**Diary Entry – Today, He Walked Me to Love**
For over a decade, Alfie had been my shadow—my protector, my confidant, my truest friend. He’d been there through every milestone: my A-level results, the nights I sobbed over my first broken heart, even the chaos of moving into my first flat in Manchester. More than a pet, he was family.
That’s why I wasn’t prepared when he blocked my path on my wedding day.
At first, I thought he was just unsettled—too many guests, the string quartet playing, the rustle of my silk dress. But then he pressed firmly against my legs and wouldn’t budge. The breeze tugged at my veil, but I stood frozen. Alfie’s eyes locked onto mine, filled with something unspoken—pleading, urgent.
“Come on, Alfie,” I murmured, running a hand over his head.
My father stepped closer, reaching for his lead. “Emma, we can’t delay,” he urged.
But Alfie let out a soft, warning rumble—not angry, just protective. It made my father pause. That’s when I knew. Alfie never growled.
I knelt carefully, my dress pooling around me as I cupped his face. His muzzle had gone grey, his eyes dimmer than before. But it was his breathing that shattered me—shallow, laboured. His legs trembled under his weight.
“Alfie?” My voice broke. “What’s wrong, love?”
He leaned into me heavily, as if he’d held on just for this.
“Mum!” I called, panic rising. The guests murmured, but all I heard was Alfie’s ragged breath. Bending down, I pressed my forehead to his. “I’m here. I won’t leave you. Never.”
Tears blurred my vision as I guided him onto the grass. He sighed, resting his head in my lap, his weight anchoring me.
Then James, my groom, knelt beside us. “He’s been with you through everything,” he said softly. “He should be part of this, too.”
I looked up, stunned.
“Let’s not wait for the aisle,” he whispered, taking my hand. “Let’s do it here—with Alfie.”
The vicar was summoned. Our guests gathered close. Someone passed me my bouquet of roses. Dad squeezed my shoulder. Mum wiped her cheeks.
And there, with Alfie between us, James and I exchanged vows.
“I’ll love you,” I promised, “as fiercely as I’ve loved this dog—with all my heart.”
James smiled through tears. “And I’ll protect you,” he said, “the way Alfie always has.”
We kissed as Alfie’s breaths slowed, peaceful. In that circle of love, he let out one last sigh, his head heavy in my lap.
The guests wept silently. The wedding wasn’t ruined—it was perfect.
Later, we left an empty chair for Alfie, his photo beside a note: *“He walked me through life. Today, he walked me to love.”*
My heart aches. But I know—Alfie didn’t just say goodbye. He gave me the most beautiful beginning.
