A Day of Love & Labs

When paralympian Louzanne wed Jeandré, her adorable guide dogs played a big role in the celebration

- By Colin Hendricks

SHE’S used to having someone by her side, guiding her as she races around the running tracks of the world in pursuit of a place on the podium.

But Louzanne Coetzee has someone else by her side now – and as far as she’s concerned she’s won the gold medal of life.

The 30-year-old Paralympian recently wed the love of her life, Jeandré Badenhorst (32), in a joyful celebration made all the more magical by the inclusion of two very special members of the wedding party.

The ring-bearers were Louzanne’s guide dogs, labradors Isabel and Oakley – treasured members of the bride’s family who very nearly stole the show.

“Oakley has been with me for 12 years and she’s retired now,” Louzanne tells YOU from their Bloemfontein home soon after their return from honeymoon.

“I’ve had Isabel for a year and a half,” she says. “The dogs are an integral part of my life and my mobility and they’re like family to me.”

The dogs wore jackets specially made for them, with the rings attached to little pockets on the garments. “It was an emotional day and having my guide dogs a part of it was very special.”

Louzanne is enjoying a few days off before diving head-first back into training for the qualifying rounds for what will hopefully be her third Paralympic Games, to be held in Paris next year.