Captain: A Handsome Otterhound Missed by Sara
When Sara first emailed me about her beloved Otterhound, Captain, I’ll admit, I had never heard of an Otterhound before. That in itself made me smile. One of the joys of this job is meeting dogs I’ve never met, through the eyes of the people who love them.
Captain wasn’t just any dog. He was her dog. Big, shaggy, soulful, and very clearly adored.
Sara’s first email was one I won’t forget:
“Sorry for the delay. I’ve been searching through thousands of photos (and shed a river of tears!) because I want to get this right, he was so special.”
That line alone told me everything. She wasn’t just choosing a picture. She was reliving years of memories.
Captain had recently passed away, and Sara wanted a necklace that truly captured him.
I made his necklace from solid silver sheet and wire, plated in 22ct gold. As well as of engraving his fur, I used wire to reflect his wonderfully shaggy coat, building texture so he felt full of life and movement.
And then there was that nose. Otterhounds have magnificent noses, and Captain’s deserved centre stage. I made it a large oxidised silver sphere, bold, proud, impossible to ignore. Exactly as it should be.
When I finished him, he had real presence. He felt substantial in the hand, just like I imagine Captain must have felt leaning into you.
Sara’s response was immediate and full of warmth:
“Oh Avril I absolutely LOVE it, thank you so so much for all your hard work. I’ve posted the picture on my Facebook page and had some lovely comments! Again thank you so much, I’m delighted with him ♥️”
That part made me quietly proud. When someone is grieving, the fact they want to share their jewellery with others, that they feel joy alongside the sadness, means everything.
Not long after receiving the necklace, Sara ordered matching earrings. Captain would now frame her face as well as rest near her heart. I love when a piece resonates so deeply that someone wants more. It tells me we got it right.
Most of the dogs I create are older, or have recently passed. Those pieces carry weight. But every so often there’s something about a commission that feels especially powerful, perhaps because the breed was new to me, or because Sara’s love for Captain poured through every message.
Captain may no longer be here in the physical sense, but he’s very much still present, in gold, in silver, and in the confidence with which Sara now wears him.
Because every dog deserves to be remembered properly.
If you’ve ever thought about having a custom piece made, I’d love to hear your ideas. You can read more about my process here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
Who knows? Your precious friend might just be the next one I’m smiling about at my workbench.
Easy Design Process
Take the first step toward an one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery you and your pets deserve. With my simple, personal design process, I'll create a treasure that lasts a lifetime, and beyond.
Send a few photographs and begin a conversation about a custom piece.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want. Photos are enough to start.
- WhatsApp your photos using the green button (below right)
- email me directly at info@freshfleeces.com
- or complete the enquiry form and I’ll be in touch
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