The nuptials are a week away and the mother of the bride is more nervous than the bride. Of course, the mother is a human and the bride — and groom — are both dogs.
Frangelica Meloni, the four-legged daughter of Chadds Ford’s Kathryn Meloni, has been a therapy dog since 2014. The “wedding” is with another therapy dog, Shaggydog Stark Saturday, Aug. 10 at Rose Tree Park in Media. The event is to bring awareness to PAWS for People.
PAWS, stands for Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services. It’s a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic visits to people who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet.
Kathryn Meloni’s jitters are simple, “I've planned the entire thing and it is almost here," she said with a laugh.
But planning she did. So far there are 57 vendors and three animal rescue organizations lined up. In addition there will be a Doggie Kissing Booth, face painting, four trucks plus a water ice stand. Making the day official will be Judge Nichols performing the ceremony and a minister giving a blessing to the animals, Meloni said.
According to Meloni, the idea for a wedding to benefit PAWS for People started as a joke but grew legs.
“I thought it would be a fun idea for a small fundraiser. When I started, I never dreamed it would be this big,” Melon said.
The ceremony itself will be from noon to 12:30 p.m. and “is pretty elaborate,” she added.
Frangelica — part Maltese, Yorkie/Cairn terrier mix with a splash of Pomeranian — was a rescue and is now 8 1/2 years old. When Meloni first got her, the dog was "out of control ... absolutely nuts.” Meloni named her Frangelica after the hazelnut liqueur. Obedience training began soon after.
“We had to start obedience training within five days because she was so out of control. We trained with Clover Dog Training in Chadds Ford. Once she started to flourish, and the fact that she loved everyone, made her an ideal candidate for a therapy dog. So we continued on and she has been certified and working for 5.5 years.”
In 2016, Team Meloni began working in the Delaware county Court of Common Pleas helping to calm victims.
“It has been a wonderful experience to see the wonderful work that she does. People light up when they see her. Also, we have touched many people that are afraid of dogs, because she is so calm. I will sit and talk to the person who is afraid and won't touch her, and I will notice that within a few minutes or so, they are reaching out to her. She will just lay there. It's amazing,” Meloni said.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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