On Saturday,grand champion Mumford married his lady love, Sophie, in an afternoon ceremony at the Old School House in Albrightsville.

The rite for the two Bernese mountain dogs was performed by Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum.

"Many people were surprised that a rabbi was called to officiate at this event," she told those gathered. "What kind of service would it be: Ortho-dachsund? Coon-servative? Ruff-orm?"

The rabbi later explained why she became involved in the wedding of two dogs.

"Lauren (Green) is my congregant and her spirituality matters a great deal to me," Rabbi Peg said. "As a spiritual leader, I try to help people stay engaged in ways that are meaningful to them. Love of animals is Lauren's way at the moment. Lauren has learned responsibility, compassion, friendship, the value of enjoying life to the fullest - all this and more from being Sophie's owner."

The rabbi also referred to Sophie as a "mensch" or decent human being, where Green is concerned.

Green told those present that Sophie had rescued her and not the other way around.

"The day I rescued you, you rescued me," she said. "And you have taught me never to bark when a simple growl will do."

Grand Champion Mumford is more of a "stud" and there was even a rumor going around before the ceremony that he had been "bred" at his bachelor party. But apparently, Sophie is not the jealous type and the only hitch in the event was the wagon hitched to Mumford as he walked down the aisle. The wagon held flower puppies, Chloe and Princess.

Mumford and his sister, Stevie, a standard poodle and maid of honor, share their home with Kelly and Tyler Marino of Grand Champion Grooming in Albrightsville. Mumford is a grand champion, who according to the Marinos is good at everything he does.

The wedding was planned as a fundraiser for the Carbon County Animal Shelter and was well-attended by a variety of canine elite and their respective humans.

Rabbi Peg explained how important it is to care for all of God's creatures and to prevent cruelty to animals.

"Owners must feed, water or otherwise care for their animals' basic needs, even before their own needs. People are commanded to take extra precautions to alleviate the suffering of the animals even of their enemies," the rabbi said of the Jewish principle which compels followers to care for animals.

"Animals that work are paired with other animals of like size so as not to tax smaller animals. Animals also get a day of rest."

Rabbi Peg concluded that a wedding of the two was an appropriate way to honor the Carbon County Animal Shelter and the work done to care for and protect animals.

While there were some cash donations made to the shelter, the bridal registry listed a number of items needed by the residents. Thomas J. Connors, otherwise referred to as "Mayor Tom," the director of the shelter, left with his arms and his vehicle loaded with food and supplies for the shelter.

The ceremony and the reception were traditional and included the cutting of the cake. Unfortunately, Mumford gobbled down his and Sophie's cake before she knew what was happening.

Rabbi Peg referred to the couple as "bashert," a Jewish word meaning "soul mates" or "preordained."