They Called It Puppy Love: Couple Marry After Guide Dogs Become Inseparable

Two years ago, Claire Johnson and Mark Gaffey met at a guide dog training course now they're husband and wife all thanks to their four-legged friends. The relationship began after their Labrador-Retriever guide dogs, Rodd and Venice, became inseparable. In a bid not to break up the puppy love the pair began to organise "play dates" and quickly discovered they only lived 1.5 miles apart. Soon the doggie dates became coffee dates between the owners and on Valentine's Day of last year Mark proposed. New bride Claire has no doubt that it was their beloved canines that brought the couple together. "Our dogs were the class love story. Everyone used to joke about how Mark’s dog Rodd and my dog Venice were meant to be together," she explained. Adding: "I have no doubt that our guide dogs brought us together and helped me find my true love. Much like our two guide dogs, we really are best friends and soul mates." The couple tied the knot in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, with Rodd and Venice keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings while fulfilling ring-bearer duties. Images via ITV.