Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day, and that extends to animal shelters and their residents.
Two resident senior dogs at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta were married Wednesday, according to Stevanie Roy, director of operations at the shelter.
Roy said the humane society staff joke among themselves that the two are inseparable — almost like an “old married couple.” So they decided to throw them an official marriage ceremony, she said.
Twelve guests attended the wedding and reception, which included a pizza party for the staff. Jack and Diane enjoyed the occasional pepperoni slice, Roy said.
Last August, Jack and Diane were found wandering the East Cemetery in Chelsea and then brought to Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Staff estimate that Jack is about 10 and Diane is 7.
Jack and Diane, both mixed-breed canines, are a “bonded pair,” Roy said, meaning they cannot be separated and must be adopted together. In October, a family adopted both dogs but then returned them a month later due to an unfit family match. Jack and Diane are a quiet pair who like taking long naps on the couch and need a home without other pets, according to the shelter.
This was the first wedding the shelter has hosted. Roy said the event was intended to promote Jack and Diane’s availability online to potential future owners.
Kennebec Valley Humane Society will have reduced adoption fees on Valentine’s Day.