Four Dogs Walk Together Again
Some commissions stay with me long after I’ve packed them up and sent them on their way and Debra’s was definitely one of those.
As soon as she sent me a photo of her four beautiful dogs, I knew it was going to make a truly special piece. Lined up together in the picture were Lyra, Pantalaimon (known as Pan), Iorek, and Seren, a little pack full of character and love. Sadly, Debra explained that only Seren and Iorek were still with her, as Lyra and Pan had already passed away.
She asked me if I could make a brooch featuring all four dogs together, a way to capture happy memories and keep her much-loved pack united forever.
From the moment I began, I knew how meaningful this piece would be. I recreated the fabulous four using layers of sterling silver, cutting and engraving each shape by hand to reflect their individual characters. Each dog was carefully formed in place, side by side, as though they were heading out on one of their favourite adventures together.
The finished brooch had such warmth to it, the kind that comes not just from silver and craftsmanship, but from the love and memories it represents. When I held it in my hand before sending it off, I thought of how special it was that, even though two of the dogs had already crossed the Rainbow Bridge, they could still be reunited in this little piece of art.
“Just to let you know, my brooch arrived today, and I absolutely love it. I ordered it exactly 4 weeks ago today, and sadly, exactly one week later, one of our dogs, Iorek, sadly passed away, so we just have one dog left now, Seren (the dog on the right of the photo). Thank you so much for immortalising our 4 lovely dogs in silver. I will treasure it always.”
A few days after I posted it, Debra’s message arrived, one that made me stop in my tracks:
“Just to let you know, my brooch arrived today, and I absolutely love it. I ordered it exactly 4 weeks ago today, and sadly, exactly one week later, one of our dogs, Iorek, sadly passed away, so we just have one dog left now, Seren (the dog on the right of the photo).
Thank you so much for immortalising our 4 lovely dogs in silver. I will treasure it always.
Debra.”
My heart absolutely broke for her. To lose Iorek so soon after ordering the brooch, it’s every pet owner’s deepest sadness. But I was also deeply moved by her words. Knowing that the brooch had arrived at just the right time, and that it could bring her a little comfort, felt like such an honour.
These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do. Each custom piece is more than jewellery or metalwork, it’s a way of keeping love close, of turning cherished memories into something that lasts forever.
Thank you, Debra, for trusting me to capture your beautiful dogs — Lyra, Pan, Iorek, and Seren — together again, forever side by side.
If you’d like to find out more about how I create custom pieces like Debra’s, you can read about my process here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
I only take on a limited number of custom orders, so if you’ve got an idea, please send me a photo of your animal and I will guide you through the whole process - with no obligation.
Who knows? Your beloved pet could be the next star of 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.
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Complete the form or email avril directly with your photos - info@freshfleeces.com
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