Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
Here in the Lowcountry, we treat our dogs like family. So there’s little surprise couples include their four-legged friends in their weddings. To help make things run a little more smoothly—OK, a lot more smoothly—Dawg Tired and Cat Naps Too, a pet daycare and boarding center on John’s Island, now offers a
concierge service exclusively for pups.
Dubbed “wedding nannies,” helpers bathe and groom Fido prior to your Big Day; they board, feed, and taxi him or her around town; and they pet sit during photo sessions, the rehearsal, the ceremony, and the reception. “We provide a peace of mind for owners while ensuring the dog’s happiness,” says Dawg Tired wedding nanny Kristen Lane.
However, there are a few caveats. Kristen advises you make sure your venue allows dogs, and that property directors spell out exact details. Next, she says, book a consultation so you and your nanny can sort out special needs and discuss details for the day. Ideally, nanny and pooch will meet before the wedding weekend, but Kristen and her coworkers can work around that if it’s not feasible. Last, she recommends dogs be at the rehearsal if they’re going to be in the ceremony. “The more familiar they are with the surroundings,” she says, “the calmer and happier they will be.” And a happier dog makes for a happier couple.
Nanny rates range from $45 per hour (two-hour minimum) the day prior to the wedding to $55 per hour (three-hour minimum) the day of the wedding. Boarding and grooming are separate fees. For more information, contact Dawg Tired and Cat Naps Too at (843) 633-1032 or DawgTiredSC.com.
