Groom Gets New Passport Days Before Italy Wedding After His Dog Ate The Original
When Donato Frattaroli’s one-year-old golden retriever, Chickie, used his passport as a chew toy last week, Frattaroli found himself in an impossible position. This sounds like my own personal hellish nightmare. I love to travel, and if I was traveling for my wedding, I would be even more devastated if this happened to me. I love my dog, but if he ate my passport with just days to go before a big trip, he might be looking for a new home.
According to ABC NEWS, Frattaroli and his fiancée Magda Mazri had plans to get on a plane headed for Italy this week and if he couldn’t replace his passport, he would be missing his own wedding.
Desperate for a solution, the couple reached out to U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch and Senator Edward Markey, to see if they could help speed up the typically weeks-long passport replacement process. “I’m optimistic it’s going to work out,” Magda said hopefully.
Well, their plan worked. Earlier this week, just days before their departure date for their Italian wedding, Frattaroli received his new replacement passport. The groom-to-be says the experience has convinced him to store his passport more securely in the future. “We are extremely grateful,” Magda says, “All of the support has not gone unnoticed, and we are forever thankful!” And then she adds, “Andiamo!,” which is Italian for “Let’s go!”
That’s one lucky dog.
This isn’t the first passport drama making news in recent history. A flight attendant came to the rescue of another couple recently traveling for their honeymoon!
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.
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St. Croix
If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.
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Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.
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St. Thomas
St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.
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St. John
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.
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