Instead of flowers, this bride had her bridesmaids walk down the aisle with rescue dogs

quote:

---

Sally Burky told People Magazine that she envisioned her wedding day a little differently. Instead of bouquets, she had her friends walk senior dogs, who were up for adoption, down the aisle.

“I was searching different options other than bouquets and puppies popped up on Pinterest. I thought how neat it would be to not only have puppies, but adolescent, and senior dogs as well!” Burky told People.

---

quote:

---

Her intention was simple: Get the pups a new home.

Burky chose the Haven of the Ozarks, which is a no-kill shelter in Missouri, group to supply the pups because she often donates and visits the spot.

“I have been donating to Haven for the last 8 years, and try to drive down to Cassville 3-4 times a year but will attend their local adoption events near our home if I don’t have the time to make the trip,” the 29-year-old bride said, adding that she first heard of Haven of the Ozarks when the rescue helped her find homes for two neglected dogs. “Seeing their sanctuary and how each one of their volunteers treats the animals made me feel so confident that this was the rescue I was going to support.”

But for Burky, while it might seem odd to forgo flowers for forgotten dogs, it was a no-brainer to her.

“It was incredible. I was already emotional from having our first look with my now husband, and then seeing the dogs being unloaded … I just couldn’t hold back the tears,” Burky said. “They were tears of happiness that they were here to be a part of my day, and, in some way, I was a part of their day too. I wanted to show what sweet and well-behaved animals the Haven has to offer as companions for individuals and families.”

---

quote:

---

The idea seemed to have an effect on her guests because everyone was “smiling ear-to-ear.” Burky told “Today” that just a week after her wedding all of the dogs found new families.

---