THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
WILLIAMSON-POWELSON WEDDING

Aug. 18, 2001

Back in 1998, Sparky met Rosie at the Dog Park. And Sparky's owner, Bob Powelson, met Rosie's owner, Debbie Williamson.

And the Dog Park is where the two -- Bob and Debbie, that is -- were married Friday, Aug. 17.

Bob, if you recall, had planned to move to Oregon. Shortly before his planned exit, he took Debbie out for a farewell dinner, and as we all knew, love had bloomed. Bob's departure was delayed a week here, a month there, a few more weeks here, a couple days there ... Just about everyone had grown tired from wishing Bob well on his journey north because he just wouldn't leave! And we all knew why.

About 50 guests were seated just outside the west end of the park for the Long Beach couple's nuptials. Family members and Dog Park acquaintances alike watched a beaming Debbie stroll across the lawn and through three festooned arches to meet an equally jubilant Bob under the branches of a huge oak.

While Stanley gave the bride away, Sparky served as ring bearer and Rosie as flower girl

... and no word just yet on whether Sparky has popped the question to Rosie.