Fran and Earl say ‘I do’ in doggone nice wedding at Homeward Animal Shelter – InForum

FARGO — Like any wedding, there was panic before the ceremony.

“Do you approve of the flowers,?” a volunteer asked a cat nearby the hustle and bustle of the wedding.

How do wedding flowers fit on a dog?

“Aw, look at her,” a volunteer said, working with the bride.

All the planning possible went into the nuptials. Bubbles, a wedding arch, and even a cake to make the day special. The stars of the show were senior pit bulls Fran and Earl.

“We were talking about Fran and Earl, a bonded pair of senior Pits,” Heather Klefstad of Homeward Animal Shelter, said.

The senior pits awaiting adoption come as a team. The wedding, held Tuesday, July 12, was a chance for them to get noticed.

“They are a very cute couple. Fran grins from ear to ear. Earl is just her little sidekick who does whatever Fran wants,” Klefstad said.

Earl even proposed to Fran and wedding invitations were sent.

Fellow shelter animals Stella and Rosie stood up for Fran. Coda and Brute stood up for Earl. Stella, wearing white lace, came down the garden path to a waiting Earl.

Others in the shelter double dog dared him, now the moment.

“Family and friends, thanks for coming today to share this wonderful occasion,” said officiant Mike McFeely.

Yes, the dogs had their own bulldog officiant.

“In sorrow and joy, from this day forward,” McFeely added.

The two Pits exchanged vows, collars, and then made it official with paw prints on the mariage certificate followed by the newlyweds wolfing down some doggone cake. It ended with the pups posed perfectly for that honeymoon picture.

The Homeward Animal Shelter has a big fundraiser coming up. Instead of wedding gifts for Earl and Fran, the shelter hopes donations will roll in in their honor at

the 32nd Annual Paws Walk, Tuesday, July 19, at Rheault Farm

.