| Project by Betsy | posted 102 days ago | 277 views | 0 times favorited | 17 comments |  |
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If you have read my blog (if you haven’t—- why not???? :-) ) you know that I have a cat that is 21 years old and is fast approaching the end. I’ve wanted to make her a special box to be buried in, but since I’m having health issues, I was limited in what I could do. So this box is not as nice as I would like it to be. It’s made entirely with hand tools all powered by hand – with the exception of the drill to make the screw holes. It’s all butt joints with screws pulling it together. It actually turned out ok—- it’s even square which is surprising. The trim was pretty easy even though they are mitered. Since it was thin and pine it was very easy to cut and shoot on the shooting board. I was going to sew the cushion – but the sewing machine is in the back of the closet behind only who knows what and I did not want to move all that stuff. So the material is simply stapled to the bottom ply – the filling is shavings from various projects that I’ve kept to give my neighbor for a fire starter.
While this is not the box I had imagined, I am relying on the old saying – “it’s the thought that counts.” It beats a plastic box that the cemetary sells. I decided that I would not stain the box because I did not want to put anything more than I needed to into the ground—- pets are not buried in a vault like their humans are, so I figure dust to dust and leave all that other stuff out. The cemetary requires that the box be sealed. My original plan was to screw it shut and put trim over the screws. But I think I’ve decided to leave off the top trim and simply nail it shut and cover the nail holes with some sawdust and glue.
So all—- hug your kitties and puppies and enjoy them. Then honor them by making a special box for them.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
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17 comments so far
Greg Wurst
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412 posts in 314 days
posted 102 days ago
A box worthy of a beloved pet. It’s sad we’re destined to outlive our furry family members.
CharlieM1958
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4170 posts in 700 days
posted 102 days ago
It’s a lovely box, Betsy. I’m so sorry for the impending loss of your longtime companion.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Chip
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1058 posts in 574 days
posted 102 days ago
I think the sentiment makes your project exceptional. Wonderful piece Betsy.
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.
bhack
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118 posts in 202 days
posted 102 days ago
I think if I were making one for our Cocker Spaniel (Dandy) there may be a few salty stains on the wood. It is a brave and wonderful thing you did. They (pets) are our most cherished friends. Remember all the good times.
God Bless.
-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.
trifern
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3987 posts in 249 days
posted 101 days ago
Beautiful box for your companion.
-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.
Lee A. Jesberger
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2750 posts in 461 days
posted 101 days ago
Hi Betsy;
21 years old is amazing. Very nice job on this box, and as you said it sure beats whats available on the market.
Not to mention the emotional benefit of doing this yourself.
I hope your health allows you to continue making projects for many years to come.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Betsy
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1779 posts in 378 days
posted 101 days ago
Thanks guys. I appreciate it.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Allison
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323 posts in 281 days
posted 101 days ago
Betsy, This is absolutely beautiful. And your thought process on the whole idea is beautiful.
And Thank you I will give an extra hug to Buick and Nala (my dogs ) today.
Thanks
-- Allison, Northeastern Ca. Remember, Amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!
Napaman
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1760 posts in 559 days
posted 101 days ago
beautiful!!!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...177 days to sanity...
jockmike2
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4130 posts in 728 days
posted 101 days ago
That is amazing for an animal to live that long. It meant you took very good care of it. As you are in it’s death. I’m so sorry about your poor health and that of your beloved pet. You get well soon.
-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com
Betsy
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1779 posts in 378 days
posted 100 days ago
Thanks all. I appreciate your thoughts.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
lew
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1241 posts in 237 days
posted 100 days ago
Betsy,
The inside of the box is perfect.
Callie knows how much you love her and appreciates every minute of the time you have been together. This is just one more way to show that affection. Remember, Callie will always be with you.
Lew
Betsy
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1779 posts in 378 days
posted 95 days ago
thanks Lew!
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Festool4
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54 posts in 260 days
posted 83 days ago
Very nice job, Betsy…
-- Festool4
jeanmarc
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1752 posts in 198 days
posted 59 days ago
Beautiful box
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Betsy
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1779 posts in 378 days
posted 54 days ago
Thanks guys. I appreciate it.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Dick, & Barb Cain
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5047 posts in 781 days
posted 53 days ago
A very nice, & loving project.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1