Two newlyweds ensured their beloved pet stayed part of their lives forever.
Randy and Alexandra Eckhart, a Colorado couple, planned to marry in New Mexico in November. However, a historic blizzard dumped a few feet of snow on the state, upsetting previous plans. Around the same time, veterinarians found two large, life-threatening tumors on their dog, Bella Rose.
In an interview with KMGH, the couple said they had a vet appointment scheduled a few days before they intended to leave for New Mexico. After getting Bella Rose’s diagnosis and learning she was terminally ill, the Eckharts changed their plans. Instead, they retrieved their marriage license, brought their pup to an emergency care vet, and had their impromptu wedding ceremony there.
“We kind of joked about it the day before at the vet, and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’d be so great if guys all came and did your wedding here,'” Randy told KMGH. “We both looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s just go do this at the vet so we know for sure Bella’s here and can sign this and can do it.'”
Because Colorado law allows couples to self-solemnize their weddings — they aren’t required to have an officiant or witnesses at the ceremony, according to KMGH — Bella Rose got to “officiate” her pet parents’ nuptials and sign their marriage certificate.
Related: Dogs Who Fell in Love Over Strolls at Senior Community Get Married in Front of 75 Wedding Guests
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Photos from the Eckharts’ vet office ceremony show Bella Rose stamping the wedding papers with her paw. The beloved pet died shortly after the ceremony, so having her be a vital part of the big day is comforting to the people who loved her most.
Even though Bella Rose continues to live on through the Eckharts’ love, she left behind an “empty and quiet” house, Alexandra told KMGH. So, the couple recently welcomed a new dog to help fill the hole left by BellaRose’s absence.
Related: Bride Carries Beloved Dog Instead of Bouquet on Wedding Day: ‘It Was Only Fitting’
And their 4-month-old long-haired dachshund is doing just that. “Just some things that he embodies and makes me feel like Bella sent him,” added Alexandra.
Read the original article on People
