Celebrating the connections that support us – in work, in life, and in the quiet moments in between.

The furry, feathered (and slightly chaotic) supporters behind the scenes

If you’ve ever worked with one of our celebrants, you’ll know the care, thought, and attention that goes into every ceremony.

What you might not see…
is who’s sitting just out of shot.

Behind the scripts, the Zoom calls, and the carefully crafted words, there’s often a quiet (or not so quiet!) presence offering support, comfort, and the occasional well-timed distraction.

Because for many of us, our pets aren’t just part of our lives…
they’re part of how we do our work.

And in many ways, they reflect the values at the heart of what we do — connection, compassion, and the importance of every relationship in our lives.

More Than Just Pets

Whether it’s a dog curled up beside a desk, a cat firmly positioned on a keyboard, or a slightly unexpected garden visitor making an appearance, these companions are part of the rhythm of everyday life.

They sit with us while we write.
They listen (patiently) to ceremony run-throughs.
They remind us to take a break, get outside, and breathe.

And sometimes… they make sure we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

In Humanist ceremonies, we often talk about the importance of the relationships that shape our lives — and for many of us, that includes the animals who are part of our everyday world.

Meet the Real “Team”

The companions behind the scenes

The Office Companions

These are the ones who are never far from the desk, quietly (or not so quietly) keeping us company through scripts, emails, and Zoom calls.

Herbie (Alan Deeney) – sociable, cheeky, and always close by when inspiration strikes.

Nellie (Fiona McKenzie) – office manager, logistics expert, and partial to a post-wedding pub walk.

Babs (Jane Alexander) – insists on being involved… especially by sitting directly on the keyboard.

Juno (Nicole Lowther) – best friend and shadow, always nearby during calls and writing time.

Rita (Simon Houston) – beautifully mannered, with a snore that occasionally joins Zoom calls.

Louie (Amy Shipway) – master of the loudest meeting interruptions (via snoring).

Milo (Julie Murray) – loyal office buddy, popping up for the occasional nosey and always ready for a cuddle.

Dave (John Leo Scott) – office manager, morale booster, and part-time hallway security.

The Script Supervisors & Creative Influencers

These ones like to be involved in the process, whether that’s listening, supervising, or “helping” in their own unique way.

Mr Sox (Gayle Docherty) – gentle soul and expert listener to endless ceremony practice.

Bru (John Tonner) – loyal, stubborn, and known to supervise from the window like a cat.

Bella (Jennifer Reid) – keeps a close eye on everything (usually from on top of the laptop case).

Milo & Colin (Sam Conroy) – a dynamic duo of distraction, companionship, and general chaos.

Cookie (Alan Edwards) – cheeky, loving, and always ready to distract at the exact wrong moment.

Harry (Hazel Dale) – firmly believes working uninterrupted is not an option.

The Shadows & Soulmates

These are the constant companions, the ones who rarely leave our side and somehow always know exactly what we need.

Lizzie (Lucy Haden) – rescue greyhound, bringing calm, love, and inspiration.

Archie (Susan Krenbrenk) – shadow, best friend, and expert in knowing when a cuddle is required.

Toby (Joanne Caird) – gentle, patient, and a master of quiet support.

Hugo & Aza (Gina Williams) – Hugo, a golden Labrador, is a constant companion, while time riding Aza brings calm, clarity, and inspiration for every script.

Elvis (Alex Paton) – calm, grounding presence and constant companion.

Ernie (Sue Earnshaw) – playful, watchful, and always making sure everything is in order.

Skye & Ember (Yvonne Hannah) – two very fluffy team members and constant companions, offering comfort, calm, and never far from her side… often curled up beside her through every script.

Louis (Allan Kidd) – confidant and walking companion, offering space to think and reset. Plus he is Skye’s son!

The Energetic Ones (and Occasional Chaos Creators!)

Because not all support comes quietly…

Skye (Kerry Innes) – full of love, zero awareness of personal space, and always ready for a cuddle.

Monty (Christine Carruth) – puppy energy in full force, especially when printers are involved.

Alfie (Chris Alexander) – wise, loyal, and enjoying a well-earned slower pace of life.

Clyde (Zoe Bell-Arnot) – full of energy and joy, guaranteed to make you smile.

And Then There’s Marshall…

Marshall (Morag Webster) – my other child, professional attention-seeker, snack supervisor, sock thief, and expert in knowing exactly when I need to step away from the screen.

 

---

 

Why This Matters

Being a celebrant is a privilege, but it can also be emotional, intense, and at times, unpredictable.

Our pets don’t know the details of the ceremonies we deliver.
They don’t need to.

They simply sit beside us.
Keep us company.
Make us laugh.
And remind us to pause.

In Humanism, we recognise the value of relationships, compassion, and the connections that give our lives meaning.

And while much of our work focuses on people, it’s often these quiet, everyday bonds that help sustain us.

They are our confidants, our companions, and often our best friends.

A Little Appreciation

So this is a small thank you – to the dogs, cats, and all the other creatures who support our team behind the scenes.

The ones who listen without judgement.
Who show up every day.
And who, in their own way, help us do what we do.

Because at the heart of everything, in our work and in our lives, is connection.

We really couldn’t do it without them.

If you have a pet who’s been your support through life’s ups and downs, you’ll understand just how much they mean 

 

---

 

About the Author
Morag Webster is Chair of the Fuze Foundation and Director at Fuze Ceremonies.

She works closely with celebrants across Scotland, supporting meaningful, personal ceremonies and helping to build resources that encourage more open conversations around life, death, and everything in between.

At home, she’s kept company by her “other child”, Marshall. A loyal (and slightly mischievous) companion who is never far from her side.