As many of you may recall, just 3 short weeks ago my hubby’s best friend in the world; his beloved Scruffy, went to doggie heaven. My husband has been quite lost without his little 11 year old buddy and is trying to find new ways to cope with his loss.
It’s been very hard for him and right after Scruff died, he washed all of his toys and asked if he could set them on the couch. It was kind of like his little memorial to his dear pal. It even took me 2 weeks before I could wipe Scruff’s nose smudges off the windows…
Then a few nights ago, my son called and asked if we could go out for dinner. He told me he had something for his dad; a sort of belated birthday present. (Scruff died the day before my husbands birthday.) We met and while we were waiting for our food, my son gave him a box and said, “Happy birthday…I hope you like it.” My hubby opened it up and just stared…and stared…then the tears came…
My son had drawn a picture of Scruffy and framed it. It looked just like “The Scruff,” as my hubby affectionately called him.
It has now been added to the “memorial” on the couch… Just wanted you all to see it.
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, how thoughtful and sweet of your son, Jeanne! He’s a wonderful artist! That’s a special gift that holds so much meaning and sweet memories of Scruffy. And then too, the artist actually knew Scruffy! What a treasure it will be! Just writing this is making the teardrops come! Did you know that he could draw like that?
Hi Linda,
It’s been a very busy day but I am determined to answer all of your sweet comments. My son painted me a watercolor picture of a hummingbird for Christmas, and I was flabbergasted at how sweet it was. He always doodles but we didn’t know he had this in him. He truly captured his dad’s little buddy and got it “just right!”
Thanks so much Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Such a sweet tribute to a beloved pet which will hold special memories of Scruffy and of your son who created it with love for his Dad.
Yes, Marsha, it is a special treasure and very much adored by his dad!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Aww, how very sweet. 🙂
HI Christine,
Yes, it’s very sweet and we were so surprised… it was a wonderful gift… probably his favorite EVER!
Blessings, Jeanne
Now if that doesn’t bring a tear… what a perfect and special birthday gift!!! (Scruff needs to hurry up and send your way a furry baby that needs to be loved.)
Happy Easter to you and your family, Jeanne.
HI Cindy,
I’m not sure, at least now, if he can handle another one. I think he loved Scruff so much, he doesn’t want to have that hurting heart again any time soon. We’ll see… I guess.
Happy Easter back to you Cindy,
Thanks so much, Jeanne
We didn’t know that your son is an artist, Jeanne. What a lovely gift.
Is it, perhaps, time to think of replacing Scruff’s memorial with a real dog? I know, you can’t really replace a dog, a new one wouldn’t be like Scruff, but while a new dog would be different I think your dh would grow attached to it. it would follow him around and jump on his lap. lol I’m all for a dog that is already potty trained and just past the puppy stage, I’ve had good luck with that age.
Easter Blessings to you and yours, Jeanne.
Hi Jevne,
WE didn’t know he was an artist EITHER! We were shocked at this picture. He gave me a watercolor of a hummingbird he did at Christmas, and it was wonderful too.
I’m not saying he won’t ever get a dog but he’s still hurting too much and isn’t ready just yet… but maybe later… we’ll see…
Happy Easter to you too,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your post made me cry. Such a loving gift for your husband. I fully understand the tears and grief you husband feels. I hope the memorial on the couch helps all you find peace with the passing of your dear, Scruff. You have a really good son.
We also have walked this path with a dear sweet doggy. Our Henry Woodrow was with us for thirteen and a half years. He was a “little boy in a dog suit”. It has been six years since he crossed over the rainbow and we still miss him so much so we can not bear to have another dog. We also have a memorial though now it is just a portrait of Jack & I with our boy back in the “good days” of health. That keeps the memories in the positive mode.
Good thoughts being sent to you and your DH as you move forward in acceptance of Scruffs passing.
Thank you again Jeannie,
I didn’t mean to “drag” this Scruff thing out, but when my son did this drawing, I just HAD to share it. It was the most perfect gift my hubby ever got I think.
I don’t know what the future holds, but we’ll know when it’s right, I’m sure.
Have a wonderful Easter, Jeannie,
Blessings, Jeanne
That is so sweet and makes me tear up thinking about how much your hubby misses his little friend!
hugs,
Regina
HI Regina,
It is pretty sad when I see my hubby staring off in space, because I can almost guess what he’s thinking about….
Thanks so much for your sweet thoughts.
Blessings, Jeanne
What a beautiful thing for your son to have done an for you and your husband to treasure always. I made a special “memory box” for each of our dogs. I chose to not wash their toys or bedding by to put them away just as they were still with their sweet doggie smell on them. I also had a few clippings of their fur I included and a copy of my favorite picture(s). I put a letter in each box telling them once more how much I love(d) them and listed their nicknames, birth and death dates and favorite treat food etc. – anything I didn’t want to ever forget.:) If I open a box today the scent still lingers. We also had a plaque made with their name on it for in the garden surrounded by flowers.
It takes a long time to get past losing a best friend. I still cry if I think how much a miss our last dog we had for almost thirteen years and she has been gone for six. We always thought of our dogs as “little girls with fur on”. They are as human as a person. Don’t rush it, but when your ready there will be another dog to love with a personality unique to them. God will send them at the right time, never to replace Scruffy, but to give you another of his creatures to love. I firmly believe those pets we have loved are waiting in heaven for us.
Keeping you in thoughts and prayer. Hope to have a blest Easter.
HI Laura,
What a sweet note to us about losing our Scruff, but also how you made a “remembrance” box for your sweet dogs. What a wonderful box of memories you have there.
I’m sure time will heal things, but for now, it’s still days with teary eyes…
I hope you and your family have a wonderfully blessed Easter day too!
Blessings, Jeanne
OMGosh….that’s just too sweet.
Thanks so much Kathie,
Yes, we were QUITE touched by it! Sometimes it’s the simplest things that mean the most… Have a wonderful day with your family tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne