Toto carrying the rings at Albanese's wedding is nothing new as more pets join couples saying I do' | Kate Leaver

"When Anthony Albanese became the first prime minister to get married in office, the pressure was on for his ring-bearer, a 10-year-old in a white gown trimmed in tulle. Fortunately Toto, the prime minister's blond cavoodle, was escorted down the aisle on his white lead by Albanese's five-year-old niece, Ella. Toto may be the First Dog but he is not the first dog to be featured in a human wedding; it's becoming extremely popular."

"Nearly half of Australian households have at least one dog, making them the most popular pet in the country. That means there are about 7.4 million pet dogs many of them invited when their people get hitched. According to research by the pet-sitting service Pawshake, half of brides and grooms are planning to include their dog in their wedding, with almost a quarter making them ring-bearer, maid of honour, or best man."

"Charlotte and Josh Corsbie had an outside wedding in Brisbane, in part so they could have their dog Ruby there. She walked pretty efficiently down the aisle, says Charlotte. Ruby wore a floral collar decoration that matched the bridesmaids, made by the mother of the groom. During the ceremony, she stood prominently at the front beside Charlotte's brother. But what to do with Rubes when it came time for dancing and cake a more hazardous environment for a small dog?"

Anthony Albanese became the first prime minister to marry in office and had his cavoodle Toto escorted down the aisle by his five-year-old niece, Ella. Dogs are increasingly included in human weddings across Australia, where nearly half of households own at least one dog and there are roughly 7.4 million pet dogs. Research from Pawshake finds half of couples plan to include their dog in the wedding and about a quarter assign formal roles such as ring-bearer or best man. Legal recognition varies—New York allows paw-print signatures alongside a human signature—while Australian dogs typically perform predictable duties and require reception care arrangements.

Read at www.theguardian.com