Jonathan:
I always wanted to include the dogs in my proposal, but I knew coming up with something that would actually work would be tricky. I decided to enlist the help of some friends, and came up with a plan. The crucial part of the plan was Victoria and I going for a walk to a lake near where we live. Unfortunately on this particular morning Victoria wasn't feeling her best so didn't particularly fancy a walk! Because I had planned everything out and had other people waiting to help, I knew that I didn't want to wait for another day. So I managed to persuade her to come for a walk, however that was almost scuppered when I said I didn't want to take the dogs with us!
Eventually though, Victoria agreed and off we went. I had to stall for time, so drove a particularly strange way to where we were going. Once there, I kept stalling on our walk, all of which made Victoria slightly suspicious. Once our friends were in position though, it was all go.
We walked round a particular corner onto a nice long path, at the end of which was a bush. Suddenly though, there were people everywhere, and whilst I was fairly confident Victoria wouldn't say no, I didn't fancy proposing in front of 20 complete strangers! So I had to stall for time again! Eventually though, they cleared, so we headed on down the path.
Victoria:
So there we were, looking out at the sail boats on the water. Jonathan seemed keen to stop and take lots of photos, but I didn't think much of it. The next thing I know the path cleared and I spotted a dog at the end of the path, and caught a glimpse of a blonde female ducking behind the bush.
I panicked! Why was the dog on its own? Where had the owner gone? When I realised it was a Pug my concern grew and I told Jonathan I was going over to investigate!
The next few seconds felt like they happened in slow motion. As I got closer I realised it was my little Lily and as soon as she saw me she came waddling over. I spotted the ring box that was tied to the back of her harness and I burst into tears. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and just about managed to say "yes" when Jonathan produced a ring from the box and popped the question!
Some really good friends of ours were hiding round the corner with Lola and had put Jonathan's plan into action by collecting them from our house shortly after we had set off. This explained Jonathan stalling for time and the flurry of txt messages as they updated him on their whereabouts.
It was brilliant - the PERFECT proposal. I couldn't think of a better way!
Jonathan:
Although there were a few complications I was so happy with how it worked. Victoria's face when she saw Lily and realised what was happening was the happiest moment of my life and something I will never forget. To involve the dogs like that and have it work was perfect for us.
