On Aug. 2, 2013, Genny and Gary Dunn got married at a simple outdoor ceremony, with 35 friends and family members in attendance. A small combo played quiet, soft music as the best man, dapper and dignified in a gray bowtie, smiled and wagged his tail mightily.
The best man’s name is Jones, and he’s the couple’s rescued dog. And the nuptial union took place on the gazebo-like overhang on the spcaLA lawn at the P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village.
Photographs courtesy of Genny and Gary Dunn.
“Jones was absolutely handsome,” Gary said. “We had a friend of mine from Wilson and his small band sing songs that were important to us.”
The Dunns selected the spcaLA as the ceremony venue after realizing that they wanted their wedding in the form of a meaningful celebration of love. “We started looking for a place to get married, and when you start looking at what you spend for a traditional wedding, prices are astronomical for something that may last about five or six hours,” Gary said. “The average wedding today is about $28,000, and my wife and I thought, boy, we don’t want to do something that expensive and that much of an event.” The Dunns decided that the huge sum of money that they would have spent on dinner, drinks, a DJ and all the rest of the embellishments could go toward making a difference in the lives of others—in their case, the pets at the spcaLA.
The Dunns have always been huge animal lovers and regularly donate to the spcaLA. Jones was a multiplayer rescue but not from the shelter or the spcaLA—he landed (quite literally, I have to add) on their laps.
“We got him when we were having lunch on Second Street,” Dunn said. “A man was walking by with a little dog, and my wife said, ‘Your dog’s so cute!’ The man said, ‘Do you want him?’”
The man’s wife had found the dog as a stray in Oakland. Before he relinquished him to the shelter, he decided to try his luck at the popular Belmont Shore shopping destination. Luckily for the dog, the Dunns are ready-made forever-home people and not folks who’d grab him up on a whim and then abandon him again. And Genny and Gary know they’re pretty lucky, too.
“Jones just became such a part of our life,” Gary said. “From being a couple who was on the fence about rescuing a dog, this turned out to be the best thing we’ve ever done. There are some things you can’t prepare yourself for, but if you jump in with both feet, it turns out to be a blessing.”
The Dunns also made sure to get Jones neutered.
And when Genny and Gary decided to celebrate their love, they included animals in their embrace, and their best friend took a principal role in the ceremony. Gary said that they kept the event small so as not to be disruptive to the spcaLA or shelter pets.
“We didn’t ask for gifts, but we did have a website for people to provide donations to the spcaLA,” Gary said. We also gave them a donation for being allowed to use their facility.”
What could be a better Valentine’s Day love story for an animal column? Or for any couple who wants to share their love and mutual passion in a meaningful way?
~ “My heart is ever at your service.”
William Shakespeare, as said by Mooch, Earl and the other loveable denizens of Mutts Comics
The spcaLA and Long Beach Animal Care Services share the Pitchford Village. Click on the links to donate to either facility.
Virtually Pets
P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, the building where Genny and Gary Dunn had their wedding ceremony houses both spcaLA and ACS, our shelter. There are wonderful pets waiting for forever homes at both facilities—in fact, the two entities have a strategic partnership. The spcaLA takes in many of the pets brought in to the shelter, and you can adopt from either one.
ACS and spcaLA are located at 7700 E. Spring St. in Long Beach. Each has its own entrance.
SpcaLA Pets
Bubbles is a stray pit bull mix whose previous owner never reclaimed her. She’s 7 years old and has a big smile. She’s been socialized and ready to go to a forever home. Meet her at the spcaLA entrance. Ask for ID#15-01776.
Mary Jane—she’s one dank kitty. She’s 3 years old and is jonesing for an excellent life with a good bud. Ask for ID#15-02433.
ACS Pets
Kash is a gorgeous spaniel that has one thing in mind—play. After that, she’s ready to settle down for some love. Kash is a year and a half and would love to be someone’s lady. Ask for ID# A529610.
Bella lives up to her name. A most beautiful creature, she’s a year old with a quiet temperament. She has a bonded brother, Smokey, who would be a wonderful companion. If two’s company for you, ask for ID#A541224 for Bella and ID#A541222 for Smokey.
Hansel and Gretel are two foundlings lucky enough to have been taken to a rescuer. Pit bull puppies abound because their parents don’t get fixed, and the puppies are abandoned or sold and then abandoned. When a pittie is raised with love, they grow up loving. If you’re interested in adopting these two and giving them names they won’t be embarrassed about in school, e-mail [email protected].
Pet Projects
Friends of Long Beach Animals Humane Education Program, Free, Ongoing
Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOL) stands by its word when it says it actively supports teaching children kindness to and respect for animals. FOLBA has provided several copies of humane books to all of the libraries in the Long Beach Unified School District, all the Public Libraries in Long Beach and Signal Hill, as well as to Raising-a-Reader and to Mary Bethune Transitional Center (assisting homeless children who need reading improvement so they can attend regular LBUSD classes). This interactive humane education program is free to all schools in the Long Beach Unified School District, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, Long Beach Parks and Libraries and Community Groups. Basic elements of the program are as follows:
Humane treatment of all living creatures
- Basic pet care
- Proper behavior around animals
- Responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership
- Handouts and study materials
- Follow-up activities
For information, contact: FRIENDS’ Office 562-988-7647 or Deborah Turner 562-985-3459.
Pet Photo Sittings, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10AM–5PM, Seal Beach LaunderPet, 318 Main St., Seal Beach, and 9AM–6PM, Wags to Whiskers, 5505 E. Stearns St., Long Beach
Get a beautiful portrait of your furry Valentine (or feathery, or scaly) taken by Paw Print Foto mobile pet photography. A limited number of appointments are available, so call your preferred store location for sign up information: Seal Beach LaunderPet: (562) 430-7196; Wags to Whiskers: (562) 430-5161.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinics, Saturday, Feb. 21, 1:30–3PM, Good Neighbor Park, 2800 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach
Pet owners must be 18 years or older. All pets must be on leashes or in carriers. Only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. If you have a prior rabies vaccine certificate, license tag or license renewal notice for your pet, please bring it with you to the clinic. Vaccination and microchip services are provided for pets residing in any city. Licensing service is provided for residents within our jurisdiction: Long Beach, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. For more service information and pricing, please visit Southern California Veterinary Vaccine Clinics.
Be My Woof-N-Tine! Adoptathon, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, 10AM–6PM, Seaport Marina Hotel, 6400 PCH., Long Beach
Join West Coast Animal Rescue’s excellent adoption event and find your Valentine—or ‘tines. Pets from West Coast and Long Beach Animal Care Services will present pets looking for loving homes. Stop by to donate cleaning supplies, detergent, pet supplies and cash! Sponsored by Pet Food Express.