It was true love at first sight when two shih-tzus attracted each other’s eyes. Charlie Bardone and Sassy Paine, both of the Village of Sanibel, celebrated two years of canine marriage in July.
Their parents, Leo and Terri Bardone, and Jim and Kathy Paine, live in The Villages and are neighbors, which is how their dogs met.
Maybe it was Cupid’s arrow or just a coincidence, but the two “instantly clicked” when they saw each other, Kathy said.
It was quickly decided that the couple would adapt to sharing a doghouse as husband and wife.
To honor the couple’s relationship, a poolside ceremony was held in 2019. Family and friends were in attendance. The well-dressed couple’s ceremony was shut off by a golf cart chariot clad in canine attire, piloted by Jim.
Kathy said the couple is “doing great” as they approach this big life milestone. After all, it wasn’t just puppy love.
Perhaps love is in their DNA; shih-tzus are a Tibetan breed of dog that Kathy likes for their many positive characteristics.
“They’re such loving dogs and very easygoing,” Kathy said.
According to Kathy, the ever-popular Charlie has several puppy paramours competing for his interest in the driveway, which could extend into the relationship, which is very open. The elder Sassy, on the other hand, seemed unconcerned with her younger partner’s fame.
Despite the dogs’ parents’ desire to socially remove themselves and reduce their visits, the epidemic did put a damper on their bond. This didn’t stop the star-crossed lovers from seeing each other.
Despite being made a long-distance pair without their customary meetings in the neighborhood, they still meet on walks, and their pandemic era marriage has managed to stay strong.
It also didn’t stop the Paines from baking celebration cookies for the Villagers, both canine and human, despite the fact that their first anniversary party was significantly less lavish than their wedding.
Due to family concerns, their second anniversary celebrations were postponed. Although there are no plans to repeat the canine couple’s vows, their love for one another is evident every time they meet up for play dates and walks.
“They’re just great together,” Kathy said.