He spent his last days on Earth celebrating his family 🥺
In 2006, 12-year-old Ryan Dyer received the surprise of a lifetime — a puppy he named Jack, the companion he’d dreamed of for years. From that day on, the two were inseparable. Over the next two decades, Jack and Ryan built a life together, filled with love, loyalty, and memories. But it was on one of Jack’s final days — the day of Ryan’s wedding — that their most meaningful memory was made.
As a puppy, Jack loved napping by the pool, play-fighting with his fur sister Charlie, and walking through the Australian wetlands with Ryan. He wasn’t big on toys or chasing sticks, but he was food-obsessed and completely devoted to the boy who raised him.
Years passed, and Jack remained by Ryan’s side through every milestone. That is, until someone else stole both of their hearts — Lib, Ryan’s girlfriend. The three quickly became a close-knit trio.
“When Lib and I moved in together in 2019, she became a massive part of Jack’s life, too,” Ryan told The Dodo. “He’d sleep between us on the bed or couch, have a puppuccino while we had our morning coffees. Most importantly, he was our chief food taster — every meal we cooked, he tried first.”
Even as Jack aged, his world expanded. Ryan and Lib brought him along on every adventure: camping, beach days, road trips, wineries, family gatherings. If dogs weren’t allowed, they simply didn’t go. Instead of movie theaters, they opted for drive-ins — all so the three of them could be together.
In March 2024, Ryan proposed to Lib, with Jack by his side. The couple immediately planned to include their beloved pup in their wedding. But as the big day approached, Jack’s health began to decline. Though he celebrated his 19th birthday just two weeks before the wedding — complete with his favorite treats and a mobility-cart walk — a series of seizures soon followed.
“Planning his goodbye was honestly the toughest thing we’ve had to do,” Ryan said. “We were very fortunate that he pushed on to make it to our big day to celebrate with us.”
Determined to honor Jack, Ryan and Lib made sure he was part of every moment. His mobility cart was placed proudly next to the groomsmen during the ceremony, where he watched his parents exchange vows. During the reception, they set up a cozy bed and a snack bar just for him, inviting guests — many of whom had known Jack for years — to say their goodbyes.
Wedding videographer Jamie Ross captured it all: “When I arrived, it was immediately clear how much Jack meant to Ryan and Lib. I knew I had to capture whatever I could.”
As the night wound down, the newlyweds took Jack onto the dance floor for one last special moment.
“During the final song of the night, I picked him up so the three of us could dance together,” Ryan said. “Shortly after bringing him onto the dance floor, he let out the most adorable howl, which made us all laugh.”
Jack passed away just days later, surrounded by love.
A month has passed, and though the grief still lingers, Ryan and Lib find comfort in the memories and photos from that unforgettable day — a wedding made even more meaningful by the presence of their best friend.
“We love it so much, as he’s got the happiest smile on him,” Ryan said.