Man's best friend, sure. Kid's best friend, depending on the breed's patience. But kid's wife?

News spread today about a less-than-two-year-old boy, Sagula, recently married to his neighbors' dog, Jyoti, in eastern India.

About 150 tribespeople participated in the ritual, to ward off tigers and other animals, after the boy sprouted of a tooth on his upper gum -- considered a bad omen leaving them more prone to wild animal attacks, according to reports.

Indian law doesn't recognize ritual marriages between man and animal, so Sagula may still find a suitable human wife down the road. Y'know, if he's lucky.

Personally my favorite part of the news story describes the afterparty: The dog was let loose to roam the area, while townspeople rejoiced with a feast of food and alcohol. Hey, any excuse is better than none, right?

-- Sandra M. Klepach