Canine Couple Gets Hitched in 'Memorable' Wedding

Providence Place, a residential care home in the Richmond District, threw a wedding for two of its beloved canine friends Aug. 22.

"Susie," owned by resident Ruth Epps, and "Chance," owned by the community outreach coordinator, Sarah Pfingstem, were "married" at the care home.

The home's cook, Wimal, stood in as the best man while Assistant Administrator Estela was given maid of honor duties.

"Over the past few weeks, we've had a lot of fun reminiscing about love and marriage. Bob recalled going to Reno with his bride-to-be many years ago. He said that his brother drove them because he wanted to make sure that they actually got married. And Connie was there to give advice to the bride at her shower: "Don't do it," said Pfingstem.

More than one person echoed Pfingstem's worldly advice of "wait unit you're older."

Epps was ecstatic because her little "Poo Poo" (Susie) was getting married!

"While making the favors we had a ball talking about our first kisses and high school sweethearts," Pfingstem said.

"Yes, this was all in jest, and everyone got a big kick out of two dogs getting married, but we've taken away a lot more from it than that. Most of the people living at Providence Place have memory loss. We offer special 'memory programs' to help retain memory function or to improve a person's cognitive capability," Pfingstem said.

The doggie wedding is one way the staff at Providence Place is helping residents suffering with memory impairment issues.

"What we know from over 15 years of experience is that it's the small moments in a person's life that gives them the greatest comfort. It's having the time to hold someone's hand or to laugh about old boyfriends and first kisses. It's building a trust and creating a friendship between two people."

"I guess the moral of this story is that everyone can have joy in their life no matter what their age or impairment. It's our job as caregivers to find creative ways to celebrate life - life that's been lived and life to be lived," Pfingstem said.

To learn more about Providence Place's special couple or its continuing care programs, contact Pfingstem at (415) 359-9700.