A beloved black lab named Charlie has lived just long enough to be with his favorite when she gets married.
When Kelly O’Connell of Denver, Colorado tied the knot with the love of her life, it meant the whole world to her with her dog Charlie Bear by her side. Both she and her new husband James Garvin are veterinarians.
At the age of 15, Charlie had to battle a brain tumor for several months. On his human wedding day this September, he’s very weak – but he still does it.
The puppy started walking down the aisle with O’Connell’s sister and bridesmaid Katie Lloyd. But when the distance became too great for him, Lloyd 5’3 ″ lifted 80-pound Charlie and carried him to the altar to lie beside his human.
“We both just dropped to our knees and started crying”, the bride told ABC News. “When I saw him being carried a few feet away, I felt sure that was not the Charlie he liked to be. He’s aged, and I know he’s lost a lot.”
“He is a very sweet dog. He loves everyone, but I’m definitely his,” she said in the story.
Those moments at the wedding turned out to be some of their last moments together. A few days later, Charlie crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
These heartfelt photos, taken by O’Connell’s friend and photographer Jen Dziuveniswill always be special memories for the newlyweds.
“When your beloved dog was at the end of his life unable to return to the aisle and your sister picked him up and carried him…. THAT is love,” wrote Dziuvenis above Facebook. “There isn’t enough mascara in the world for these moments. Dog people are the best people.”
(h/t: ABC News)
