There are plenty of ways to show our pets how much we love them — we buy them special food and treats, bring home the newest toys and, of course, lavish them with affection. Caroline Golon, the human behind popular humor blog Romeo the Cat, will share the stories of pet owners who have gone the extra mile for their pets in this series, The Things We Do for Love. And sometimes, the extra mile is only the beginning!

Having Your Dog in Your Wedding

Most brides worry about certain details of their wedding day, but Sarah Thomas had an unusual concern during her nuptials: that her dog Bentley would get up to mischief during the ceremony.

Sarah and her husband, Josh, got married on the shore of Raystown Lake, Pa., with their Scottish Terrier, Bentley, by their side. “I knew there would be boats going by during the ceremony and thought Bentley might start barking at them in the middle of our vows,” Sarah said. “But he didn’t. He sat quietly at my feet the whole time. I actually had to look down a couple of times to make sure he was still awake!”

Bentley Joins the Family

The Harrisburg, Pa., couple rescued Bentley in 2009 from their local SPCA. Sarah said Bentley basically “chose” them. “When he came out of his cage at the shelter, he walked over and sat right on top of my feet,” Sarah said. “And that was it!”

Although the couple had been together for eight years by then, Sarah recalls that seeing Josh with Bentley made her fall in love with her fiancé even more.

Their Dog Was Always a Part of the Wedding Plans

As Sarah and Josh planned their June 2010 wedding, it never occurred to them not to include the then five-year-old Bentley. “He’s part of the family,” Sarah said. “So of course he would be there.”

One of Sarah’s sisters, a vet tech, volunteered to walk with Bentley down the aisle and watch over him during the ceremony.

Sarah said none of the wedding guests were surprised that Bentley was a key member of the wedding party. “Actually, they would have been more surprised had he not been there!”

Almost the Star of the Show

Bentley took part in the wedding festivities from start to finish. He sat patiently as the bride got ready before the wedding and, sporting a bow tie, spent the evening charming the guests during the reception.

“He wandered around the reception, saying hi to everyone and probably getting scraps of food from all over the place,” Sarah laughed. When the couple hit the dance floor, Bentley was right there with them too.

“Everything was perfect,” said Sarah. “It wouldn’t have been the same without Bentley there.”

What do you do for love? We’re looking for the funny, sweet and special stories that will make other pet parents smile. Email us at [email protected] to share your story. Please put "The Things We Do for Love" in the subject line.