Baxter's Top 10

Oh, hello again, it’s me, Baxter “Be Mine” Freemont. Valentine’s Day is coming up in February and it is my favorite holiday of the entire year. Why you ask? Well, not only is it the most romantic of days, but it is also the birthday of Yours Truly. Please direct inquiries on where to send to gifts to….I’m kidding. Back to the matter at hand, Valentine’s Day + love. I’m at a certain age where so many of my people friends are getting married, but what about the dogs? Who says we can’t tie the knot? This month on my blog I will be exploring dog weddings or as we like to call them “puptials.” What do you need for a puptial? Let’s take a look with my  Top 10 Ideas for a Great Puptial & Bow Wow Vow.

1. The Cake

Everyone knows a great wedding begins with the cake. For the best in dog-friendly cakes, I highly recommend The Barkery. The Barkery specializes in dog birthday cakes, but they also make special Valentine’s Day themed treats that would be the perfect centerpiece for a puptial. Like The Barkery on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

2. The Cake Toppers

You didn’t think I was going to let you put humans on top of your “I Woof You” wedding cake, did you? For the finest in ceramic dog wedding cake toppers (available in a variety of breeds) I think Madame Pomm’s are the finest.

3. The Dress & The Tux

For a great selection of dog formal wear for the big day, look no further than Doggie Clothesline. They offer tuxes, white dresses, and accessories in all different sizes to fit your puptial needs. Don’t forget out about outfitting your ring bearer and bridesmaids, the Doggie Clothesline offers options for your whole wedding party.

4. Floral Centerpieces

I’ll admit it, I like a good DIY project here and there. One of my favorite pet blogs, Pawesome, has a lovely way to make your own dog inspired floral centerpieces. They’re perfect for your guests to take home and enjoy after the puptials. Follow Pawesome on Twitter or like them on Facebook.

5. The Petographer

Of course you will need someone to capture the special moments of your big day. Why chose a regular old photographer when you can chose a petographer? As a maven of social media I combed Facebook for a remarkable petographer and came across Scruffy Dog Photography. Their main website comes complete with a blog of recent images. Scruffy Dog Photography is located in Canada, but even if you can’t cross country lines for their work, you can use it as inspiration to find local petography talent in your hometown.

6. The Wedding Planner

Don’t have time to plan your own puptial? No problem. Check out Auntie Jen specializing in Puptials & Bow Wow Vows. This kind of service gives you plenty of time to relax and play with rocks while someone does all the planning for you. Lucky dog!

7. The DJ

Everyone knows a good DJ can make or break your wedding, I mean how many times do you have to hear The Funky Chicken, am I right? For those truly wanting to make a hip statement at their puptials, check out YouTube breakout star DJ Mama the French Bulldog. Mama’s a personal friend, so please, contact me with booking info….ok, well Mama’s not a friend yet per say, but soon!

8. Gift Registry

Create a gift registry for your puptuals at Paw Place Online, the one stop shop for pampered pooches. While you’re browsing their selection and setting up your registry for friends and family, go ahead and friend them on Facebook too!

9. An Alternate Gift Idea….

If you and your fiance already have more then you can fit into your crates and doggy beds, why not ask guests to donate to a local organization that helps dogs in need? Petside.com has a list of 10 pet charities that would happily benefit from your donations. That’s one way to start your puptuals off on the right foot.

10. JUST MARRIED!

As you and your beloved head off onto your honeymoon, or more likely the dog park, announce your marriage to the world while wearing on of these Just Married doggie t-shirts from Zazzle.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

- Baxter “Be Mine <3″ Freemont