Some couples practice their first dance with a glass of wine and a YouTube tutorial. This couple practiced with a Golden Retriever named Wally… who absolutely refused to sit this one out.

In the TikTok video, we first see them in their living room, going over the steps of their wedding dance. It’s sweet and a little awkward in the charming way all practice dances are. But before long, there’s a third partner in the mix: Wally. The caption says it all: “When we started practicing our wedding dance, we noticed our dog always wanted to be involved.”

And he really does. While they turn and sway, Wally keeps trotting into the middle, looking up with that classic Golden face that says, Oh, you’re dancing? With OUT me? Interesting choice. Instead of shooing him away, they lean into it. Cue the next caption: “So we decided to see what it would be like if we just made him a part of it.”

That’s when the magic happens. They start to gently incorporate him. He isn’t a prop. He’s a partner.

Then we cut to the big day.

Dressed up, surrounded by family and friends, they step out for their wedding dance…and there’s Wally, right there between them. Literally in their arms, held close as they sway together like a perfect, slightly furry trio. It’s not a polished ballroom routine; it’s better. It’s a love story that includes the whole family.

I’ll be honest: a performance like that from my dog Lola is probably not in the cards. She’d be more likely to turn the first dance into a game of “catch me if you can” than a tender moment. But even we both went, awwww at Wally, because there’s something so right about seeing a couple say, “This is who we are, and he’s part of us.”

It’s a reminder that weddings don’t have to be stiff or traditional to be meaningful. Sometimes they’re at their most beautiful when a big golden goofball is happily wedged between you and the person you love.

Including Your Dog in the Big Moments

Wally’s starring role is heart-melting, but it also shows how powerful it can be to include pets in meaningful rituals. The American Kennel Club notes that more couples are finding ways to safely and thoughtfully involve their dogs in weddings—whether that’s as ring bearers, aisle walkers, or just emotional support floofs on the dance floor. They recommend practicing ahead of time, planning for noise and crowds, and making sure there’s a handler dedicated to your pup’s comfort so the experience is fun, not overwhelming.

If your dog is more Lola than Wally, that’s okay too. Even a quick photo, a quiet pre-ceremony cuddle, or a paw-print on your décor can be enough to say, you’re family, and this day is ours.

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Related: Golden Retriever Clearly Has Beef With the Neighborhood Snowman and It’s Cracking Us Up

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.