32 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2024 
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P

uppy love filled the air on a recent dog day 
afternoon at Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan 
Detroit’s Meer Apartments in West Bloomfield. 
On Aug. 19, Simba, a handsome, easy-going, 8-year-
old cockapoo belonging to Meer resident Jean Lutren, 
and Shelby, a 10-year-old poodle/Shih Tzu/Maltese-mix 
belonging to Meer resident Audrey Demak, got mar-
ried in a Jewish-themed wedding before a “pawsitively” 
packed audience of more than 75 residents and staff of 
the independent living community. 
The cute canine companions met when they started 
taking Saturday strolls together with their owners. Soon, 
Simba started woofing (er, wooing) Shelby, who recipro-
cated by coyly nudging Simba to enjoy a nightcap from 
her water bowl. The long walks led to nightly nuzzles 
and the two furry, four-legged pets decided it was time 
to keep each other on a short leash. 
It was then that their wedding coordinator (as well as 

Puppy 
Puppy 

Shelby and 
Simba seal 
their love 
with a kiss.

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