I got a phone call from my mum last night.

She said:
"We lost Mac on Friday night"
My response was:
"O dear, have you found him"
She said:
"No, Becks the other kind of lost" :wallbash:

Mac was six years old, last time I saw him he was chasing pigeons in the garden barking. Apparently he had a heart attack on friday. Dad was extremely close to Mac, closer than I will ever be to Dad. He was a bit of a terror, but he was the loveable rogue so I had a wee dram to toast his passing last night.

They have burried up by dads outdoor railway and dad is going to put a station on top named after him (my husband suggested Macthehand Station, as Mac once bit dad and severed a tendent in his hand, I think dads thinking more St. Mac Station)

Anyway,
I know dads really cut up about it and I would like to do something. But the question is what. I have very little money (student loans not due to sept) but am good with my hands. So if anyone has any suggestions I would love to here them.

Becks, sorry to hear that. 6 years old is very young for a dog to die. Such a shame :(

I honestly don't know what could cheer your dad up at the moment - you probably feel like nothing will.
When our elderly neighbours cat died, she was devastated. My mum found this lovely little poem on the internet about her cat being in heaven etc and printed it out. She also had a picture of the Cat which she stuck onto it. She got it framed and gave it to my neighbour who was delighted and now keeps it on her mantle piece.
Perhaps you could try that? A lot of these poems can be found on the internet. there is a very nice one called "Rainbow Bridge" I think.
Perhaps your dad might appreciate something like this?

Becks- im very sorry to hear about your Fathers loss.

A few of us on here have lost pets recently, and to be honest - nothing really helps if you are that close to your animals.

When i lost Brucie i wanted to be left alone for a while to grieve in private. Even about a month later i still cried when i thought of him, and looking at photographs killed me.

Now though - the pain isnt so bad, and a few weeks ago i was desperately searching through my photo's trying to find a perfect one of him so i could frame it (similar to what PJ said below).

Maybe, in a month or so you could find a nice photo (maybe ask your mum to look through their collection) and frame it for him. Im sure he would appreciate the sentiment. Alternatively get the photo enlarged by Boots or equivalent, and put in a frame that would look perfect on a wall (rather than on a mantle etc).

I hope he starts to feel better soon.

I am sorry to hear about your dad's dog Becks.

I think PJ's suggestion a very good one and something your dad will appreciate in time to come, or as Bonnie said just a photo of Mac . I do think Bonnie is right though, at the moment, I don't think anything will help, he will just have to work though his grief.

I'm sorry to hear about your dads dog too. I think PJ and Bonnies ideas are nice. My dad had to have his dog put down last year (he was 14) and I know he was heartbroken about it, but I didn't even think of doing anything. I wish I had now though, it's such a nice thought.

Perhaps a card to say you love him and are thinking of him?

Becks what a shame about Mac? So young?

My Dad was similarly close to Bungle [his dog] and when Bungle died, my sister and I got a photo of him and got had it blown up and we framed it - my sister wrote a poem and stuck it to the back of the picture.

My Dad was touched beyond belief - he had the picture in pride of place and talked about Bungle endlessly with anyone who would listen - even Katy [Bungle's replacement] she didn't mind one bit - she listened with rapture each and everytime Bungles name was mentioned!!

If I suggested DIY taxidermy, would you be cross? :ninja:

:unsure:

Still unsure if this thread is for real.......

Its difficult to decide what and when.

I too would suggest a lovely framed photo, give it time tho.
Oh the poem is lovely, as PJ said its called Rainbow Bridge, the lovely PJ actually sent it to me when I lost Silver and I printed it out on nice paper and its kept in his ashes casket with a fave rosette, a lock of his hair and one of his polished up shoes, a bit like a memento box. Having said that, if Mac was cremated, what about buying a lovely, ornate box for his ashes? My previous kitties all reside in ornately carved boxes, they look like jewellery boxes really, so they don't look too macabre.

In time, mementos mean sooo much, I'm sure he will be touched with whatever you get for him.

M

If I suggested DIY taxidermy, would you be cross? :ninja:


My hubby does it for a hobby - but he refuses to do family pets as his handbook says its impossible to capture their character - plus he doesnt get on with my parents.

Thanks for all the lovely ideas, I'm sending him a card down in the mean time.

Macs been burried underneath my dads outdoor railway and is having a station put on it to mark the spot.

Macs been burried underneath my dads outdoor railway and is having a station put on it to mark the spot.

Was service disrupted for very long? :unsure:

Was service disrupted for very long? :unsure:

No, there were leafs on the line anyway.

Plus the project will work to commuters advantage as brand new station and will come in on time and at cost.

P.S

One of my friends popped a news cutting under my door about an online traditional sweety store. So instead of the card I have sent mum and dad a couple of there frav sweets - if in doubt eat.

Sorry to hear about this Becks, six is young for a dog! Your poor dad will be missing him terribly as it would have been so unexpected!

Plus the project will work to commuters advantage as brand new station and will come in on time and at cost.


On a pet cemetary? I think I've seen a film about that :ninja:

He used to chase the pigeons, so at least if he haunts the station he will scare them away.

ooooo Becks what a wonderfully interesting hobby your hubby has?? Wow!

But on the subject, I heqard on the telly yesterday you can now have your pet mummified! And people reckon it is a better way to preserve your beloved pet?? It is done in herbs and oils! I suppose just like the Eygptians did! Quite pricey though!

Flip, you can also have them freeze dried (retains all their features apparently) and have their ashes converted into man-made diamonds.

M

Sorry to hear about your Dad's dog Becks. If your Dad likes a drop of the hard stuff, perhaps you could give him a bottle of his favourite brand.

Thats a good idea - am not down until July but could bring a wee bottle of whisky to have a few toasts with.

Hes talking about a wee jimmy. I think its his way of coping to try and replace Mac. Mums not so sure she wants the work of a puppy, as dads away alot, but I suspect that there maybe a pup soon.

Im sure your dad wont be 'replacing' Jimmy - just finding another little someone who needs loving and nurturing.

I found when Brucie died there was a hole in my heart that needed filling. I couldnt bear to get another cat (and i still had 3 left), but i needed something to make me smile ... and fuss over.

I decided to get a dog (even though many on here thought i was crazy) and it was the best thing i could of done. Because he needed lots of love, and was totally reliant on me, i managed to get over the passing of my cat a lot quicker. I still miss Brucie terribly, and long to hold him one last time - but having a puppy made it a little easier.

I found when Brucie died there was a hole in my heart that needed filling.

What's wrong with chocolate? :glare:

What's wrong with chocolate? :glare:
I know i was rubbish at Biology, but i think the stomach is in a different area to the heart :wink2:

So sorry Bonnie. I assumed you were being metaphorical, obviously you were being literal!

I suggest you see a surgeon! :glare:

Chocolate goes straight to the heart!!!!

Groucho - don't worry have already had some chocolate delivered to dad.

However sister has typically gone one better - she's just got back from hols, rang dad up and found out about Mac and cheered him up she told him she thinks shes finally pregnant.

Chocolate goes straight to the heart!!!!

Groucho - don't worry have already had some chocolate delivered to dad.

However sister has typically gone one better - she's just got back from hols, rang dad up and found out about Mac and cheered him up she told him she thinks shes finally pregnant.
Oh LOL at your sister Becks - but in reality this will really help your Dad, and save poor Mum the trouble of a new puppy!!! Congrats to Becks Sister!!:wub:

Some how think this will not stop dad getting a new puppy. I hope he does get one in a few months time as I know he's always better when hes got his little companion with him. Mum has a spaniel so it will be alot easier to train a new puppy and be good company for the spaniel.