“Rex,” Emma said firmly, tugging him back gently by his collar. “Heel.” Rex’s body stayed angled toward Vincent, his eyes unblinking and fixed on the groom. Vincent let out a long, slow breath. “Emma, I thought we talked about this.” Emma blinked in confusion. “Talked about what?”
“Bringing a police K9 to a packed church,” Vincent said gently, but there was a sharp edge underneath his calm tone. “Loud music, huge crowds, people moving everywhere. That’s way too much stimulation, even for a dog as well-trained as him,” he added, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “He’s fully trained,” Emma shot back immediately. “You’ve seen him handle way worse situations on the job.”
“I know you did,” Vincent replied quietly. “That’s exactly my point.” He gestured around the quiet chamber. “This isn’t a police raid. This is a wedding. Cameras flashing, kids running around, people who don’t know how to act around working police dogs. If he snaps or reacts badly, it won’t be fair to him or anyone here today.”
