In 2006, 12-year-old Ryan Dyer got the surprise of a lifetime — a puppy he named Jack, who would become his best friend for the next 19 years.
From the moment they met, Ryan and Jack were inseparable. But it wasn’t until the final chapter of Jack’s life that the most unforgettable memory was made: the day of Ryan’s wedding.
As a young pup, Jack’s days were filled with simple joys — lounging by the pool, playing with his dog sister Charlie, and exploring the wetlands near their Australian home. He didn’t care much for toys or fetching sticks, but he adored food and loved Ryan with his whole heart.
Years flew by, and as Ryan grew up, Jack stayed faithfully by his side through every milestone. Then came Lib, Ryan’s girlfriend, who quickly became part of Jack’s world — and his heart.
“When Lib and I moved in together in 2019, she became a huge part of Jack’s life,” Ryan told The Dodo. “He’d sleep between us, sip puppuccinos while we had coffee, and taste every meal we cooked. He was our chief food taster.”
Jack’s golden years became even more adventurous with Lib in the picture.
Determined to keep their pup active and involved, Ryan and Lib brought Jack along for everything: camping trips, beach days, wineries, road trips — even movie nights at the drive-in so Jack could join.
“If it wasn’t dog-friendly, we didn’t do it,” Ryan said. “We built our life around him.”
When Ryan proposed to Lib in March 2024 — with Jack by his side, of course — the couple knew he had to be part of their wedding. But as the big day approached, Jack’s health began to fade.
Just two weeks before the wedding, Jack celebrated his 19th birthday with his favorite treats and a peaceful stroll in his mobility cart.
But not long after, his health declined rapidly following a series of seizures. Ryan and Lib knew they had limited time left with their beloved boy — and decided to make their wedding a tribute to him.
Jack was there for every moment. During the ceremony, his cart was placed beside the groomsmen so he could witness his parents exchange vows.
At the reception, guests were invited to visit Jack’s special lounge area — complete with a bed and snack bar — to pet him, give him treats, and say their goodbyes.
“It was incredibly emotional,” Ryan said. “He’d been in so many of our guests’ lives. Everyone wanted a moment with him.”
You can watch footage from the wedding here:
The couple’s wedding videographer, Jamie Ross, was deeply moved by Jack’s story and made sure to capture every heartfelt moment.
“I don’t usually get emotional at weddings … but this story got me,” Ross wrote. “It was clear how much Jack meant to them.”
The night ended with one final dance — just the three of them. Ryan lifted Jack into his arms as they swayed to the last song. In a moment that made everyone smile through their tears, Jack let out a small, joyful howl.
“We all laughed,” Ryan said. “It was like he was joining in.”
The next few days were spent loving on Jack as much as possible. Then, on Monday, Ryan and Lib said goodbye to their best friend — surrounded by peace, comfort, and love.
Now, weeks after Jack’s passing, the house feels quieter. But every time the Dyers look through their wedding photos, they smile. Jack is there in every frame, beaming with joy.
“He has the biggest smile,” Ryan said. “We love those photos so much. We know he felt all the love.”
Jack was more than a pet — he was family. And on his very last day, he stood at the heart of the most important moment of his parents’ lives.
