Bubba the Lover & Misty the Piggy
Chloe Kono
My sister-in-law Gabby is a dog lover, who also works as a groomer and is active in volunteer work at animal shelters. It doesn’t surprise me that her close friends are like minds, who also have precious fur babies. Two of them recently lost their companions, and she commissioned me to make two memorial necklaces for them.
Although I have never had a dog, losing my cat a few years ago was one of the most difficult things I had to go through. And as painful as it was, it is the price I’d gladly pay again and again to have that amazing connection only pet owners would understand.
Meet Bubba the Lover
Gabby and her friend Brooke volunteered at an animal shelter in Fresno. One of the volunteers there said they had to see this new dog they got in! His barbaric first owners cut his ears off because they used him for dog fights. He was in a kennel and laying down towards the back, scared and very cautious. Gabby and Brooke were a bit nervous to go inside at first but something told them they should. When they finally got the courage to get closer, he completely melted their hearts. He “viciously attacked” them with hugs and kisses and even brought them a toy. It was love at first sight with Bubba! In fact, they loved him so much they snuck him into their apartment plenty of times for sleepovers. Bubba was a major cuddler! When Brooke graduated, she couldn't leave Bubba behind, so she adopted him and the rest was history. Brooke knew he had some health problems to begin with, but that didn't stop her from giving him a loving home for the rest of his life.
Saying goodbye was tough, but both Brooke and Gabby were happy that Bubba got the love he most definitely deserved. He might not have pointy ears, but he had a humongous heart and even bigger smile that had brought everyone who met him so much love and joy.
Materials: Sterling silver, peridot, Bubba’s remains, resin, green powder pigment
Meet Misty the Piggy
Misty was found on the street by Calista on August 3, 2009, exactly 2 years ago from today. She was wandering around the streets completely malnourished. Misty looked just like her brother's dog, Kona, and she immediately felt a strong connection. When they got home she realized that she now had 2 of the same dog! No one came looking for Misty after that, so Calista took her in as her own. She was very happy to have found such a sweet baby. She gave her a comfortable home with lots of love and nutritional food. She was as happy as she was fierce. Calista said, "I would call her piggy because she would constantly let out these loud snorts for tons of random things and it was the cutest thing ever!" Gotta love a dog with a silly personality!
Materials: Sterling silver, peridot
Both Bubba and Misty had beautiful green eyes and therefore I have chosen to incorporate peridot into the design, to remind Brooke and Calista that even when they have crossed the rainbow bridge, the love they have left behind will forever be sparkling.