A Cross for an Old Friend

A Cross for an Old Friend · 10-20-2008, 02:31 PM

Hello everyone. Last Monday, I got a call from my mother to tell me that they put our family dog down after a wonderful and memorable 15 years.

She was an Austrailian Shepard and her name was "Hippie" (yes, Hippie

). Her health had been in sharp decline for the last year or so. She could barely walk or stand, was wearing diapers, etc. Finally they decided that it was too much to watch her go through it another day.

My mom has never been much of an animal person, but that dog was my Dad's best friend. She told me about how he stood there and held her in his arms, bawling, as they put her to sleep. It was a very difficult thing for him and the rest of us. After that, they burried her in her favorite corner of the backyard with a small stone as a grave marker. Evidently my dad goes out there a few times a day and stands there and talks to her.

So that got the wheels turning in my head. I still had a little bit of brazillian cherry left and I decided to make a cross for her grave site. The project was fairly simple really, but I did learn a few things.

1: Scrolling on the bandsaw with a 1/2" wood slicer blade is not easy.

2: I need a scrollsaw.

3: Getting a custom plaque rush ordered is not that expensive.

I ended up drilling the sharp arcs on the drill press and cutting the rest on the bandsaw. The finish is marine spar varnish.

I haven't been on here for the past few days because my girlfriend (Christy) and my parents were down here for the weekend. None of them have ever seen my house down here so I spent a TON of time cleaning on Friday, then entertained them all weekend. I hid the cross in the shop and presented it to my dad while I was giving them the tour. He definitely teared up and was very quiet. But he did manage to get out a thank you and a hug. I also included a copy of the Rainbow and Rescue bridge that I copied and pasted into word from a post on this forum not too long ago. They were pretty much blown away by it.

I wish I would've had more time to spend on it, but that was what I ended up with. Thanks for looking.

Cheers,

Trent

skeeter · 10-20-2008, 02:45 PM

Nice job on a very worthwhile project. I'm sure it meant a lot to your dad.

If you ever need a scrollsaw, you know where I am.

10-20-2008, 02:47 PM

Very nice - YOU might have wished for more time to spend on it, but I would wager almost anything your DAD will NEVER forget your kindness. Good job.

TracyP · 10-20-2008, 02:54 PM

Excellent Job Trent. Your dad will not forget it. Sorry to hear about your loss.

Canuck · 10-20-2008, 03:05 PM

Sorry to hear about your families loss, Trent.

I am sure that your Dad must have been overcome by emotion. You did a fantastic job on the cross and I am sure that your Dad appreciated your efforts and thoughtfulness immensely.

Thanks for sharing your fine and thoughtful work with us!

Wayne

JackLeg · 10-20-2008, 03:11 PM

Good job, Trent. And a nice gesture.

Trent Mason · 10-20-2008, 03:20 PM

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Charles, I had forgotten you had a scroll saw.

RandyJ · 10-20-2008, 05:04 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss, Trent. You did a great job on the cross. I'm sure Hippie and your Dad appreciate it.

LeftyTom · 10-20-2008, 05:11 PM

Your dad and Hippie will appreciate that, Trent.

DaveO · 10-20-2008, 06:23 PM

Very touching tribute Trent. But as you know old Hippies don't die, they just smell that way

Dave

Trent Mason · 10-20-2008, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by DaveO

Very touching tribute Trent. But as you know old Hippies don't die, they just smell that way

Dave

PChristy · 10-20-2008, 10:16 PM

Nice job Trent - It looks like I might be making something of the same - Our oldest just called and they might be taking there oldest dog to the vet - she is very worn - It is our SIL's dog and I believe that he has had her for 13-15 years

Glennbear · 10-21-2008, 09:35 AM

Very well done Trent, I am sorry for the family's loss but you designed a nice remembrance