Poems that incorporate your dog?

Incorporating Poems About Dogs in Your Wedding Ceremony: A Unique and Heartfelt Touch

Wedding ceremonies are an expression of love, joy, and the bond shared between two people. While vows and speeches are common, there’s a growing trend toward incorporating poetry into ceremonies to add depth and personal meaning. If you and your partner share a love for dogs, including dog-related poems can be a delightful and heartfelt way to celebrate your love. Dogs symbolize loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love—qualities that are deeply relevant to marriage. Two particularly poignant poems that can add warmth and charm to your ceremony are “Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali and “All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from My Dog” by an anonymous author.

"Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog" by Taylor Mali

Taylor Mali’s poem, “Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog,” makes a beautiful connection between the experience of love and the unique joys and challenges of owning a dog. The poem is whimsical, honest, and deeply affectionate, making it an ideal choice for a wedding ceremony.

The poem begins by acknowledging that falling in love is not always perfect:

“First of all, it’s a big responsibility, especially in a city like New York. So think long and hard before deciding on love.”

This humorous and practical advice resonates with the idea of committing to a marriage. Just as a dog requires care, patience, and responsibility, so does a lifelong relationship. The poem continues by exploring how, like a dog, love will challenge you, but it will also reward you in ways beyond measure.

“Love doesn’t like to be left alone for long. But come home and love is always happy to see you. It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life, but you can never be mad at love for long.”

This imagery of a dog’s joyful and unconditional welcome can serve as a metaphor for the way partners in a marriage offer each other unconditional acceptance. Incorporating this poem into your ceremony could remind guests that love, much like a dog, is forgiving and always excited to greet you with open arms.

"All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from My Dog" (Anonymous)

The anonymous poem “All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from My Dog” captures the wisdom we gain from our furry companions. Its message is simple but profound, much like the lessons dogs teach us: kindness, patience, and living in the moment.

Lines such as, “When loved ones come home, always run to greet them,” highlight the value of appreciating each other, no matter how small the occasion. The notion of living joyfully and without hesitation, even in everyday moments, can be a reminder for couples to keep their love spontaneous and filled with affection.

Another lesson, “Let others know when they've invaded your territory,” speaks to the importance of setting boundaries, which is crucial for a healthy relationship. The lighthearted tone of the poem softens these profound truths, making them accessible and fun, perfect for a wedding that celebrates not only love but the playful, loyal companionship that dogs embody.

Why Dog Poems?

Choosing poems that reflect your shared love for dogs infuses your wedding ceremony with personality. Dogs teach us some of life’s most essential lessons—how to love unconditionally, how to enjoy the present moment, and how to be loyal in all circumstances. These qualities align perfectly with the promises exchanged on your wedding day.

Including “Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” and “All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from My Dog” in your ceremony allows you to celebrate your relationship in a lighthearted yet meaningful way. It’s a chance to share a piece of who you are as a couple with your guests, while reminding everyone that love, like a dog, is both a beautiful responsibility and an endless joy.

So, if you and your partner are dog lovers, consider weaving these charming, relatable poems into your ceremony. They will bring a smile to your guests’ faces and create a lasting memory of love that is as loyal and enduring as your favourite four-legged friend.