We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Maly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always had a soft spot for dogs. Growing up, I lived near a road known for being a dumping site for abandoned dogs. Our home, just a few miles away, always had dogs, and somehow, the strays seemed to know it was a safe place to go. Anytime I found an abandoned dog, I’d bring it home.

One time, I discovered a stray, scooped it up, and hid it in my closet because I had school and didn’t want my parents to find out. Of course, they did. At first, they weren’t thrilled, but they understood—dogs have always tugged at my heart, and that moment was just the beginning.

My journey with dogs evolved when I moved to Colorado, where I saw a growing need for pet services. What started as dog sitting for traveling pet parents quickly expanded into adventure hikes, maternity shoots, and, eventually, wedding chaperoning. I realized that life’s biggest moments should be shared with those who love and support you—including your dogs! I wanted to help couples make their wedding day everything they dreamed of, with their furry best friend right by their side.

When we moved to Texas, we rebranded as Woof and Wed, shifting our entire focus to making weddings more special and stress-free for couples who want their dogs included. Since 2021, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of dog wedding chaperoning—and I’ve never looked back.

But Woof and Wed is not your typical dog wedding chaperone service. We offer a high-end, concierge-level experience, ensuring every detail is tailored to the couple’s needs. Whether it’s custom wedding attire for their pup, a dedicated handler for the entire event, or personalized pre- and post-wedding services, we go beyond basic pet care.

With years of experience in the dog industry since 2019, we bring unmatched knowledge and passion to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience for every couple. From seamless ceremony integration to stress-free planning, we take pride in making sure your dog’s role in your wedding is nothing short of perfect.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Many pet chaperones focus on basic pet care, but I specialize in weddings. I understand the fast-paced nature of weddings and work closely with planners, photographers, and venues to ensure your dog’s role is effortless and stress-free. Being born and raised in Texas and later living in Colorado, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges weddings can bring—not just in logistics but also in unpredictable weather. With my knowledge and expertise, I ensure your dog’s safety, comfort, and seamless integration into your wedding day.

How Did I Get Here?
My journey wasn’t easy—it was filled with trials, setbacks, and moments of doubt. There were times I wanted to quit, especially after moving back to Texas and starting over. But what kept me going? The trust dog parents placed in me, the joy on a dog’s face, and the priceless memories I witnessed couples creating with their four-legged family members.

As a former competitive swimmer and collegiate runner, I’ve always admired the greatest athletes—their resilience, their grit. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, didn’t medal at his first Olympics in 2000. What if he had quit? Michael Jordan openly speaks about his failures, yet he’s considered the greatest player ever.

I never realized how easy it is to quit after failing—but failing is actually the easy part. The real challenge is getting up, time after time, and pushing forward when giving up feels like the simpler choice.

What People Should Know About Me
I am the heart behind Woof and Wed, and my passion runs deep—not just for dogs, but for creating unforgettable moments. I love being part of life’s biggest milestones and believe in the power of community and connection.

Giving back is important to me. That’s why Woof and Wed supports local animal shelters, suicide prevention programs, YANA (You Are Not Alone), and more—because the same community that lifts us up deserves our support in return.

At the end of the day, Woof and Wed isn’t just about chaperoning dogs—it’s about love, resilience, and making sure every couple gets to share their special day with their best friend.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man, I just moved here, so I’m still getting the hang of things! But one thing I try to do differently is avoid making every recommendation about just eating and drinking—I love discovering experiences beyond that.

I’m all about being outside as much as possible, staying active, and tapping into my creative side when inspiration strikes. My perfect day usually starts with a scenic trail walk—not only to enjoy nature but also to tire out my dogs so they can relax later! Some of my favorite spots are Loyd Park, Dogwood Canyon, and Grapevine Lake for a refreshing start to the day.

After that, I’ll grab a matcha latte and spend time tending to my garden or diving into some arts and crafts—I’m always on the lookout for fun (and free!) creative outlets. But when I feel like treating myself, I love spending my afternoons at Trade Oak Cliff, Glaze Ceramic Studio, or taking an art class.

To unwind in the evening, nothing beats the live jazz vibes at Babous or The Balcony—the perfect way to end the day on a soulful note.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
my two chicken nuggets (aka:dogs) Lun Lun and Sir Butchstefer the 3rd and my biggest hype man, my husband, Grant.

Website: https://woofandwed.com

Instagram: woofandwed

Facebook: woofandwed

Other: https://woofpeaks.com

Image Credits
Clancey Woodlee – top left with woman and guy in blue suit on couch with dog in middle in a tux

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.