MEET Spike – the canine cupid who proves that love is a doggone delight.
The adoring pooch has been present every step of the way for his newlywed owners Sarah and Gregg Matthew – from the romantic proposal to the pair tying the knot to him even making an appearance on their wedding cake.
Fur-ever friend Spike cosied up next to Gregg as the nervous former soldier, 30, went down on one knee to pop the question to Sarah.
And the ring-bearing bulldog surprised the bride on her wedding day as he donned a natty tuxedo to walk the happy couple down the aisle.
Spike – wearing a £25 suit his owner bought on eBay – also found himself on top of the couple’s wedding cake in the form of a small marzipan figure.
Gregg said Spike’s inclusion in their wedding day on Inchmurrin island, Loch Lomond, was a surprise for their guests – and even Sarah herself.
He said: “No-one knew Spike was going to be there except for me and my best man.
“He also managed to sneak his head into the photo of me proposing.
“We were all playing Pictionary and I wrote, ‘Will you marry me?’.
“I turned it round so Sarah could see it.
“One of my friends took a photo as I was doing it and Spike sat beside me just as it was taken.”
While guests for the big day enjoyed their wedding breakfast, Spike got to munch on his own posh nosh.
He wolfed down a special steak pie treat – and then barbecue food the next day – before it was back to eating his normal dry dog food.
Poor Spike didn’t get a chance to join the newlyweds on their honeymoon to the Czech Republic.
However, hotel worker Sarah, 27, said the memory of having him with her on her big day would be treasured for ever. She added: “I spend a lot of time with Spike.
“He’s like my baby. It was a lovely surprise seeing him at the wedding. I cried a bit when I saw him.”
Former Scots Guards guardsman Gregg got Spike as a puppy seven years ago and they’ve been best pals ever since.
Van driver Gregg and Sarah started dating 11 years ago while Gregg was stationed with the Army in Sarah’s home town of Munster in Germany.
And it’s clear the bond the pup has formed with his owners.
“Spike is my brother,” Gregg added.
“I try to include him in everything I do.”
A spokeswoman for The Dogs Trust said: “Dogs play such a vital role in family life it’s no wonder people want them to be there on the most special day of their lives.”
And Spike isn’t the only animal Gregg is keen to take care of.
The caring pet owner said he always tries to help out dogs at his local animal shelter and urged more people to do the same.
He said: “Every year myself and some of my close friends buy loads of dog food, toys, blankets etc and drop them off to the dog shelters.
“These wee animals need people’s donations especially with it coming up to winter.”
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