Reggie: Aoife's Soul Dog Recreated in Silver
When Aoife first got in touch with me, she told me she had discovered my work completely by accident. A photograph of one of my pieces had appeared in her social media feed, and she simply couldn't stop thinking about it.
The reason was a very special dog called Reggie. Aoife had lost Reggie last December. He was thirteen years old and, in her words, her "soul dog."
She explained that she had loved all of her dogs fiercely, but that her bond with Reggie was different.
"I've had dogs all my life and loved them all fiercely but I can't explain what it was about Reggie but the bond we had is indescribable."
When she saw my jewellery, she immediately imagined having something she could wear that featured Reggie's beautiful face. Although she rarely wore necklaces, she knew she would wear one if it truly looked like him.
For Reggie's necklace I knew I had to include the quirky way he sat slightly to one side. It's details like this that make the final piece instantly recognisable.
I chose oxidised silver, using the darker tones to create depth and contrast within the piece. The oxidisation helped bring out the detail in his features and gave the necklace a timeless, characterful finish that felt perfectly suited to him.
I was also careful to ensure I included the little stripe of white hair Reggie had on his chest.
As always, my biggest hope was that when Aoife opened the box, she would immediately see Reggie. A little while later, I received a message that is one of the reasons I love doing what I do.
"There must have been something in the air today that I just had a feeling my Reggie was on his way to me. I've just gotten home and there he was waiting for me. I was so scared opening it because I was afraid it wouldn't look like him but my God, as soon as I saw it I just knew it was him. It's amazing, you are amazing. It's just the most special thing I have. I can't stop looking at him. It's just remarkable how you can just get it. I'm truly speechless. Really I am. I'm crying. I love it so much and I love that I'll be able to have him with me always. Thank you so, so much. You are just amazing and unbelievably talented."
Aoife wrote:
"There must have been something in the air today that I just had a feeling my Reggie was on his way to me.
I've just gotten home and there he was waiting for me.
I was so scared opening it because I was afraid it wouldn't look like him but my God, as soon as I saw it I just knew it was him.
It's amazing, you are amazing.
It's just the most special thing I have. I can't stop looking at him.
It's just remarkable how you can just get it.
I'm truly speechless. Really I am.
I'm crying. I love it so much and I love that I'll be able to have him with me always.
Thank you so, so much. You are just amazing and unbelievably talented."
I remember reading her message and smiling from ear to ear. Because no matter how many pieces I make, that moment never gets old. The moment when someone recognises their dog instantly. The moment when a piece of jewellery stops being silver and becomes a memory.
Reggie was clearly one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs who leaves pawprints on your heart forever. Knowing that Aoife can now carry a little piece of him with her every day is exactly why I do what I do.
If you would like to have your own dog recreated in silver, even from older photographs, I would love to see them. 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.
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