New member in need of URGENT HELP

[tanyal]

Hello!

I hope you guys don't mind me barging in asking for help. If so, please disregard, delete or whatever is necessary. I'll understand.

My name is Tanya and I'm not in any way shape or form a wordworker, nor do I pretend to be but I am in urgent need of some help which by your standards would probably be super simple. For me though, it's a challenge.

We had the unfortunate responsibility to have our dog of almost 12 years put down this evening. He has been a wonderful, loyal, trusting, faithful friend for many years and deserves nothing but the best. We would like to build a casket to bury him in tomorrow. Would it be out of line to ask somebody to help me with some simple plans? I could never figure this out on my own but given the size of the cuts that need to be made, I think I can do it. I would gladly pay somebody to do this but I'll be honest, I can't afford much and, I need it ASAP!

If you are interested and/or willing to give me a hand, please email me as soon as possible for dimensions and other information. Or, if you can direct me to where I can find something that would work, that would also be appreciated.

Thank you so very, very much in advanced!
Tanya

[bogydave]

Welcome
Sorry it's under sad circumstances.
If you can give the dog's body length, height & width.
& the tools you have avaliable.
I'm sure somebody will be able to do a rough drawing for you.

[Don]

Hey, Tanya and welcome. As Bogy allowed, sorry for the circumstances. I had a very similar situation just a few years ago, I built a simple box for our little Pom of 14 years after we had to put her down. We have a little pet cemetary in the back forty for both the dog and the cat.

But, as Bogy allowed, we can certainly help but need to tailor it to your tools, capabilities and size of the animal. I guess weight and breed would be okay here. Where are you located, namely what stores do you have available? Lowes/Home Depot? How elaborate do you want it to be? Do you have a budget? And of course it needs to be quick.

My suggestion would be to keep it simple. You don't want to go through a lot of time expense and trouble that would overshadow the circumstances. A simple sheet of plywood, a skillsaw and some nails would be sufficient - we can give you a cutlist for the parts. And as Bogy said, I can post the drawing for you.

Then, if there is family involved, maybe all of you would want to paint, sign, or decorate the outside of the box together, each one doing their own thing.

We'll keep a lookout for your response.

All the best, Don

[Terry Mac]

Hey Tanya,

Sorry to hear of your and your family's loss. I used to train and breed German Shepherds. My youngest shepherd is almost a year old now; but one of the best shepherds I've ever owned passed away last April; she was 13. Through the years I have buried many pets.

I don't want to sound morbid, but I would consider a few things before burying your pet. One, is the wood will rot. That means that the hole has to be deep enough that other critters won't try to dig at it. I would also nail or screw the lid down for that reason also. And you may have to add fill dirt after awhile. The size of your pet, as Don and bogy pointed out will determine the size of your casket, which also means a bigger and deeper hole. Don does do great drawings, so give him the dimensions and I'm sure he can get you going. Don, also has a good idea about having the family do something special decorating the casket. I would add, planting some special plants, flowers, or a tree over the burial site is a lasting memorial, and one that the family can also do together.

Again, sorry if this is inappropriate in any form or fashion, and I wish you and your family the best.

[Don]

Okay . . . I think it's time to say goodbye already.

[bogydave]

Goodby
goodby