I’m all about helping each of my clients put their best foot forward on their big day – or, you know, their best paw, hoof or talon. No disrespect to some of my reptilian clients, who don’t have any foot-like appendages to speak of – they, too, want to slither down the aisle with confidence and charisma. Whatever the case may be, I’m here to help.

Now, on occasion, my clients’ human assistants can get a little over-enthused about crafting a wedding to their own specifications, rather than considering what actually works for the client. Recently, I worked with a woman who was absolutely intent on her shih tzu walking down the aisle in high heels. Not to be closed-minded, but it’s pretty simple: this was never going to work. She was adamant, however, that her podiatrist could fit custom orthotics to the shoes to help fill them out.

When it comes to podiatry services, Cheltenham clinics are simply not set up for treating dogs – especially not those that are being made to walk in high heels. In my experience, podiatrists tend to advise against anyone wearing high heels, let alone a shih tzu. Besides, dogs have completely different foot and leg anatomy to humans, so I just can’t see human orthopedic technologies being transferable to dogs.

I don’t like to say no to people, but I’m willing to do it if the thing in question is not in my client’s best interests. In this case, it wasn’t just her foot and leg health that could be at risk, but also her dignity on her wedding day. We all know how ill-fitting footwear can ruin an otherwise lovely day, don’t we? In the end, I’m here to advocate for the to-be-weds, as well as to plan the wedding. It’s all part and parcel of delivering excellence in my field.

In the end, the high heels were ruled out, and the day was a great success for everyone.