As Shelters Struggle with Demand, Dogs Raise Funds by Getting Married

FAIRFAX, Va. - July 10, 2023 - PRLog -- As animal shelters across the country address unprecedented demand, love between two Arlington dogs is making a lifesaving difference.

Lord Stanley and Princess Phoebe, of Arlington, Virginia are tying the knot in a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony on July 15. The event will raise resources for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue.

Guests are asked to donate money and will be provided a "registry" indicating items of need for Homeward Trails. Additionally, Princess Phoebe's owners donated use of their family beach house, raising more than $13,000 in donations to-date.

Princess Phoebe, adopted from Homeward Trails in 2021, came from southwest Virginia, where she grew up with only the worn collar around her neck. Lord Stanley hails from the "other side of the tracks" where he was brought into the world in 2018 dreaming of naps by the fire.

The dogs met through their owners, Abbe Steel and Tracy Donley, who are 40-year-long best friends from Arlington. When the dogs met, it was love at first sight.

Princess Phoebe will walk down the aisle in a specially chosen dress accompanied by her parents, Abbe Steel and Tom Howard. Lord Stanley, clad in a tuxedo, will await her at the altar accompanied by his parents, Tracy and Max Donley.

Sue Bell, Homeward Trails founder and executive director, will perform the ceremony, while Homer Frum, a long-haired Dachshund will serve as ring bearer. The catered menu will include drinks like Barkaritas and Moscow Mutts, as well as PAWtastic PAWsta and pupcakes.

"The plight of dogs in shelters these last two years has been awful with shelters constantly full. We've not seen it this bad in our 21 years of rescuing. To have these two dogs (and humans) find love and positivity in an incredibly difficult few years is truly heartwarming! The funds raised will save so many lives and show how dogs truly better our lives," says Bell. "We could not be more grateful to those making this happen!"

While honeymoon plans remain private, we know they'll have a howling time. No babies expected though – Phoebe and Stanley strongly support spaying and neutering! The individual bones and beds will be protected through a PrePuptial Agreement.

"We love our dogs as family members and wanted to do something fun to pay it forward for other dogs. We came up with the idea last winter and think it's going to be the event of the summer," Donley and Steel said. "This is for a great cause and so rewarding!"

Homeward Trails, rescues an average of 2,300 animals annually and relies on donations as it receives no city or state funding.

To donate to this event, visit: https://www.homewardtrails.org/lord-stanley-and-princess-phoebe-wedding/