You, Me, and The Dog

Recently, I sat down with a friend who was in pretty rough shape. “I'm proposing to my girlfriend, but I have no idea how to do it!” he lamented. I offered him this constructive anecdote about a mutual friend who just got engaged in St. Augustine, Florida, a place where she frequented on family trips as a child that and has become a second home for her over the years. I explained that the proposal wasn't some grand performance, but rather an intimate and romantic event in a place that was special to her—and now special to the both of them. Without hesitation, he quipped “good idea, I think I'll do that!” He had missed my point about what a proposal should be about. The point is, there is no exact formula for an effective proposal. No one proposal will be right for every couple, and that the most memorable and impactful proposals are those which remain true to your love story.

This is important to keep in mind when considering including a dog in your proposal. There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to the use of dogs in proposals, just like there's no definitive for proposing in front of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World. If it honors something special to your partner and your relationship, then it's the right way to propose.

Why Involve a Dog?

Maybe you and your partner were kept apart by distance for work or school. So a dog for your partner was the best solution to keep, and your dog was the only thing keeping your partner company. Another common reason, perhaps neither of you want kids and your four-legged friend has instead filled that role. For the reasons mentioned, Then you might want to consider proposal assistance from man's best friend.

Lightening the Mood

Involving a dog in your proposal is also a great way to ease some tension on what is one of the most important days in your life. Proposals can be stressful even if you know what the answer will be, and dogs—with all their carefree glory—do a great job at alleviating that stress. However, just be prepared for everything not to go according to plan. Trust me, it'll be more fun and a fonder memory if some mistakes are made along the way!

Puppy Love

For those who don't already have important furry friends in their lives, there is always the puppy proposal: a two-in-one proposal/gift-giving ceremony that allows you to commemorate a special day for your relationship while welcoming a new member into your growing family.

One Last Thing to Say

Including a dog in your proposal—whether an integral third member of your relationship or a brand new addition to your family—can be a great way to put your own spin on this life-changing day. Your partner may love dogs, but ultimately, it is up to you to decide if they would love one in their proposal. As with any proposal, be sure that you carefully consider the type of proposal that they would find the most impactful and meaningful. Are you ready to propose? Do you need tips on what to tell your lover during the proposal?