Most couples envision a specific place to say their vows, but for Cat Kukla and her husband, Jimmy, their wedding venue turned out to be quite unconventional. Instead of a picturesque outdoor setting or a grand hall, they chose a vet’s office for one simple reason: they wanted their beloved dog Bear to be part of their special day.
For Cat, Bear has always been more than just a pet. She had cherished a dream for years — one that didn’t involve typical wedding fantasies but revolved around her furry companion. “As a kid, I never really imagined my wedding like most little girls do,” Cat shared with The Dodo, “but I always pictured Bear being there with me, rolling down the aisle in a little red wagon.”
Cat met Jimmy in 2011, and Bear quickly became a central figure in both their lives. As their wedding day approached, they were determined to have Bear by their side. But as their wedding date drew near, Bear’s health took a sharp turn for the worse. At 17 years old, Bear had been battling kidney disease, and just days before the wedding, he had to be hospitalized.
Faced with the possibility of Bear missing the ceremony, Cat made a heartwarming suggestion. “I asked Jimmy if we should consider getting married at the vet so Bear could still be with us,” she recalled. His response was immediate and filled with love: “I’d marry you any day, any time.”
And so, the couple adjusted their plans. They exchanged vows at VCA Veterinary Emergency Service & Veterinary Specialty Center, where Bear was receiving treatment. In a small waiting area, surrounded by family and friends, they had their intimate ceremony. The veterinary team even shared photos from the day: Bear, still groggy from his treatments, rested comfortably in a red wagon, just as Cat had always envisioned. The back of the wagon had the heartfelt message: “I loved her first.”
Cat also proudly displayed a tattoo in Bear’s honor, which read, “You’ll be with me wherever I go” alongside a paw print — a symbol of the bond they shared, one that was deeply felt on her wedding day.
Just two days after the ceremony, Bear was able to go home. The vet’s office posted an update, saying that Bear was now resting with his favorite newlywed humans, soaking in all the love and care they could give.
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The couple still went ahead with their original wedding ceremony as planned, and this time, Bear, along with their other dogs, was present for the occasion. Despite Bear’s health challenges, he seemed to rally on their wedding day. “He actually got up and walked around outside,” Cat said. “It was something he hadn’t done in days, and he walked quite a bit!”
Bear’s journey may be filled with ups and downs, but Cat and Jimmy are doing everything they can to care for him. They remain hopeful for his recovery, grateful for every moment they’ve shared with him — especially on their unforgettable wedding day.
Toledo, United States.
