The guests were startled to hear why the dog suddenly blocked the bride’s path and started barking nonstop during the ceremony.
They had been inseparable from the start. Gerda, a tiny German Shepherd puppy, was found on the side of the road in the rain when Sofia was just eighteen. Seven years have passed since then. Gerda grew up to be a smart, kind, and passionately loyal dog who accompanied Sofia through all stages of life, including joy, sorrow, trials, moves, and even the day she met her future husband.
Then came the wedding day. Sofia donned a lovely tiara on her head and a long-train white lace dress, with scores of guests behind her.
Gerda beside her. Her faithful companion. The dog even “participated” in the wedding, wearing a small white bow and intending to go down the aisle with the bride.
But something happened that simultaneously shook everyone.
Just as the music started and Sofia took her first step, Gerda growled. She stood in front of her, blocking her path.
She barked, scraped with her claws, and tugged at the hem of the dress with her teeth. Gerda continued even though the white dress was stained with dirt.
Confused, Sofia leaned down to console her friend. She stroked her head and mumbled:
— Calm down, girl; everything will work out.
Then she caught sight of something terrible.
The dog was suppressing agony with every stride, and Gerda’s front paw was twisted. Startle. Fear.
This wasn’t there in the morning. Gerda was doing really well. They had gone for a walk together just before they left. How did this happen?
Sofia abruptly turned to face the guests:
— Did anyone see what happened to Gerda?
Keep quiet. Then, from behind them, a quiet voice said:
— I noticed. She raced up to your fiancé, who then kicked her. Hard.
Sofia came to a halt. After going pale, the fiancé tried to talk but was unable.
Then, everything made clear. She recalled minor aspects, such as Gerda never approaching him and avoiding him. How he was enraged by the dog that was laying on the couch between them. But she had never paid attention.
Now everything was apparent.
Sofia raised her head. Speaking loudly, confidently, and unflinchingly, she said:
The wedding is not going to happen.
Complete silence. What they heard startled the guests. She was already holding Gerda in her arms, despite the fact that the white clothing was torn and dirty.
—I am taking her to see the vet.
Without looking back, she walked away. At first, everyone stood still. Then they started to applaud. admiring her strength. Her choice. Her love.
