Couple Honors Senior Dog, Who Was ‘the Center of Our Universe,’ at Wedding Before Having to Put Him Down

Ryan and Libbee Dyer’s wedding day was filled with both joy and heartbreak as they celebrated their love — and prepared to say goodbye to a cherished member of their family: their 19-year-old dog, Jack.

In a touching moment captured on video by wedding videographer Jamie Ross, Libbee — wearing her wedding dress — shared the emotional news. “He’s going to go to heaven on Monday,” she said, referring to their beloved dog, Jack, who had been by their side for nearly two decades.

Determined to honor Jack one last time, Ryan and Libbee made sure he was a part of their special day. Surrounded by friends and family, the couple invited everyone to share their goodbyes with Jack — who was lovingly dressed in a black-and-white tuxedo and resting in a ribbon-decorated wagon.

“This weekend, as much as it’s our celebration, it’s a celebration for Jack as well,” Libbee explained in the video. “Just so everyone we love can say goodbye to him, because we do everything with him.”

The video also includes heartwarming clips of Jack throughout the years, including a ride aboard Australia’s Puffing Billy, the world’s oldest operating steam locomotive. In one scene, Jack rests his head on the window sill, taking in the breeze.

“I feel like he’s touched a part of everyone’s lives in his 19 years,” Libbee said.

Ross’ video, which has amassed over 3 million views, also shows an emotional moment at the altar, where Ryan told Libbee through tears, “And even though our trio is about to become a duo, I know it won’t be long before we are filling the back seat again.”

In a heartfelt caption, Ross shared how moved he was by the couple’s bond with Jack.
“I don’t usually get emotional at weddings these days — I stay pretty focused on filming, but this story got me,” he wrote. “When I arrived on the wedding day, it was immediately clear how much Jack meant to Ryan & Lib, and I knew I had to capture whatever I could.”

Though the storyline wasn’t one that typically fits into a wedding film, Ross said he felt compelled to create something special. “At the heart of it, my work is about preserving a snapshot in time — something real to return to as the years pass.”

Speaking to Today.com, Ryan and Libbee shared that they made the heartbreaking decision to put Jack down two weeks before the wedding. Knowing time was short, they vowed to make the most of every moment with him — including their wedding day, where he was the guest of honor.

“I had his bed behind us at the wedding for the dinner, so he had a bit of the entrée, a bit of dessert, a bit of the main [course],” Ryan said.

“Everyone got to go up to him and say their goodbyes, or give him a pat, give him a treat. He got all the attention during the cocktail hour, which he loved.”

Jack had been with Ryan since childhood. At age 12, Ryan’s parents surprised him and his sister with two puppies. Jack, then just eight weeks old, became Ryan’s lifelong companion.

“I still remember they drove up into the driveway, and Jack’s head was above the car window,” Ryan recalled.

Eventually, Libbee joined the duo, and the three became inseparable.

The couple said they’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love after sharing Jack’s story. Nearly four million people have viewed the video, and the comments have been filled with kind words and support.

“Jake was the center of our universe,” Libbee told Today.com. “And it felt really fitting that now almost 4 million people have seen how special he was.”

Ross said he’s grateful he could help preserve such an emotional moment for the Dyers.

“Hearing the story directly from Libbee gave it an extra layer of intimacy,” he said. “It made it like a time capsule for how she felt in that exact moment.”