In a deeply moving moment that has resonated with millions online, newlyweds Libbee and Ryan Dyer chose to honor their beloved senior dog, Jack, during their wedding, just days before saying their final goodbye. This heartfelt tribute, captured in a video that has since gone viral, illustrates the profound bond many people share with their pets and the lengths they will go to celebrate that connection. The story of Jack’s farewell intertwines love, loss, and the celebration of life, making it a powerful reminder of the emotional depth pets bring to our lives.
The video, shared on Instagram by wedding videographer Jamie Ross, begins with Libbee Dyer explaining that Jack, their 19-year-old dog, was nearing the end of his life. “He’s going to go to heaven on Monday,” she says in the clip, her voice filled with emotion. “This weekend, as much as it’s our celebration, it’s a celebration for Jack as well, so everyone we love can say goodbye to him.” The couple made the decision two weeks before their wedding to let Jack rest after the big day, allowing time for family and friends to share their farewells during the celebration.
As the video unfolds, viewers see how the couple incorporated Jack into the fabric of their wedding day. From a cozy bed set up behind the dinner table to sharing bites of the entrée and dessert, Jack was treated to the same love and attention he had known for nearly two decades. “Everyone got to go up to him and say their goodbyes, or give him a pat, give him a treat,” Ryan Dyer shared. “He got all the attention during the cocktail hour, which he loved.”
Ryan, who was just 12 years old when Jack entered his life, recalled the moment his parents brought home the puppy. “I still remember they drove up into the driveway and Jack’s head was above the car window,” he said. Over the years, Jack became more than a pet; he was a constant companion, a source of comfort, and eventually, a central figure in the couple’s life together. Their trio, as Ryan described it, was about to become a duo—a sentiment that struck a chord with viewers around the world.
The video, which has garnered over 3 million views since its release on April 24, prompted an outpouring of emotion from social media users. Comments ranged from expressions of sympathy to admiration for the couple’s thoughtful gesture. One user wrote, “Another beautiful day to cry over strangers on the internet again,” while another added, “What a beautiful thing to do to honor him on your special day. I can tell he was as special as the day was.”
Jamie Ross, the videographer who documented the day, shared his perspective on the experience. In an interview with TODAY.com, he explained that while he typically maintains a stoic demeanor during weddings, this story deeply affected him. “As a dog lover, this one really hit me. That was my cue that this was the kind of heartwarming story that deserved to be told,” he said. Ross emphasized that his goal as a wedding filmmaker is not only to capture the visual elements of the day but also to preserve the emotions that define it. “It’s not just about capturing what the day looked like, but about preserving how it felt,” he noted.
Libbee Dyer recalled being asked by Ross to share a few words about Jack during the wedding. Though she forgot about the request at the time, the resulting footage captured her spontaneous reflections, adding a layer of authenticity and intimacy to the video. “Hearing the story directly from Libbee gave it an extra layer of intimacy. It made it like a time capsule for how she felt in that exact moment,” Ross said.
The couple expressed surprise at the widespread impact of their story. “Jack was the center of our universe, and it felt really fitting that now almost 4 million people have seen how special he was,” Libbee said. Their decision to honor Jack in such a public and heartfelt way has not only provided a meaningful farewell for their beloved dog but also offered comfort and inspiration to countless pet lovers navigating similar experiences.
I found this detail striking: amidst the joy of a wedding—a day typically defined by beginnings—the Dyers created space for an ending, one filled with grace, love, and shared memory. Their tribute to Jack is a poignant example of how life’s most significant moments are often shaped by the quiet presence of those we hold dear, whether two-legged or four.
For Ross, the experience has shifted his approach to wedding videography. “My priority is no longer making the film look like a movie. It’s about capturing precious moments that will one day mean everything to a couple,” he reflected. That ethos is clearly present in the video of Libbee, Ryan, and Jack—a lasting testament to love in all its forms.
