Emily and Tracy work to ensure you can include your fur babies on your big day.
Have you ever wanted to include your pets on your wedding day, but weren’t sure about the logistics? Look no further than BOLI Preferred Vendor Love & Leashes. Owners Emily and Tracy will not only bring your furry friends to your venue, they will stay by their side to make sure they’re taken care of – before, during and after you say ‘I do.’
Boarding and Beyond
What started as private in-home boarding a few years ago has turned into so much more for Emily and Tracy. “Before I met Tracy, I was boarding dogs while people would go on vacation,” said Emily. “When one of my regulars asked me to bring her dog to her wedding, I saw the opportunity to expand.” About two years ago, Love & Leashes was born when Emily and Tracy teamed up.
For weddings, they provide everything from transportation to hands-on companionship throughout the day. “We ensure dogs are leashed, well-behaved and cared for so couples can focus on celebrating,” said Emily. They arrive fully prepared — like photographers with their gear — bringing essentials such as poop bags, cooling mats, blankets, towels, lint rollers and even the dog’s favorite treats or toys to keep them happy and engaged during photos.
“The most common request we hear is, ‘Can you make sure my dog doesn’t jump on my dress?’” said Tracy. “Couples want peace of mind, and that’s exactly what we provide.” The pair will walk dogs down the aisle, help with photos and coordinate with planners and photographers so everything runs smoothly. “Whether it’s a short appearance or an eight-hour wedding, we’re there to make sure every moment with their pet is joyful and stress-free,” said Tracy.
(Photo by KP Media)
Part of the Family
But what if your fur baby gets anxious or isn’t great around strangers? Emily and Tracy assure brides that the dogs they care for are treated like their own. “Our philosophy of boarding is folding dogs right into our family,” said Tracy. “We both have large fenced-in yards, plenty of space to play and if they’d rather curl up on the couch and watch NatGeo or football, they get to do that too. We want them to feel loved and treated just as our own pets are.” Emily added, “Before any stay — whether it’s for a wedding or regular boarding — we always do a meet and greet. Couples bring their pup to see our home, meet our families and get comfortable with our own dogs so everything feels smooth and safe.” The pair say they don’t use crates, unless that is what the dogs are used to. Basically, they want your dogs to live exactly how they live at home. And while they have only taken care of dogs during weddings, they are definitely open to any other pets couples have.
Training for the Big Day
That extra care extends to wedding prep, especially for pups who may be nervous. “Because the dogs know us, they trust us and they feel our energy,” said Tracy. “We’re their advocates, making sure they’re calm, comfortable and never put in situations that could make them anxious. If a dog is timid, we’ll take them for an extra walk or give them space away from the crowd.” Emily recalled one special success story: Bailey. “She had a long history of anxiety, but her owners really wanted her in their wedding,” she said. “Over 10 months, she came to my house once a month — starting with short visits and building up to sleepovers — so she could get used to us.” By the time the wedding came, Bailey pranced down the aisle like she was the star of the show. “That transformation was incredible,” said Emily.
Favorite Moments With Your Fur Baby
For Emily and Tracy, the joy of their work comes from witnessing the sweetest, most genuine moments between couples and their pets. “The first look with mom is one of my favorites,” said Emily. “A lot of times dogs will board with us the night before, so they haven’t seen their parents for a day or two. The excitement of their little butt wiggles and wagging tails when they see their mom is just so sweet.”
Tracy shared that her favorite memories happen when dogs realize they’re surrounded by familiar faces. “The greeting before walking into a ceremony or cocktail hour is just adorable. All of a sudden, the dog is like, ‘wait, I know all these people, and they know me.’ It’s the most heartwarming thing,” she said. Tracy also treasures the quieter moments, like when a pup pauses before walking down the aisle. “It’s that instant where the dog looks at their mom or dad, and we capture it behind the scenes.” And they want couples to know that they won’t go anywhere until you get all the moments you want. They will advocate for you so your vision truly comes to life.
A Trusted Part of Your Day
What makes Love & Leashes so special isn’t just the care they provide—it’s the joy they get from being part of the celebration itself. “We get to listen to incredible ceremonies,” said Tracy. “It’s such an honor to witness weddings over and over again, each one so different. What’s amazing is how often dogs are included in so many aspects. These dogs are so loved, and it feels really special to be trusted with someone’s most precious baby on their wedding day.”