Dog eats owner's passport, putting US couple's Italy wedding in jeopardy

"My dog ate my homework" is one of the oldest excuses in the book, but "My dog ate my passport" may be a new one.

That's exactly what one Massachusetts couple said happened and it is now threatening their chance to get married in Europe.

Donato Frattaroli, of South Boston, and his fiancée went to city hall to fill out the intention of marriage forms on Thursday, just over a week before they are set to fly out to Italy - where the couple's wedding is scheduled for August 31.

READ MORE: CCTV clue over Sydney mum's death

Hours after their visit to city hall, a nightmare unfolded at the couple's home when Chickie, the couple's one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever, chewed through multiple pages of Frattaroli's passport.

Frattaroli and his fiancée have now contacted state officials to help them get to the altar in Italy in time.

"I'm just a little stressed," Frattaroli said on Saturday.

"Luckily, Congressman (Stephen) Lynch's office and Senator (Ed) Markey's office have been super responsive. They've been in touch, at least with me and the State Department, to try to expedite things and get a new passport. Keep my fingers crossed and, hopefully, everything will work itself out."

READ MORE: Storm Hilary pushes into Nevada after drenching Southern California

The couple's flight to Italy is scheduled to depart on Friday.

Frattaroli said if he is unable to get his expedited passport before the flight, his fiancée and all of their wedding guests will travel to Italy without him.

If the passport does not come in time for Frattaroli to make it in time for the wedding, he will welcome his fiancée and the wedding guests when they return to the United States.