Golden retriever with terminal cancer walks mom down the aisle in special but poignant moment

For pet parents, every special occasion feels incomplete without their fur babies. From birthday parties to holidays, owners want their dogs to enjoy everything in life, just like them. Similarly, Anna (@maybelanddaffodilsmom on TikTok) and Steven Carter's wedding became even more memorable when their 11-year-old golden retriever, Maybeline Joy, joined them on their special day. Notably, when Joy was diagnosed with two types of terminal cancer, her human parents wanted to make every moment with her memorable— including her presence at their wedding, PEOPLE reported. From unveiling her mother's wedding look to walking her down the aisle, Joy truly stole the spotlight at their wedding.

"I know most brides nowadays want to do a first look with their soon-to-be husband, but for me, I needed one with Maybeline! It was just so special," Anna said. Well, talking about the precious moment, Anna shared a beautiful video capturing Joy's reaction when she first saw her as a bride on TikTok. The moment the senior retriever entered the room, she ran toward Anna, her tail wagging in uncontrollable excitement. Although Joy had been right behind Anna while she was getting ready, seeing her mother fully dressed in the gorgeous wedding gown was overwhelming for her. "She knew in her heart what she was supposed to do and ran right up to her mommy! It filled my heart with so much joy and warmth knowing she made it through two cancer diagnoses and had the opportunity to start another chapter of life with me. It's like she knew I needed her there with me," Anna shared with the outlet.

In another milestone moment from the wedding, Joy surprised her parents by walking the bride down the aisle when she was only supposed to be the couple's ring bearer. Not just that, the adorable golden retriever even laid down on her mother's wedding dress train while the pastor officiated their wedding. Sharing the incredible video, Anna shared that nothing was planned but Joy was just aware of how special the day was. "You would’ve never known she was diagnosed with two types of terminal cancer just two months before this day," she wrote in the caption.

Meanwhile, reacting to the viral wedding clip, @simone_bry commented, "This is pawfect. Let’s normalize dogs at weddings. They are very in tune with our emotions, hence how she knew the day was so special!" @wade912022 commented, "I tried to make this happen on mine. But a few months before our wedding, our girl passed. We did special cocktails with her name though." @vikinggirl3535 wrote, "I was married on my dad's farm and my childhood dog walked me down the aisle and laid by me. Best day ever!"

@hayhay9199 commented, "Goldens are so special. Lost my soul boy on 11/8 and I miss him every day & I think I always will. They leave such an impact. This is so beautiful what a great memory to have." @jbreg89 wrote, "Almost 6 years later and still the best thing in the world having our golden boy in our wedding. You will literally cherish this forever. Hope she’s doing okay!" @heatherr0se1 wrote, "When she laid on your dress I started crying! It was such a beautiful and intimate way to be touching you and apart of the ceremony."

You can follow Maybel & Daffodils Mom (@maybelanddaffodilsmom) on TikTok for more updates on Joy.