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I just can't bring myself to make a box.

2K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  Blackie_ 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've reached a road block in trying to bring myself to build an urn for my 12 1/2 year old 4 legged ball of love. I know I can make a final resting place 10 times better than what she will be delivered in but I just can't bring myself to make it.

Shady, my Norwegian Elkhound is at the age where she's slow to rise and get down and I'm trying to prepare myself for when that day comes but building an urn is like I'm trying to rush it and so I've decided to just not do anything enjoy my time with her and when that time comes, I'll let the urn provided to her be her temporary resting home until I can build her a nicer one.
 
#2 ·
as you say
enjoy the time together

went thru that with my brother
then my sister
then my daughter
and two best dogs

when the time is right
you will have the memory to guide you
and make a great box

full of loving feelings
 
#4 ·
My heart aches for you and I know that feeling all too well but we all have to deal with it sooner or later and what you are doing is the right thing .
Enjoy the time that you have with your buddy that is the most imported part .

Klaus
 
#6 ·
Randy,

Know what you are going through. Had two great dogs that kept me company and filled my life while I was going to school after the army. Lots of angst and lots of great memories.

Now it's cats. Had a 26 year old, and others who had lived to 18 and 17. Then while building my shop from an old animal barn on the property Jack (turned out to be Jackie)came into my life, and I ended up with a total of 40 kiddies. All with names and connection to me. Then came feline lukiemia and I now have 13 kiddies. Each death to me was painful. But I had the joy of their love attention and playfulness.

Appreciate each day and the joy and the pain. It makes us human. ( or as some call me that crazy cat guy…LOL)

Going out to feed the pride.
 
#7 ·
I lost my furry friend in October (American Eskimo Dog), I know how you feel and when the time came I chose the simple but elegant one the service provided - they did a good job and I'm sure that she is happy just being home regardless of who made her final bed.

Best wishes for happy days ahead
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am in a similar situation myself but my loved one is already gone. My mother died 2 years ago and wanted her body donated to I.U. Medical Center so students studying to become doctors & surgeons would have a body to "practice" on. Although the med center was very considerate & compassionate regarding her "gift" when they were finished with her, they sent her home to me a year later in a plain black plastic box.

I really did not expect them to provide an urn that was wood & they didn't. I had planned to build her a nice urn to rest in from the moment they took her body away but it did not happen. After I received her remains I still could not bring myself to get the build done. I am so ashamed for not having it completed and it's a never ending pain as I see her plastic box each and everyday. Someday I will get it done or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I just wanted to comment and to tell you that I completely understand your situation as well as let you know that there are others just like you out here. I pray that peace be with you and I hope you'll have a lot more time with your special love my friend.
 
#9 ·
Blackie, IL know where you are. I built one urn for a friend to save her some money. The project turned out well, but I decided not to build another one. I had several other requests. The money was good, but I just couldn't do it again and didn't want to be in that business. There was no joy in it for me. Life is short. Celebrate each day.
 
#10 ·
Thanks for all the kind words and I am also sorry for everyone's loss.

David, you had it hard so many family members and a daughter? I am so sorry for you loss.

Thanks so much for the offer Pap, I'm OK, what I plan on doing is leaving her in in the urn they provide and build a box around the original box.

Tom, sounds like you had / have your hands full.

Thanks leafherder, and that is true, I may not have to build her a new one, I was trying to save some monies by building one for her but as you say she may already have a nice final resting home.

Ed, sorry for the loss of your mother.

Alan, it is tough, I've built a few urn's but like you I don't want to continue.
 
#11 ·
Randy,

reading your post makes me think of all the time I spend with my dog. He was the first addition to our new family, even before kids, and I am just starting to slightly see the age in his face as he is about 7-1/2 yrs old now. Dogs are such a special part of our lives, and share things with us that friends, even family members don't share. He's not only a pet, he's my buddy, my walking partner, alarm clock in the morning, and my heating pad at night.

People who don't have dogs may not "get it", but this fricking commercial always gets me choked up:


Enjoy your time with your buddy, your pal, your friend.
 
#12 ·
This has happened to me twice in the last few years. Both times, I knew I could build the urn, but both times my wife and I choose to purchase one.
Not to be crass, but somehow to me it seemed kind of morbid, like those people who build their own coffins.
Some things are better left to others…
Whatever time you have left with your friend, make every second count with life, happiness and play.
 
#13 ·
Sorry to hear that Randy. Our 4-legged fur babies are just that, our babies. We luv em like our 2 legged human babies. I know exactly how you feel. You'll do it when you're ready.
 
#14 ·
That is a great commercial.

Thanks Tooch, Paul and Roger.

heads outside to spend time with shady
 
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