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Foster dogs 'tie the knot' in Carson City

Foster dogs Lightning Liam, a Border collie mix, and Oh-Da-Babay, an English bulldog, were “married” Saturday at the Nevada Humane Society’s Carson City shelter at 549 Airport Road after bonding in January when they were taken into resident Suzanne Webb’s home. (Photo: Jessica Garcia/Nevada Appeal)

Foster dogs Lightning Liam, a Border collie mix, and Oh-Da-Babay, an English bulldog, were “married” Saturday at the Nevada Humane Society’s Carson City shelter at 549 Airport Road after bonding in January when they were taken into resident Suzanne Webb’s home. (Photo: Jessica Garcia/Nevada Appeal)

By Jessica Garcia

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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On Saturday, English bulldog Oh-Da-Babay was feeling the jitters and attempted to get out of her wedding gown while her groom, Border collie mix Lightning Liam, insisted on staying nearby, even though it’s typically bad luck to see the bride before the exchange of vows on a wedding day.
The Nevada Humane Society celebrated the “marriage” of the foster dog couple staying with Carson City residents Tom and Suzanne Webb. Sarah Goulart, dog evaluator, officiated, sharing a few details of their original hardships but acknowledging their triumphs together.
“These struggles brought them closer together and we look forward to watching them grow together in their forever home,” Goulart said. “Lightning Liam and Oh-Da-Babay, your marriage will be a lifelong promise to love, respect, trust and honor each other through the good times, which will be many treats, the bad, no treats and the unexpected, which will be treats whenever.”
The canine residents who came from special circumstances of neglect became an unusual love story, and the NHS has maintained high hopes of getting them adopted out together, Suzanne Webb told the Appeal in February.
While holding marriage ceremonies for animals isn’t something the organization typically does, CEO Greg Hall said Saturday, the pair’s circumstance was so unique along with the times that it seemed to click.
“It’s interesting because normally that’s our primary focus in getting our messaging out is to adopt, adopt, adopt,” Hall said. “We’ve had had a shortfall of animals, actually. Some of the more special needs animals, we’re getting a lot more out. We’re taking in transfers from other areas. We’re a little bit limited in Carson because of our contract.”
Hall said due to the pandemic, volunteers to help with the shelter’s usual tasks still are limited for the time being. For now, helpers have been confined to the NHS’ regular crew that still assists with the dog walking.
But while ceremonies such as Saturday’s event aren’t frequent, NHS is offering other ongoing events. A free microchip event is being held for Carson City residents at the local shelter at 549 Airport Road through March 31. Those interested in having their pets microchipped in the event they go missing can schedule an appointment at 775-887-2171.
“We really appreciate the support of the Carson City community,” Hall said. “When we took on the contract with the city, right before this shelter opened in 2015, it took lot of people by surprise. There were changes that needed to be made.”
Hall said he hopes once the doors are opened as COVID-19 subsides, more community members will consider visiting NHS’ facilities again on a regular basis.
“We were happy to come in on short notice, but one of our goals that we really, I think, needed to improve on is continue to connect with the community. … We have great support, we continue to reach out better than we have in the past, and these types of events are important.”
Hall said partnering with PetCo, PetSmart and other private businesses as well as those on the Board of Supervisors shows the role the NHS plays in the community.
And for those who might be wondering if there are still other companions available for adoption, the bios of Lightning Liam and Oh-Da-Babay’s bridal party were posted just prior to the wedding. Visit www.theknot.com/us/lightning-liam-liam-and-oh-da-babay-babay-mar-2021/wedding-party for information about Skizzy, Diamond, Kya or Burgundy.

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