We met because of our dogs, so we owe it all to them. Living in the apartment complex for a few months, I knew all the usual people, and dogs, at the dog park. However, when a cute new guy with an even cuter dog (sorry, Clayton) showed up I was very intrigued. Our dogs became friends. So I found myself rushing out to the dog park whenever I would drive past and see the mysterious man and his dog to let our dogs play. After standing in silence for months, I finally got the courage to make my move. He played hard to get but I finally won him over. Lots of dog play dates, yummy food, tv marathons, and adventures later.... The rest is history! -Gretchen

I had the idea of our dogs being a part of the proposal from my first thoughts of how i would accomplish this daunting, stressful feat. Proposing at the apartment dog park where we had met would be an added plus. Luckily, Kaner was going to be an unknowing accomplice. As April approached, I had my eye on the 11th. This is a special day for the Domm family, going back a few generations, and I knew it would mean a lot to Gretchen. On the night of the 10th, Kaner was laying in an unflattering position, but a great help for my plans. I needed to get Gretchen to the dog park the next day. This was my one shot to set the plan in motion. The next words that came out of mouth would be the most important words in my life so far....."Kaner, are you getting fat? Do you think he's getting a little chubby? Do you want to take them to the dog park tomorrow?" She said yes! HA! Step 1 complete! She was falling perfectly into my plan. The next day during my lunch break, I made up the signs that the dogs would wear. 1 for Kaner to wear for the question, and 1 for Koda to wear after Gretchen said yes. I left work early to prepare and try to get my nerves under control. 5 pm hits and I get a text from Gretchen saying she is working late...Panic! I call her asking if she is still coming to the dog park. She says she's tired and I should grab Koda and take the dogs. My plans were coming undone. I tried to guilt her into still coming to the dog park, but when we hung up I wasn't sure what her plans were. I had both dogs, nervously waiting to hear what she would do. Eventually, I gave up and grabbed the ring and the signs, and started walking to the dog park not knowing what was going to happen. When I got there, I see her car!! It was actually happening! I quickly put Kaner's sign on and we ran up to her car. Both dogs started trying to jump on her but she finally got out and saw Kaner's sign. The words that will live on as the start of my proposal were: "You're so difficult"... -Clayton