Ruptly
"A couple made up of an Ecuadorian woman and an Argentine man decided to get married in Quito accompanied by a special member of their family. It was their cat named Coda, who participated as a symbolic witness during the civil ceremony. Footage recorded on Thursday shows Evelyn Salinas and Alexander Martínez accompanied by their pet and relatives. The celebration with Coda was possible thanks to the new “Pet Friendly” modality promoted by Ecuador’s Civil Registry. “I decided [to bring my cat] because I had a little dog named Copito and he passed away. And she was the pet that helped me heal that pain a little,” said Evelyn, who expressed gratitude for sharing the moment with Coda. “I’m happy. I like having my family here, my mother, my aunt, my sister, my partner and my cat, who is very meaningful to me,” she added. Meanwhile, Alexander Martínez said that as he built his relationship with Evelyn, he also began to feel affection and appreciation for Coda, and now considers her part of the family. “Since she can’t be an official witness, at least she can accompany us during such a beautiful moment,” he commented. Coda’s presence became one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, as the couple considered the cat to represent companionship, emotional support and unity within their marriage. Since May 3, Ecuadorian authorities have allowed pets not only to attend weddings, but also to participate symbolically as witnesses to the union and celebration. The initiative is part of an institutional modernization strategy aimed at adapting to new family dynamics. As part of the experience, couples receive a symbolic marriage certificate in which their pets can leave a paw print alongside the signatures of the newlyweds. Nationwide, around 30 couples have chosen to visit the Civil Registry with their dogs and cats since the measure was implemented."
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