Hope and Hunter, the Children’s Mercy facility dogs who spend their days spreading unconditional love and comfort to patients and their families, exchanged canine vows in a “pawsome” nuptial ceremony in the Lisa Barth Chapel on Thursday (May 18).

“Hope has always been ‘Hunter’s girlfriend,' so it only made sense that they should ‘marry,’” said Missy Stover, Child Life Volunteer and Therapeutic Programs Manager.

Hope, wearing a white wedding dress and veil, and Hunter, wearing a tuxedo collar, entered the chapel full of patient witnesses to the tune “Chapel of Love” (Going to the chapel / And we’re gonna get married), sung by Liesel Stephens, Senior Music Therapist, and Music Therapy interns Hannah Gore and Celeste Cler.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate Hope and Hunter,” said Jake Jacobson, Director of Public Relations, who officiated the ceremony. “Before these witnesses, Hunter takes Hope to be his lawfully wedded doggie bride; they bow-vow to love each other, share their banana and peanut butter together, today, tomorrow and forever.”

During the exchange of collars, Aimee Hoflander, Hunter’s primary handler, and Allison Bowring, Hope’s primary handler, (who doubled as matrons of honor) said “I do,” on behalf of their respective pooches; Hunter then kissed the bride (he really did)!

The blessed event was followed by a reception in the chapel garden, complete with “doggie bags” for the patient guests and a doggie wedding cake for the bride and groom.