Couple Stops at Nothing to Compete in Dog Shows – Not Even Their Wedding
By Rylee Johnston of the American Kennel Club
Every five years, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club Dog Show takes place in October, and Meghann and Calan Terrien weren’t going to miss it — even at the risk of missing their wedding day.
Getting married is a momentous occasion, but this particular dog show isn’t like most. It’s a revival of Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge‘s opulent events, making it one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States. Instead of focusing solely on their wedding weekend, the two entered their four dogs, Chinese Crested “Currency” and three English Toy Spaniels “Cedric,” “Lupin,” and “Tonks,” a mere three days before their big day.
The couple made it down the aisle, but the journey to say “I do” left them feeling a type of pressure that only competing with their pets could have prepared them for.
Love at First Competition
When you enter the world of dog sports, you find a sense of community and oftentimes friendships. But for Meghann and Calan, they found romance. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, though. Meghann says the two of them were actually more like “rivals” when they first met through competing against each other.
“He’ll even admit he was a bit intimidated by me — probably because I wasn’t the friendliest after he kept beating me in the group ring,” she says.
However, that wasn’t a deterrent for Calan. During the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, he approached Meghann and struck up a conversation at her grooming setup. Not long after, they went on their first date, and according to Meghann, they haven’t spent more than 24 hours apart since.
Their shared love of dogs made integrating their lives together seamless, and the two have since attended competitions together as a couple. During their first two shows, Calan won Best in Show Owner-Handled, and weeks later Meghann followed with a Best in Show Owner-Handled prize.
“It was a beautiful reflection of how much we support each other — not just in life, but in the sport we both love. Dog shows aren’t just part of our relationship — they’re part of the foundation of our journey together,” she says.
Prioritizing Their Passion
When the opportunity to attend Morris & Essex presented itself, it was a no-brainer for the couple. Meghann had last exhibited there back in 2021, where she showed Cedric and won Best of Variety.
“As an owner-handler, this was an incredibly meaningful achievement, and it also completed his Grand Championship,” she says.
With Cedric now a veteran, the 2025 show allowed Meghann to take him back, celebrate his career, and share the moment with the vibrant Morris & Essex community. She also wanted to share the rewarding experience with Calan, who had never been before, so they used it as an opportunity to enter their other dogs.
“With him having young and upcoming dogs, it was a great opportunity to socialize, have fun, and immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the show. The camaraderie and shared passion among breeders and exhibitors from across the country made it an especially memorable experience for both of us,” she adds.
Once they arrived at their venue, they celebrated their wedding day surrounded by those they love most: friends, family, fellow dog enthusiasts, and their pets. Cedric even served as the ring bearer and was walked down the aisle by the couple’s daughter, Olivia.
“It truly felt like a storybook moment,” Meghann says. “Our journey together, both in life and in dogs, is something we hold close.
Feeling the Pressure
Meghann admits that entering a competition only three days before her wedding was a “bold decision.” But during that moment, she felt calm and in control. She spent hours and nights meticulously planning their wedding to ensure everything went smoothly on the day of both events.
“I even packed the car for Morris & Essex a full week in advance to make sure we were fully prepared,” she explains.
On the day of the show, the wedding left both of their minds, competing was their focus. It was only after they began the drive back to their home in New Hampshire that the pressure started to settle in.
“Unpacking from a major dog show and then immediately repacking for our wedding left us feeling completely overwhelmed — but it was all worth it,” she says.
Having nearly 10 years of dog competitions under their belt, though, has left them with the necessary skill set to adapt to stressful situations. The two also work with animals outside of competitions, with Calan spending his days as a groomer and Meghann working in veterinary medicine. She also runs her own business as a designer and photographer specializing in canine and equine clients.
“Calan and I have had the privilege of piloting our English Toy Spaniels and Chinese Cresteds to incredible achievements: Owner-Handled Best in Show, Best of Variety Specialty Show, group placements and wins across both the U.S.A. and Canada, and even placements at prestigious events like Westminster and Royal Canin. Adding our shared success in dogs to our personal love story is truly the icing on the cake,” she says.
