Pet Tombs artists create the ultimate memorial for a beloved pet

Another angle of Arctic's chapel. The chapel is still in wet (unfired) clay at this point so changes can be made according to your preferences.Rebecca sends photos of the urn from all angles, each step of the way. It is critically important to her that you be satisfied with the finished piece.Rebecca sends photos every step of the way, from the first rolled-out slabs of clay to the finished piece. Here we see the basic framework of the chapel in place in wet clay.View the list »
A perfect miniature of head-tilted Arctic, down to the last detail

General Pets newsletter

Regular readers will remember my Arctic, an elderly bunny who had to adapt to a new family and household at ten years of age, who subsequently survived head tilt and the loss of her companion of many years, and who remained cheerful and affectionate no matter what. A small ambassador bunny, Arctic would shuffle over to all visitors and offer her little tilted neck and head for skritching. She never knew a stranger. Arctic passed away peacefully Dec 12, 2012 and she and I made one last trip together, to The Pines pet cemetery.

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There are many beautiful urns available (starting at $3) at The Pines, but I had long admired the beautiful urns created by hand from the artists at Black Pug Pottery and knew that this would be a very special way to memorialize my beloved Arctic

Black Pug Pottery owners Rebecca and Sally have visited New Orleans many times and have a special interest in the mausoleums of New Orleans; their classic line of Pet Tombs recreates the beauty and architecture of those mausoleums. As beautiful as those monuments are, however, I envisioned a classic chapel for Arctic – a simple, snow-white chapel, reminiscent of Arctic herself.

Now, I have no ‘vision’ when it comes to sculpture. All I could do is send Rebecca a photo of a simple chapel; in the course of remembering my Arctic and sharing some of my memories with Rebecca, I also sent her some photos of Arctic and a video of her playing with one of her favorite toys.

As it turns out, that’s all Rebecca needed. Not only did she create a chapel that was more beautiful than anything I had been able to picture, she put a tiny clay bunny on the steps leading into the chapel, painted the tiniest pale pink eye, and tilted the bunny’s head at the same angle and direction as my Arctic’s head had been tilted. ‘I can take the bunny off if you decide you don’t like it’ said Rebecca. Not like it? It made me cry when I saw the photos.

Rebecca sends photos of your pet tomb at every step of the way – from the first slabs of rolled clay to the finished piece sitting in the kiln awaiting firing. Every aspect of the construction is subject to your approval.

After two firings, the structure is ready for glazing. The Pet Tombs website shows all the colors of glaze available, but of course I could not decide what would look best on this so-perfect piece. I told Rebecca about 4 different colors that I liked and told her to do what she thought would look best.

And so she did. See the photos and see for yourself what an awesome, magnificent piece this is, and what a fitting final resting place for the earthly remains of a most magnificent little white bunny.

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  • Rebecca sends photos every step of the way, from the first rolled-out slabs of clay to the finished piece. Here we see the basic framework of the chapel in place in wet clay.
  • Rebecca sends photos of the urn from all angles, each step of the way. It is critically important to her that you be satisfied with the finished piece.
  • Another angle of Arctic's chapel. The chapel is still in wet (unfired) clay at this point so changes can be made according to your preferences.
  • At this point, the name has been added over the door, and a small cross has been affixed to the front door. Detailing has been added in the form of the roof shingles. The most amazing touch, however, is the tiny head-tilt bunny on the steps of the chapel; the bunny's head is tilted in the same direction as my Arctics.
  • Here we can see the detailing on the side windows, the window in the steeple, and a better look at the shingles. The chapel is very near to being fired in the kiln.
  • Here is a photo of the Pet Tombs urn inside the kiln, ready to be fired. It is comforting to be included in every step of the way via photographs.
  • Here is a view of the roof of the completed urn. There are several colors of glazes to choose from, depending upon your personal preferences.
  • Here is a view of the front of the urn, with the tiny bunny on the chapel steps. I personally would not put my urn outside, however, high fired pottery such as this is able to withstand a wider range of temperatures. If a Pet Tomb lid is secured with a waterproof sealant or glazed shut, the Tomb may be placed in a garden or other protected outside area IF you live in an area that does NOT experience freezing and thawing type winter weather. In other words, don't leave these outside if you live in Dayton.
  • If you look closely at the little bunny, not only is her head tilted in the same direction as my Arctic's, but she also has a tiny pink eye, just like my Arctic. These were touches thought of by Rebecca - I am not creative enough to think of these things - thank goodness she is!
  • Here is a close-up of the name plate over the door. All Tombs start the same way, with raw slabs of clay. The slabs are carefully arranged into the shape that you choose for the tomb, and your individual requests are carved into the tomb, which is then fired 3 times.  
  • This beautiful little bunny has exquisite detail, include the accurate portrayal of the tilted head and the tiny pink eye, just like my Arctic.
  • Each piece, being a work of art, is signed on the bottom. These amazing works of art from Pet Tombs are beautiful final resting places for beloved pets, fitting tributes for the loved ones who have loved you unconditionally.
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, Dayton Small Pets Examiner

Phyllis O'Beollain is a small pet enthusiast with a healthcare background; she has worked as a veterinary technician, veterinary nurse and registered nurse. She is a member of and volunteer with the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and the Dayton Area Rabbit Network. She lives with her dog, cat,...

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