Dog Wedding Has Long Media Legs

When it comes to dogs getting hitched, there is an insatiable media appetite:

Check out this national coverage on Fox News, along with some other quirky record attempts, such as the largest rubber-band ball (9,000-plus pounds). A Guinness World Record spokesman referred to the 87 weddings as "a worthy effort."

Here is a written and video report ("Till Death Do We Bark") from Medill News Service's Sigrid Lupieri.

Serena Brahney of ZooToo.com weighed in with a fun report. Head to the site and look for "Pups Marry For Shot At Guinness Record."

For more footage from the event, visit a previous post here on
I Do, Doggone It!

To contact the event publicist, e-mail Matt@InsideEdgePR.com

More Than $6,000 for Animal Care League

Here's another notable statistic from I Do, Doggone It!: the event hitching 87 dog couples (at least for a few, tongue-in-cheek moments) raised more than $6,000 for The Animal Care League of Oak Park.

Now that's no joke!

Accompanying the post today is this shot of Helen Karakoudas, managing editor of Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, and Mr. Big. He was one-half of the poster pups for the event, the other being Hudson.

See The Video Clips From I Do, Doggone It!

The honeymoon period may have ended for some of the dog couples who came together for a few fun moments on Saturday.

But for organizers of I Do, Doggone It!, our gratitude continues for the many who pitched in to make the event a success, from sponsors to volunteers to the many dog owners and citizens alike who squeezed into the downtown for the festive occasion.

If you've not yet seen it, the Chicago Tribune published two photos that veteran photographer Milbert Brown shot during the event. The shots are on Page 3 of Sunday's Metro section.

In addition, we encourage you to check out the interview with Guinness World Records' Danny Girton Jr. (below, in photo, counting the dog couples) on the post from Saturday.


In addition, you will find in this post links to seven other video clips from the big day:

Introduction from Downtown Oak Park's Pat Zubak-Part 1

Introduction from Downtown Oak Park's Pat Zubak-Part 2

Oak Park Village President David Pope's officiating of the Bow Vows

Danny Girton's announcement that the Guinness World Record had not been broken

An interview with Danny Girton before the ceremony

Sights and sounds of the event, about 20 minutes before the ceremony began with the Wedding March

Meet Mia, a 12-year-old teacup poodle who stole the show, and her owner Lucretia Meo of Berwyn

As soon as we have an official tally of same-sex couples out of the 87 couples overall, as well as the amount raised for the Animal Care League of Oak Park, we will post that information on this site.

As always, if you have any questions, contact Matt Baron at Matt@InsideEdgePR.com or 708-860-1380.

Preliminary Report: 87 Couples Tie Knot

It is now 2:40 p.m., and the I Do, Doggone It! ceremony ended barely more than an hour ago, so this is a preliminary report. A more detailed report--with video and photos--will be added by Monday morning.

Hundreds of people and their canine companions braved bone-chilling cold weather today to make I Do, Doggone It! a major success.

While the 87 dog couples fell short of the Guinness World Record (178) in the unusual category, it was undoubtedly one of the largest doggie conjugal gatherings in history.

Danny Girton Jr., the Guinness World Record adjudicator who oversaw the event, said that he would review GWR files to see where the event's 87-couple status ranks. In addition, with numerous same-sex couples among those who were "married" on Saturday, there's a chance that the event established a new standard in that regard.

Though Guinness World Records does not yet have a category for same-sex dog weddings, Downtown Oak Park officials may petition the organization for consideration in that category, Girton confirmed. (See the video below)




As part of the registration process, owners indicated the gender of dogs. A DTOP tally breaking down the number of same-sex couplings will be conducted as soon as possible.

The event supported the Animal Care League of Oak Park, a shelter for cats and dogs. A final fundraising total will be provided as soon as possible.

Obama Invitations Featured in Media

Some nice mentions of our invitatations to the Obama girls have appeared online.

Geoff Williams, a freelance writer for Wallet Pop, contributed this cleverly written account.

Stories also appeared in the cyber-editions of the two Oak Park-based newspapers this afternoon, including one with a headline that asked, "Could The First Dog Be An Oak Parker?"

Thanks for the coverage, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest and Pioneer Press!

Meanwhile, the invitation remains, as does the mystery as to whether the Obama brood will join in the fun that's now less than 24 hours away.

Obama Daughters Receive Invitation

Here at I Do, Doggone It! Central, we were struck by the impeccable timing of President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech on Tuesday night at Grant Park.

Among other pledges, he assured his daughters, Malia and Sasha, that as a reward for putting up with Dad being on the campaign trail for a signficant chunk of their young lives, they will soon be getting a puppy.

Our public service mission extends now beyond raising funds for the Animal Care League of Oak Park. We can help the Obama girls identify the nation's First Dog, too!

Here are excerpts from a Guinness World Record-attempt news release we issued today:

"The organizers of I Do, Doggone It! would like to extend an invitation to Malia and Sasha Obama: find your puppy at the Animal Care League of Oak Park!

Better yet, so you can make an informed choice, come to the mass dog wedding on Saturday, Nov. 8, and get a close-up view of numerous canine varieties...

“Because the Obama family is staying in Chicago this weekend, it seems only fitting that we extend this invitation,” said Pat Zubak, executive director of Downtown Oak Park. “This would also help the new president display his integrity—following through on his public declarations.”

Zubak stressed that though there are many same-sex couples who have pre-registered for the dog wedding, Downtown Oak Park and the Animal Care League are taking no broader stance on the human being controversy over that issue."

Pre-Wedding Jilts & Jitters

The wedding day hasn't yet arrived, and already relationships have ended and new ones begun.

The First Couple of I Do, Doggone It!--Hudson and Mr. Big--have reportedly split after Hudson found another mate. Mr. Big was cast adrift for only a short while. Within a day of learning his fate, on Thursday we received word that Boswell, featured in this space on Monday along with Yogi, has re-injured his leg and had to back out of the wedding.

We have tentatively arranged for Mr. Big, all four pounds of him, to pair up with Yogi, tipping the scales at 130. In our book, they are the Second First Couple of I Do, Doggone It!

As if this development were not controversial enough, there's this piece by Pioneer Press scribe John Huston, tying in the hot-button issue of same-sex marriage for human beings.

Stay tuned as the soap opera continues, including our invitation to the Obama girls to adopt a puppy from the Animal Care League, the event's beneficiary.

Yogi & Boswell: Friendship Leads to Vows

Behind every dog participating in the upcoming wedding, there is a story.

Today, meet Yogi.

This 130-pounder resides in Oak Park, with his master, Mari Mortenson, and on Saturday they are taking part in I Do, Doggone It!

Yogi is "sort of related" to his betrothed, 120-pound Boswell, since both came from the same breeder, said Libby Ashcraft of Forest Park, who, along with husband Mike, is Boswell's master.

Yogi and Boswell have hung out together a lot the past three years and the dog wedding seemed to be the next logical step in the relationship, explains Libby.

Both are male--meaning this will be a same-gender union--and Yogi will play the bride's role.

"They'll be really related once they get married,” said Libby.

As for Boswell, he hasn't spent as much time with Yogi of late as he has been recovering from leg surgery this summer. Boswell is named after a town in Oklahoma (where Mike is from).

NOTE: If your dog does not have a friend to hook up with for I Do, Doggone It!, don't let that stop you from joining in the fun! There is a speed-dating service for the day of the event, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We anticipate numerous last-minute connections, so your dog will be in good company.

To beat the rush and pre-register for the event, the form is right here.

Rush Limbarking Up the Weird-Name Tree

Rush Limbark (certainly to be confused with conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, pictured here), Sirius Lee Handsome, Rafikikadiki, and Peanut Wigglebutt.

From among nearly a half-million pets insured across the United States, those are among the top 10 most unusual dog names, as selected by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VIP) employees, according to an October 22 report in the Chicago Tribune.

Cats were included in the piece, too. But since this site is dedicated to the canine class, we'll simply direct you to Wacky Pet Names.com for the Top 50 list of off-the-wall monikers for cats and dogs.

Soon, we'll unveil some of the intriguing names of dogs whose owners have registered them in I Do, Doggone It!

Registrations Begin Flowing Into DTOP

Registration forms have begun flowing into the Downtown Oak Park office, and we will soon be sharing some anecdotes from those who have signed up their dogs to become part of Guinness World Record-attempting history.

A reminder on the event's location Saturday, November 8th (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 1 p.m. bow-vows): in the heart of downtown Oak Park, on Marion Street just north of the Metra and "el" tracks. It's the stretch of roadway that was re-opened nearly a year ago, after many years as a pedestrian mall.

Wondering where the registration form may be? It's right here.

Now Available: IDDI Registration Form!

We are excited to inform you that you can now register your dog or dogs for I Do, Doggone It!

You can find the registration form here.

When you fill it out, please complete it as thoroughly as you can. You'll notice we ask questions that might seem off-the-wall (such as your dog's age and gender), but when you think about it, this whole affair is more than a few inches off the beaten path.

We will provide fun updates in the near future, and keep you posted as our tally of soon-to-be betrothed four-legged friends climbs toward the current record of 178 couples. With 24 days between now and the Big Day, we have plenty of time to make history!

(Speaking of history, and to give you a frame of reference, I Do, Doggone It! comes four days after the U.S. Presidential election between the Dems' Barack Obama and the GOP's John McCain.)

Thanks for the enthusiasm and support we've received over the past four months, and for continuing to spread the word. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail Matt@InsideEdgePR.com.

Regarding Registration & Paris Hilton

Thank you to everyone who has been asking about the registration process that will be implemented for I Do, Doggone It!

We are in the midst of arranging all the necessary details and specifics will soon be provided. We're a month away from the big day--help us spread the word and be sure to let folks know that this blog is the go-to place for all things mass dog wedding-related!

Meantime, I also thought it was about time we had a gratuitous photo of Paris Hilton and her dog. Paris, if you happen to come across this site before Nov. 8th, you are welcome to join us! I suspect you may already be in the Guinness World Records book for one thing or another, but why not go for another?

Be sure to remember the $5 registration fee!

DTOP: Come Join Us, Little Wrigley!

John Kass, the Chicago Tribune columnist and a diehard Chicago White Sox fan, is dogging Chicago Cubs loyalists by nominating his brother's pooch, Little Wrigley, to be the Cubbies' mascot as they near the playoffs.

Previously, I've tried to entice Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown to make his mutt, Gilbert, a part of I Do, Doggone It!, this Guinness Word Record "mass dog wedding" attempt that Downtown Oak Park is waging.

Brown hasn't said "no," but neither has he done backflips over the idea.

But now Kass has opened wide the doghouse door for me to approach him--or, at least, his brother. I Do, Doggone It! already has its "first couple" selected, but who knows, maybe we could designate Wrigley as one-half of the record-clinching 179th canine couple.

Stay tuned as I embark on a dogged doggie-recruitment campaign.

Thank You, PetSmart!

A big "thank you" to PetSmart for its generous $3,000 donation to the Animal Care League of Oak Park, in connection with I Do, Doggone It!

Between now and the event on Nov. 8th--and even afterwards--we will keep the kudos flowing PetSmart's way.

If you are a prospective sponsor of the event, please contact Tom Van Winkle at the Animal Care League or Pat Zubak of Downtown Oak Park.

If you are a member of the media sharing our story with your audience, please do all you can to note PetSmart's support of the ACL during this event.

And if you own a dog, or know someone who does, check out PetSmart's website and shop to your heart's (and the dog in your life's) content, either online or at one of the company's more than 1,000 stores in the United States and Canada!

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know...

Wondering how to register your dog(s) for I Do, Doggone It! ? Want to know if you can "marry" same-gender pooches (um, yes, this is a dog wedding, after all)? Curious to know what else is happening at the big event that is a scant 53 days away?

Information is forthcoming soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the event that are not addressed by other posts on this blog, feel free to e-mail Matt Baron at Matt@InsideEdgePR.com.

And check back soon for an exciting announcement about a major supporter of the Animal Care League!

A Sign of the (Doggie Doo-Doo) Times

And you wonder why there's so much canine obesity in the world!

Oh, wait, I think "exercise" may well be a euphemism for "let your dog go poopie."

Anyway, this was a first--coming across a sign of this sort. Hey, has anyone ever seen a "Do Not Marry Off Your Dog to the German Shepherd Next Door" sign?

I thought not...let the match-making continue!

Guinness World Records: The Logo!

What's a Guinness World Record attempt without a logo?

Today, the fine folks at Guinness World Records furnished us with the logo you see here in this post. The big day is two months away--have you circled Saturday, Nov. 8th on your calendar?

As an additional point of reference, that date is roughly one week after Chicago celebrates its latest World Series triumph...we'll let your imagination run wild over whether we refer to the Cubs' breaking a 100-year dry spell or the White Sox re-emerging as champs after three years!

IDDI Goes International For New Nov. 8th Date

(This news release was issued on Friday, Aug. 29)

Mass dog wedding moved to Nov. 8th, kicks off record week
Tongue-in-cheek history can wait, doggone it!

Downtown Oak Park will wait until Nov. 8th to unleash I Do, Doggone It!

DTOP decided to push back the mass dog wedding by five weeks, from its original Oct. 4 date. Guinness World Recordsâ marketing officials broached the idea so that it coincided with Guinness World Records Day, their annual global celebration of record-breaking attempts.

DTOP is aiming to break the current mass dog wedding record of 178 “couples,” established in May 2007 in Littleton, Colorado.

By agreeing to the shift, DTOP received numerous perks. Guinness World Records will offer international media outreach that includes featuring the tongue-in-cheek ceremony on its website, http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/.

Guinness World Records also may provide, free of charge, an adjudicator—an official who determines on the spot if a record has been broken. Such a service typically comes with a fee in the thousands of dollars. A decision on a complimentary adjudicator is expected by Oct. 1.

Pat Zubak, DTOP’s executive director, said the opportunity was simply too good to pass up.

“The event has already generated lots of enthusiasm locally, with the public and the media,” said Zubak. “With this new twist, we’re thrilled to have a bigger platform to promote the Animal Care League’s cause as well as all of downtown Oak Park.”

Besides the broader media exposure and potential adjudicator, at least one other bonus will come DTOP’s way: if the organization sets the new record, it would be short-listed for inclusion in next year’s edition of the Guinness World Records book.

In addition to striving for conjugal canine glory, the event will raise money for the Animal Care League of Oak Park. The registration fee is $5 per dog, and DTOP is also seeking event sponsors whose funds will directly support the ACL, a shelter for cats and dogs at 1013 Garfield St.

Vows to be exchanged will occur along the newly re-opened Marion Street between North Boulevard and Lake Street. To pair up dogs who have not yet found their match, there will be a “speed dating” component on the day of the event.

Downtown Oak Park, the nonprofit corporation that manages and markets the central business district of Oak Park, is officially known as The Harlem Lake Corporation. Since 1988, the downtown business association has been comprised of property owner and retail owner members within Oak Park's Special Service Area #1.

For regularly updated information, visit the event website at http://www.dogwedding.info/. Also: http://www.downtownoakpark.net/ and http://www.animalcareleague.org/.

Media Contacts:

Pat Zubak, Downtown Oak Park, 708-383-4145; pzubak@downtownoakpark.net
Tom Van Winkle, Animal Care League, 708-257-2320
Matt Baron, 708-860-1380; Matt@InsideEdgePR.com
Laura Plunkett, 646-277-5258; Laura.Plunkett@guinnessworldrecords.com

An Exciting IDDI Development

I Do, Doggone It! has captured the imagination of not only local dog owners and media, but also Guinness World Records itself.

Last week, a GWR representative from New York contacted Downtown Oak Park officials with a variety of incentives if DTOP moved the mass dog wedding date from Saturday, Oct. 4 to the next month, in order to have it occur closer to Guinness World Records Day, which is Nov. 13th.

DTOP officials have agreed to the invitation and are currently firming up the details, including a specific date. Keep coming to http://www.dogwedding.info/ for more details, which should be available in the next several days.

Mass Weddings Not Only For Dogs!

It was hardly surprising to see that on Aug. 8 (8-8-8 for those who are keeping score), there was a mass wedding of 80 Chinese couples. What was remarkable is that the overall guest tally was a mere 500--doubtless due to space constraints of their venue.

I Do, Doggone It! promises to have close to, if not more than, 1,000 people-n-pups in attendance on Oct. 4, when you consider we need at least 358 dogs--and that same number of human handlers--to simply be part of the ceremony, let alone witness it.

By the way, to the best of our knowledge, none of the Chinese mass wedding participants were named "Mr. Big"--the name of the diminutive half of I Do, Doggone It's First Couple.

Rickshaw Rick's Gets Into Dog Wedding Act

Picture this:

Mr. Big and Hudson, the First Couple of I Do, Doggone It!, in a rickshaw, majestically entering the festivities on Saturday, Oct. 4, then being escorted out after the conjugal ceremony is completed.

In their wake, can't you just see the "Just Married" streamers and other accoutrements?

It could very well happen.

Rick Carter, the proprietor of Rickshaw Rick's Custom Cab Company has expressed interest in the idea. After all, his mission is "pedicabs for fun, profit and a Happy Planet." This mass dog wedding fits all of those bills--with the profit being funds raised for the American Care League.

With 57 days remaining before the big day, Downtown Oak Park officials are excited about the prospect of bringing together a variety of elements from throughout the community, especially businesses, in support of the event.

Got an idea of how you may want to get involved? Contact Matt Baron at Matt@InsideEdgePR.com or 708-860-1380.

(That's me, in a rickshaw, with my children Maggie Rose and Zachary on the Fourth of July 2006.)

We're On the Cover of Neighbors!

Bolstered by creative headline-writing, Neighbors magazine in its August issue has provided cover-dog treatment for I Do, Doggone It!

The cover reads, "My Best Friend's Wedding...and you're invited!" and the inside story declares "VOW WOW" with this sub-head: "Dog wedding event aims to make Guinness Book of World Records and help local animals."

A big "bark out" to Publisher Tina Valentino for her thoughtful treatment of this story. Month after month, Tina continually produces high-quality, hyper-local content with fun features, personality profiles and relevant community news, and we're honored to be included in this most recent issue.

If you're wondering where you can pick up Neighbors, then check out an extensive listing here on the publication's website.

Scratching & Sniffing Around For Wedding Gifts

Most human marriage engagements are at least six months long, and some stretch beyond a year or two. So there's usually plenty of time to plan the myriad of details that go into the big day.

But what about dog weddings?

When should you start thinking about taking those steps that will set your pooch apart from the hundreds of others who will congregate on Oct. 4th in downtown Oak Park? We suggest that the time is now.

With that in mind, we though we'd refer you to at least one online resource that can help guide you in this planning phase.

And of course, in Downtown Oak Park, you can check out
Scratch 'n Sniff at 120 N. Marion.

IDDI Gets A New Website Name

For anyone tripping over their tongue in trying to recite this blog's URL, here's some happy news: just send folks to www.dogwedding.info and they'll come straight here!

Sixty-nine days and counting down to the culmination of I Do, Doggone It!

C'mon: Where's the LGBT Outrage?

Upon further review of the Wednesday Journal, not only did Anthony Shaker (no relation to Anthony Kiedis, gratuitously pictured in this post) take a swipe at I Do, Doggone It!, but columnist John Hubbuch weighed in with his own irreverent thoughts in this week's edition.


Because he actually has a sense of humor, John took a light-hearted tack.

We're still crossing our fingers that Oak Park's gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender population will voice outrage at IDDI. After all, by endorsing same-gender doggie unions, isn't I Do, Doggone It! making light of their homo sapien counterparts' own bid to gain familial status and all the benefits that come with it?

By the way, you need not be a member of the local LGBT community to raise a ruckus.

C'mon, controversy-lovers, where are you?

Oak Park Businessman Growls At IDDI

Well, it's not all peaches-and-cream here at I Do, Doggone It! headquarters.

Just in time for the Dog Days of August: an Oak Park businessman has unleashed an attack on I Do, Doggone It!

In a letter to the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest that appeared yesterday, Anthony Shaker disses the event because he doesn't believe it will send prospective tenants flocking to the real estate he owns in the downtown.

But IDDI organizers are not about to seclude ourselves in any proverbial doghouse.

For starters, Mr. Shaker's viewpoint is on, um, shaky ground. After all, some things are hard to quantify...in baseball, moving a runner from second to third with less than two outs helps get that run to score eventually---but only the most astute observers would recognize the play as a significant part of the bigger, winning picture.

And as for the specifics of Mr. Shaker's letter, we would be remiss not to note that it contains at least a few misstatements of fact about IDDI--starting with the actual name of the event, doggone it!

He refers to it as Dog Matrimony Day, which is clearly not nearly as creative or catchy as I Do, Doggone It! And Mr. Shaker cites 175 couples as the number to attain Guinness World Record status---three shy of the current mark.

And those are just the things that Mr. Big noticed, without any knowledge of the other downtown history that Mr. Shaker delves into. Obviously, the letter cries out for a more in-depth response.

Will it be Mr. Big continuing to rise to IDDI's defense? Can we expect a Hudson-to-the-rescue drama? Or will another canine character emerge to strut across this (increasingly cramped) stage?

Stay tuned, since IDDI will not simply roll over and play dead.

New `First Couple' Photo Unveiled in WJ

We got some good lovin' in today's Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest.

The paper, proudly noting its role in breaking the IDDI story, provided the update you loyal blog denizens received last week (about Elvis leaving the relationship with Mr. Big and the GWR regulations).

At the same time, WJ reminded folks that this is not just some silly publicity stunt. Well, not entirely, anyway. Remember: the Animal Care League of Oak Park is the beneficiary or, more to the point, the cats and dogs in their care are the ones who gain from this effort.

Meet The New 1st Couple: Hudson & Mr. Big

The Beatles had drummer Pete Best, the so-called Fifth Beatle booted out of the band as they were on the cusp of fame.

Spiro Agnew could have been the President of the United States, were it not for the fact that bribery charges swept him out after nearly five years as VP in October 1973. Ten months later, Jerry Ford replaced a disgraced Richard Nixon.

And "I Do, Doggone It!" had Elvis, the adorable soft-coated Wheaten terrier who has brought such joy to so many, starting with owners Tom and Roz Byrne of Oak Park.

Alas, Elvis and Mr. Big will never consummate their promise as IDDI's First Couple.

Mr. Big's affections have shifted to Hudson Daly, 8, a chocolate labrador retriever. Owners Matt and Loretta Daly of Oak Park have raised him since he was a wee 7-week-old.

Hudson (towering proudly over Mr. Big in this post's photograph) declined to bark to this blogger, but Loretta said she is thrilled with his burgeoning relationship with Mr. Big, owned by Wednesday Journal managing editor Helen Karakoudas.

"I couldn't be happier," Loretta said. "We're not losing a son, we're gaining a son."

Photo credit: Michelle Lytle

Guinness World Record Guidelines: 10 Steps to Doggone Glory

There are 80 days until the Oct. 4 ceremony, and already the buzz is building.

This is a good point to let you know that Guinness World Records has furnished guidelines to Downtown Oak Park about how to make its bid to break the GWR mark of 178 dog couples, established in May 2007 in Colorado.

The GWR guidelines total more than 20 pages, outlining the necessary steps for organizers to secure certification. But the portion that is most relevant to prospective participants (and their owners) is as follows:

1. Owners will have to subscribe their dogs in pairs.

2. The ceremony’s officiant will pronounce the vows and the dogs will be invited to bark, to express their consent. The barking is not considered an essential element for the record, therefore no dog will be disqualified for not barking.

3. A red carpet must be placed for the dog couples to walk or stand on.

4. The wedding may take place with all the couples being married simultaneously.

5. The owners may be near their dogs during the whole ceremony.

6. The wedding march must be played during the ceremony.

7. One pair may get married on stage, while all other couples may be assembled in a larger area.

8. At the end of the ceremony dogs may receive a treat (like a biscuit with red ribbon or similar).

9. Any activities around the wedding (like presentation of a marriage certificate, wedding apparel, collars, etc.) are encouraged but not required.

10. A log of all dogs participating must be submitted, with signature of their owners.

All in all, pretty simple and straightforward.

Sun-Times Columnist's Dog in IDDI's Sights

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown has a dog, Gilbert, who may need a few more minutes of fame, beyond a recent column in the Sun-Times. IDDI has reached out with a special invitation to the Browns. As of now, Mark has given a thoughtful reply, but remains non-committal.

"I'll have to talk it over with Gilbert and find out what he thinks about dog weddings," Mark stated in an e-mail.

We have advised Mark that dogs receive a 105-minute allocation of fame (in keeping with the seven-fold formula for computing "dog years," that span is seven times humans' standard 15-minute outlay of fame).

Check Out This Week's Oak Leaves

In this week's Oak Leaves, a fun piece by Deborah Bayliss.

Oh My Dogness! IDDI Sparks National Interest

I won't name names, because I want to respect their efforts to 'scoop' others, but a major national magazine publisher and a highly regarded regional publication that comes out less than monthly have both shown great interest in I Do, Doggone It!

And the Oak Leaves is working on a story that could be published as early as tomorrow.

Meantime, on other fronts:

*We are continuing in our efforts to gather detailed instructions from Guinness World Records regarding the specific guidelines we need to follow in putting together these canine conjugals.

*A photo shoot of a pair of dogs, to be used in promoting
IDDI, is slated for later this week. You can count on some scandalous photos being posted on this blog.

Becoming A Guinness World Record Holder: No Easy Feat

Gaining entry into the Guinness World Records is no simple matter. Consider this well-done piece by Jeff Banowetz in a recent Windy City Sports edition about the long journey of George Hood, whose first two GWR efforts I publicized.

Here at I Do, Doggone It! headquarters, we are committed to taking the necessary steps to achieve Guinness glory as well!

A Six-Minute View of The May 2007 Mass Dog Wedding

Wondering what the current Guinness World Record mass dog wedding was like? Here's one visitor's six-minute take on it:

Tell Us Your Wackiest Record Nominee!

What's the zaniest Guinness World Record you've ever encountered? Clearly, a mass dog wedding is hardly the first unusual GWR category of all time.

In 100 words or less, describe the most bizarre, strange, silly or otherwise wacked-out GWR that you've come across. The most creative response wins two dining out booklets (total value: $24), as part of DTOP's Thursday Night Out program through the end of August.

Deadline: Noon on Monday, August 18, 2008. (All submissions should be made to Matt@InsideEdgePR.com and by submitting your story, you are giving permission for us to use it in any promotion, including this blog.)

For me, the most bizarre (and somewhat creepy) record was the dude from India who had the longest fingernails. Funny thing about GWR---they tell you what the record is, but not always "why?"

I mean, excuse the pun, but just what was that guy's point? He may well have inspired Lee Redmond of Utah. She hasn't trimmed her nails since 1979.

A video of Ms. Redmond:


Longest Finger Nails In The World - More amazing videos are a click away

Ms. Redmond on Ellen:



The overall GWR site:

http://guinnessworldrecords.com/

Coverage in June 25, 2008 Wednesday Journal

Today's Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest devoted coverage to I Do, Doggone It! and even began embarking on the match-making process, with publisher Dan Haley and Lorraine Swanson, an editor of one of the WJ's sister papers, sharing some vitals on their pups.

You can see the story here:

http://tinyurl.com/4ea4yr

I Do, Doggone It! Do You Too?

In Chicago, now that summer is here and autumn looms, there are three great anticipations that have already begun preoccupying the citizenry:

1. The prospect of the Chicago Cubs making it to the World Series for the first time since 1945.

2. The prospect of Barack Obama becoming president of the United States.

3. The prospect of partaking in I Do, Doggone It!, a mass dog wedding that is striving to become part of the Guinness World Records.

The level of zeal is not necessarily in that order, either.

After all, while there are massive numbers of Cub doomsdayers and Obama naysayers, there are only three types of critics who would even consider condemning the cumulative canine conjugal bliss that beckons:

1. Curmudgeonly newspaper columnists like John Kass of the Chicago Tribune who, come to think of it, is also a Cub doomsdayer and Obama naysayer. For a recent example of Kass's contempt for ruff-ruff romance, check out this column (headlined" You know your pets really want to get married, right?") from June 18, 2008:

http://tinyurl.com/6x66qx

I Do, Doggone It! organizers are eternally optimistic, and plan to extend a personal invitation to Mr. Kass to be a part of the special day.

2. Misguided cat lovers who are simply jealous of the dog's longstanding and insurmountable preeminence in domestic pet-dom.

3. Culturally conservative pet owners who may balk at the same-sex marriages that are sure to be prevalent during I Do, Doggone It!

To counteract the potentially disruptive effect of John Kass's presence, organizers will also invite San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the reigning political champion of same-sex marriage.

I Do, Doggone It! is being organized by Downtown Oak Park (http://www.downtownoakpark.net) and will benefit the Animal Care League (http://www.animalcareleague.org) of Oak Park.

For more information, contact Matt Baron at 708-860-1380 or Matt@InsideEdgePR.com.