him,” said Blase Brush, a Legacy volunteer.
The wedding also featured a silent auction and food concessions with proceeds going to Legacy Dog Rescue. Guests also brought gifts and donations to be shared by the couple and the 43 dogs and three cats under Legacy’s care in 20 foster homes.
“They do so much good,” said Kate Stout of Cortland, who attended the wedding with her daughter Hannah Stout, 8, and her daughter’s friend, Rebekah Victor, 9, of Niles. The two girls petted and played with other dogs that attended the event.
“It’s a cute idea,” Stout said.
For more information, see www.ldrofohio.org/