Rudy: The Best Man at Erin’s Wedding
In 2010, Erin’s life was full of change. She had just moved 3,000 miles from her hometown in Connecticut to Las Vegas, ended a long-term relationship, and started dating again. Taking chances felt scary—except for one.
That year, Erin walked into The Animal Foundation and met Rudyard Kipling Paul, or “Rudy.” Adopting him was the easiest decision she ever made.
Rudy at The Animal Foundation in 2010A Perfect Match
“It’s hard to choose one thing I love about Rudy!” Erin says. “He has a fantastic personality, and everyone who meets him loves him.”
Erin specifically wanted an adult dog, knowing she wouldn’t have surprises about his size or personality. Rudy turned out to be exactly what she needed: steady, loyal, and full of charm.
He was by Erin’s side through graduate school, offering comfort through tough times. When she met her now-husband, Rudy welcomed him into their little family too. Before long, all three had moved together to New York City.
The Wedding Guest of Honor
When it came time for Erin’s wedding, she couldn’t imagine the day without Rudy.
“We had a small, five-minute ceremony with just our immediate families before the big reception, and Rudy was our escort as we walked from the lake house to the ceremony location,” Erin recalls.
Dressed for the occasion, Rudy stole the show. The photos from that day capture just how much he meant to Erin and her family—not just a pet, but a true partner in life’s biggest milestones.
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Why Adoption Matters
Looking back, Erin says adopting Rudy was one of the best decisions of her life.
“When you adopt, everyone wins—the animals in need find a home, you get a friend for life, and you aren’t part of the consumer demand that fuels puppy mill breeding,” she explains. “Shelters are full of amazing companions! For $100, I got my best friend for the last 12 years, and he’s completely one-of-a-kind.”
This Happy Tail is a reminder that adoption isn’t just about saving a life—it’s about adding love, laughter, and unforgettable memories to your own.