Okay, so now you're thinking, "What is this woman doing writing about her dog when she should be writing about love, weddings and whatnot?!"Meet Taipooh. He came to me as "Peanut," rescued off the streets of Taipei, Taiwan in 2000 - a country which is a hell hole for companion animals. I rescued Taipooh just after my beloved cocker spaniel, Ms. Pooh, passed away. I named this goofy guy from Taipei, "Taipooh," in honor of his heritage and Ms. Pooh.
Taipooh is a nut. Because of his severe neglect in Taiwan, he has weathered two bouts of mange, has overcome heartworm, has epilepsy and infrequent seizures and is going blind. And he is so full of joy. Oh, and I forgot to tell you his tongue is too long for his mouth and always stick out - talk about goofy!
What I'd like you to know about me is that a huge part of my life is evolves around animal rescue. My husband Greg and I live on Bainbridge Island and we have four special needs dogs all rescued from severe abuse/neglect. When I am not working with couples and on my wedding work, Greg and I are often involved in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from the worst of situations - many like Taipooh.
So, in this wedding work that I do, I frequently have a dog sitting under my desk as I write a ceremony. On occasion, on a wedding day, I attend to an animal rescue (I have lots of clothing changes in my car!). And while this wonderful wedding work that I do makes me very happy, the joy I feel from releasing an animal from pain and suffering is unmatched.
Thank you for indulging me. I was going to write about wedding vows but took a look at Taipooh sleeping in his bed near my desk and said, "what the heck!"
Annemarie - Wedding Officiant and Animal Lover
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