Wedding Purrty
Orion
Cat of Honor - Rest In Peace
We lost our sweet Orion after almost four incredible years. He was responsible for acclimating over 20 animals, both foster and family pets into our collective households. Incredibly bonded to Wade, he brought the home together with Franklin on nights where Trent was protecting GPW. The most gentle, loving and special boy lived an incredible 15 years, far too short for how much love he shared. He will be honored throughout the event in spirits and photos.
Franklin
Best Cat
Found alone in a cardboard box, Franklin was brought into our lives two years ago. Upon first glance at Franklin, Trent famously exclaimed "what the hell is that thing?", where he then proceeded to drive the streets of Mexicantown to adopt him. Best friend to Orion and our forever kitten, Franklin has been coined "the cutest cat ever" by our Best Man, Officiant, Grosse Pointe's Most Desirable Petsitter & Brother of the Groom - Carson Dara.
Oswald
Brideskitty
Adopted from the same rescue as Franklin, we'd like to introduce you to our most recent addition... Oswald! Dumped in Detroit this past January, he navigated the cold until finding his foster, who welcomed him into her home for nine months prior to his adoption with us. At an impressive 10 years old, he has been carrying himself well in the few weeks he's been with us. He has already rolling around with Franklin and politely requesting attention with his quiet meow. We hope that Orion sees Oswald and Franklin together, knowing that he inspired a lifetime of rescuing cats that deserve a second chance.
Blue
Groomsdog
As a whippet / border collie mix, Blue embraces her hyperactivity in every waking moment. From digging up power lines (surprisingly without electrocuting herself), to chewing on rocks (she has had a total of 12 teeth removed), she is certain to keep us on our toes. When she isn't a total spitfire, she loves gentle pets and cuddles on the couch. She hangs perfectly in the balance of serenity and chaos.
Bo
Bridesdog
"Adopted" when his intended family could no longer keep him, Bo is the unofficial Kogler family mascot for all things happening at 1212 West Gunn. Often quoted as our "best trained dog", Bo can be seen frequenting Bear Creek and the Paint Creek trail unleashed and ready to rumble at his known stomping grounds.
Cowboy
Groomsdog
For years Jessica expressed an undeniable desire to adopt a small dog. After sending countless options of dogs that didn't make the cut, Wade finally brought home Cowboy. Brought to the shelter at a whopping 21lbs, Cowboy had only ever lived indoors. Since his adoption a year ago, he has lost 8lbs, gone on dog outings at the Ford House, Kensington Metropark and Grosse Pointe Equestrian, where he visits his equine brother, Jazz.
Maple
Brideskitty
Found one month after we moved to GPP, Maple showed up on our doorstep. Her crackly meow and gentle demeanor led us to believe that she belonged to someone. After months of hounding neighbors, countless Facebook posts and an extremely harsh winter, we had lost hope that Maple had a home to call her own. She finally reappeared the following spring, where we brought her inside without hesitation. Shortly after being rehabilitated by MARL, Maple was adopted by Stacey and Bela. She now spends her days basking in the sun, cuddling under blankets and singing her swan songs inviting Bela to slumber.
Dakota
Groomsdog
Surrendered to MARL as a Senior, Dakota waited patiently for the right home. As a purebred husky, she had LOTS of things to say. Her words were heard from Pontiac to Grosse Pointe, by a little man named Steve, who decided to rescue the damsel in distress. Years later, Dakota has made herself known to the neighborhood as a master escape artist, experimental chef (snacking on avocado pits, laundry pods and birds) and songstress. She is often seen proudly prancing on Touraine Rd as she makes her way to Grandma Judi's for a well deserved snack.
Raymond
Brideskitty
Found blind, FIV+ and fearful of people, Ray had a very rough life before meeting our family. At his adoption, shelter workers said there was a very strong possibility that he would neve allow himself to be pet. After months of gentle rehabilitation from Wade, Ray went from wincing at the slightest touch to belly rolling for pets and brushings. Our sweet Ray is the beautiful result of patience and second chances.
Jazz
Groomshorse
Serving as the eldest Dara Family Pet at an impressive 22 years old, Jazz spends his days at Grosse Pointe Equestrian. From once frolicking with Lucy Mae to sharing inquisitive expressions with Carson, Jazz is perfectly content in his old age. Recently diagnosed with diabetes, Jazz can no longer partake in his daily bananas and endless supply of peppermints (unless Wade sneaks him some once in a blue moon). But not to worry, his ailment hasn't stopped him from lurching his neck at the slightest whisper of a wrapper crinkling. Whether he's being taken for a ride, relaxing in his paddock or grazing his favorite clovers, Jazz is always his authentic self, certain to make you smile (and maybe even give him a guilty snack).