Couple planning to include pet dog in their wedding took him for a check-up — but a heartbreaking diagnosis led them to say ‘I do’ in the vet’s office

A winter blizzard made travel risky, so the couple looked for a way to keep their beloved dog close on their big day.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO

(L) A sad couple looking at their dog at vet clinic. (R) A man putting on wedding ring on a woman's finger. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Maskot, (R) Jikaboom)

For Randy and Alexandria Eckhart of Brighton, Colorado, a routine visit to the veterinarian in November 2024 turned into a life-changing moment that reshaped their wedding plans in the most unexpected way. The couple, who had planned to marry in New Mexico, faced heartbreaking news about their beloved dog just days before the ceremony, leading to a unique and deeply emotional decision.

A senior pet dog with a vet. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | AJ_Watt) — A senior pet dog with a vet. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | AJ_Watt)

As reported by WDTV, five days before their scheduled wedding on November 9, the Eckharts took their then eight-year-old dog, Bella Rose, for a routine check-up. During the visit, veterinarians discovered that Bella Rose had two large tumors, a revelation that left the couple rethinking their plans. “She was a really big part of our lives, and having her in our wedding was really important to us,” Alexandria said. At the same time, a winter blizzard forced the couple to reconsider traveling, prompting them to explore an alternative that would keep Bella Rose close during this critical moment.

Woman putting wedding ring on groom's finger - Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Emma Bauso — Woman putting wedding ring on groom's finger. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Emma Bauso)

In Colorado, couples have the unusual option to get married without an officiant or witness, which gave Randy and Alexandria an idea. They decided to obtain their marriage license at the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder’s Office and hold the wedding at the emergency veterinary hospital where Bella Rose was receiving care. “We drove up there and got our marriage license, and we both looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s just go do this at the vet, so we know for sure Bella’s here and can sign this and do it,’” Randy recalled. “We kind of joked about it the day before at the vet, and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’d be so great if you guys all came and did your wedding here.’” With the hospital staff’s support, the couple turned a small, impulsive thought into a deeply meaningful ceremony.

A happy couple with their pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Nicky Lloyd)

During the ceremony, their pup served as their official witness, stamping her paw as a signature on the wedding certificate. Though Alexandria admitted it wasn’t the traditional wedding she had envisioned, she said having Bella there made the moment even more special. “To have her as part of the wedding was a must, she was just that much a part of us/family,” Alexandria told Fox News. Following the ceremony, the couple celebrated with family and friends at a nearby hotel, cherishing the rare and tender experience.

Tragically, Bella Rose’s health continued to decline. After returning home briefly on November 10, the couple noticed her condition worsening and took her back to the hospital for care. Soon after, the veterinary team informed them that Bella Rose had gone into cardiac arrest, and they made the difficult decision not to resuscitate. Randy reflected on her impact, saying, “Bella had a special way of touching everyone’s heart. Her story deserves the attention like she always drew, and I believe our love for that special little dog comes through as well. It is a heartbreaking story, but it is also a feel-good story about an amazing life experience.”