Sometimes, you  just really want a dog. And for one couple, that meant making a change to one of the most important moments in their lives: their wedding. In a love story that goes a bit beyond your typical wedding plans, Marine sergeants Eduardo Del Pozo and Regan Mast began their unique journey with one addition to their family – a four-month-old German shepherd.

“It was love at first sight,” recalls Del Pozo. The couple, stationed as military police officers at Marine Corps Base Quantico, discovered their canine soulmate Daisy at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. The decision to make Daisy a part of their family, however, hinged on the timing of their wedding.

Daisy licked the faces of Mast and Del Pozo when they arrived to adopt her. Photo by Fairfax County Animal Shelter

When the shelter warned the couple that they couldn’t guarantee Daisy would be available for adoption by the time the couple’s 11am wedding was finished, they panicked. After a bit of worry and then quick thinking, the pair decided that starting their life off with a dog that needed them was more than enough reason to change the time of their wedding.

We were excited to get married, and we were also excited to adopt Daisy,” Del Pozo said.

The couple quickly called their friends and family. “Instead of getting married at 11, we asked everyone if they’d mind if the ceremony was changed to 9 a.m. Everyone was really supportive and told us, ‘It’s your special day — it’s your wedding, and we’ll be there whenever you’d like.'”

The couple, all dressed in wedding attire, exchanged their vows in a civil ceremony. With the promise of a life together sealed, they wasted no time rushing to the animal shelter to welcome Daisy into their newly formed family. Describing the moment Daisy entered the room, Del Pozo says, “We were both in shock at how cute she was. When I grabbed her, she started loving all over us, and we knew it was meant to be.” Mast added, “I also wasn’t expecting her to be as small as she was. We both thought she was perfect.”

Daisy enjoys some play time at home in Woodbridge, Va. Photo courtesy of the Del Pozo family

Rebecca Cavedon, communications manager for the Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering, expressed her joy at witnessing the union of this young family. “It was a special moment to witness this young family grow by one, and to see Daisy immediately shower them with kisses,” she said.

Pets are part of our family,” Cavedon said.

“To see that they got married literally that morning and then added to their family — and the joy that brought them, just made us all smile and made our day — it made a really special day for us even better,” she said. For now, the honeymoon will have to wait.

The couple are spending their time taking Daisy for walks and teaching her to play fetch. “She’s smart, she’s adorable and she’s super goofy,” Del Pozo said. “She’s definitely our favorite wedding present.” Watch below for a look at this wonderful couple and their newest family member!

Sources: Washington Post | People