Dog Diagnosed with Cancer Joins Owner During Heartfelt Wedding Dress Shopping Trip

A terminally ill dog joined her owner for a touching wedding dress shopping experience.

On July 6, Katie Phillips headed to White on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina, for her bridal appointment — accompanied by someone who means the world to her: her 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Koa.

“She’s been with me through everything, so it just felt right to have her there for something as special as choosing a wedding dress,” Phillips told PEOPLE. “She’s my best friend, my girl, and my constant.”

In February, out of nowhere, Koa was diagnosed with oral melanoma. After consultations with three specialists, she received a vaccine to help stop the cancer from spreading and had jawbone surgery to remove a large, fast-growing tumor in her mouth. Remarkably, Koa “bounced back in a way that only Koa could,” and celebrated with a dog-friendly cake that read “Cancer Free.”

From March to June, Phillips and her fiancé, Nick Pizzo, finally felt like they could breathe again — until heartbreak hit just two weeks after their engagement. Vets informed them that Koa’s cancer had spread to her lungs, giving her only about three months to live.

“It was devastating,” Phillips said. “That moment changed everything.”

Though Koa is still acting like her usual self without any symptoms, Phillips and Pizzo are cherishing every minute with her. With limited treatment options and an uncertain future, Phillips has been soaking up every moment. So when she learned the bridal shop welcomed furry friends, she knew Koa had to be by her side for this milestone.

“The idea of including her in something joyful — something I’ll always remember — felt really meaningful,” Phillips shared. “I just want to do as much with her as I can and include her in every moment.”

That day became one of Phillips’ most treasured memories — and from Koa’s calm, happy demeanor, it seemed special to her too.

“She was so calm and happy the whole time,” Phillips recalled. “Her tail wagged nonstop. She followed me everywhere — in and out of the dressing room — like she knew she had a job to do. She laid right at my feet while I tried on dresses, and every time I looked down, there she was — smiling and watching me. It felt like she knew exactly what was happening. She carried this proud, peaceful energy all day — like she was quietly part of the celebration.”

Since she was just eight weeks old, Koa has been Phillips’ loyal companion. Adopted in Georgia in 2019, Koa has stood by her through every life chapter and has formed a sister-like bond with Pizzo’s 5-year-old boxer and English pointer mix, Evie.

“She’s been through every chapter of my life, and now she’s part of this one too,” Phillips said. “She absolutely adores Nick, and he’s such a great dog dad to her. Their bond means the world to me — I think she really senses what this new chapter means for all of us.”

Though Phillips didn’t find her dream dress that day, it didn’t matter.

“Having her there made the day so meaningful,” she said. “It was one of those moments where you just stop and think, ‘I’m going to remember this forever.’”

She added, “Having her with me during that first appointment meant more than I can really put into words. It wasn’t just about trying on dresses — it was about making a memory with her. It’s been hard to fully enjoy wedding planning while carrying the weight of her diagnosis. At times, it feels like a dark cloud hanging over everything. But that day with her helped me change my mindset. Instead of moving forward with sadness and grief, I’ve been focusing on making every moment count.”

A few days later, Phillips found her wedding dress at another Charleston boutique, accompanied by her mom and best friend.

“It was still fun and exciting, but it didn’t feel as emotional as that first appointment with Koa,” she said. “She wasn’t with me when I said yes to the dress, but I plan to ask the boutique if she can come to my fitting once the gown arrives. I have to see her reaction and get a photo with her while I’m wearing it. That moment will mean everything to me.”

Back in June, Koa and Evie were by their owners’ side for the sunrise engagement on Isle of Palms. When Pizzo proposed on the beach, Koa couldn’t help but join in the celebration.

“When I leaned in to kiss Nick, Koa jumped in for a big, slobbery three-way kiss,” Phillips laughed. “It was such a classic Koa move. Nick had drool all over his face, and we couldn’t stop laughing. She stayed with us the whole day. In every photo, Koa’s in the background — smiling, tail wagging, soaking it all in. It really felt like she knew something special had just happened.”

Phillips and Pizzo plan to marry in Barbados in April 2026, with a civil ceremony in Charleston beforehand so Koa can be included — if she’s still strong and fighting.

“I just want her to know how deeply she’s loved,” Phillips said. “I want her to feel special and included in everything — not just the big milestones, but the quiet, everyday parts of life too. This whole experience has made me realize how much we take for granted. I don’t overlook the little things anymore: the couch cuddles, the daily walks, the way she smiles and wags her tail when I walk in the door. Those are the moments I’m holding onto.”