A WEDDING with a difference is being held in Godmanchester this week when an animal shelter performs its first canine marriage ceremony.

A WEDDING with a difference is being held in Godmanchester this week when an animal shelter performs its first canine marriage ceremony.

Greyhounds Pete and Zoe, both aged five, will be married at the pavilion at Wood Green Animal Shelters in London Road on Thursday (September 23).

The wedding will be attended by staff, members of the public and canine friends. It will be performed by vicar-for-the-day Gail Lees from Wood Green’s cat section who will read specially written vows for the duo.

After the ceremony the pair will return to their marital kennel to share a three tier liver cake and toast the occasion with a bowl of water. Zoe will wear a wedding dress made by dog rehomer, Donna Furnie.

Pete and Zoe were found as strays in Ireland and taken to Wood Green in June. Since then they have been inseparable.

Staff at the shelter thought a wedding ceremony would be a good way of officially sealing their love and ensuring they are rehomed together.

Dog rehomer Nicola Tyler said: “Zoe and Pete enjoy each others company so much that we have decided to hold a wedding ceremony to seal their union. We also hope it will help them find them a new home.

“Zoe and Pete are lovely dogs who can live with children over 10 years. They cannot live with cats. They love being with people and will make lovely pets.”

INFORMATION: Anyone wanting to offer a home to Pete and Zoe, should phone Wood Green on 0844 248 8181 or visit the Godmanchester shelter.

An extract from Pete and Zoe’s wedding vows:

I take you to be my lawfully wedded dog companion.

Before these witnesses I vow to love you and share my dog biscuits with you, as long as we both shall live.

I take you to share squeaky toys and roll in the grass with.

I will turn to you when I need a lick on my face or a wagging tail to cheer me up.

I choose you as the dog with whom I will spend my life.