I DOGGY DO: Megan Plunkett, 18, says her dog Teddy has what it takes to be New Zealand’s first doggy groom.
Photo: KYLE WADSWORTH
‘Doggy Style Wedding’ launched
Marriage equality is about to go one stage further in Taranaki – with dog weddings.
The North Taranaki SPCA and The Edge radio station have launched “Doggy Style Wedding” to find the region’s most eligible “bitch and butch”, and will conduct New Zealand’s first dog wedding.
Dating profiles for the dogs have been set up on the event’s Facebook page.
The public can vote on the page for their favourite dogs to tie the knot.
SPCA spokeswoman Jackie Poles-Smith said the event was about having a bit of fun and there were no concerns for the dogs’ welfare.
“They’ll have a really good time, and their welfare will be paramount on the day,” Ms Poles-Smith said.
“Dogs are social animals and so long as they are comfortable being around lots of people, noise and things happening, there is absolutely no problem for the animals.”
The Edge Taranaki promotions co-ordinator Matt Davy said the September 15 nuptials would be a community event.
“The wedding ceremony is open to the public, and anybody can bring their dog which could be chaotic but it’ll be fun,” Mr Davy said. “No civil unions or anything like that – it’s purely male and female.”
Megan Plunkett, 18, is one of almost 30 entrants so far and reckoned her pup Teddy was going to give other dogs a run for their money.
“He’ll go far, he’s cute and pretty well trained, but he needs more friends because he’s lonely,” she said.
In New York last month, a doggie marriage ceremony cost more than $300,000, setting a world record.
But the Taranaki couple will have to be satisfied with a year’s supply of Golden Boy dog food each, new dog kennels, and a honeymoon at Jane’s Dog Studio, where they will spend a few nights enjoying some pampering of the doggy kind.
“The dogs owners will get sent away for a bit as well,” Mr Davy said.
New Plymouth restaurant and bar The Good Home will host the wedding reception, complete with Champagne for humans and “puppachinos” for dogs.
Entries for the competition close on August 17.
Kyle Wadsworth is a Witt Journalism student.
- © Fairfax NZ News
