All The King’s Horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put my faceless ceramic pooch together again.
Well, maybe they could, but they weren’t around. So I tried to do it myself, using only a mother’s love (and some super glue).
And because I’m a freak about fumes I did it on the back patio while Clara was napping (baby monitor in hand).
Pretty much immediately things got wonky.
Womp-womp. Nothing matched up and it looked all crazy and jagged.
I think the fact that some shards were just too small to keep & reglue threw everything off. And somehow there was a huge chunk from the top of my beloved pup’s head that was mysteriously gone. I suppose I could try to use plaster or putty to fill things in and attempt to smooth things out and then spray paint the whole thing. Or I could shatter the rest of his face in the hopes of creating a headless lamp/umbrella stand/planter etc (you guys had awesome suggestions for us when we revealed the tragedy here), but I think my ceramic animal love hinges on the face. It’s the cutest part, so without it he’s just not as sweet and charming. Kind of like people I guess. Heads are important to me, what can I say.
Anyway, I’m happy I gave it the old college try and surprisingly at peace about the whole thing. Maybe a giant ceramic dog in the hallway wouldn’t have been the best idea when Clara starts toddling around anyway. I think I’m – dare I say it – ready to let go of my much loved ceramic pooch. Like how Rose says she’ll never let go in Titanic but then immediately lets go of hottie Leo and he sinks to the bottom of the sea (skip to 3 minutes).
Besides, not to be insensitive, but I do still have my gorgeous concrete greyhound to fill the void…
Liz says
I never really understood on Titanic why Rose couldn’t just scoot over a bit and make room for him. Seriously, that raft was plenty big enough for the two of them.
Kalyn says
hahaha that is SO true!
Alexis says
Same here!
Nicole says
I so agree and say that every time that part plays! UGH!
Cait @ Hernando House says
I always felt the same way!
Kristen says
You and me both, sister!
Sarah says
I KNOW RIGHT! Talk about selfish. LOL
Kristin says
WORD.
Stephanie says
These were the exact thoughts going through my head as all of my friends were sobbing through that movie. I’m so not a romantic lol.
Brittany says
That also drove me nuts too!
Christina says
I totally agree! There had to be some other large wooden pieces for him to grab. :)
Lina says
LOL
Ericka says
Yeah! Or maybe they could’ve taken turns on the raft if they both couldn’t fit together (although I agree that it looked like they could’ve both squeezed on there). That part of the movie always bugged me too!
Desiree says
So true! Or why couldn’t he leave her for a quick second and go find his own slab of wood and paddle back over to her? Like that was the only piece in the whole ocean??
Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says
Well said Liz!! But then, would we all remember the movie as “fondly” if everything had turned out swell? ;)
Lindsey says
Me too!! I mean seriously… they could have both “sat” rather than her laying on the whole thing.
Alice says
I cried my eyes out during the end of that movie each and every time I saw/see it!! Waaaaaaaaaa. I can still hear Rose calling out Jack, come back, Jack, come back!!!
So sorry about the white doggie. Sniff sniff.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
LOL! I always thought the same thing! I know Jack was trying to be “gentlemanly”, but really…there was enough room for him to crawl up on there! Poor Jack…
Johnna says
Just when I thought I was past the devestation myself, there you go posting about it again – and this time so close to that sweet face!!! :-( Sad again…perfect news for a rainy blue day!
If I didn’t have so much work to do I’d “google” around for another one for you! :-(
So sorry, Sherry! (and I guess you too John, EVEN THOUGH you DID do the deed)LOL!
Johnna
Becky says
A Valiant effort Sherry! Sorry for your ‘loss’
xo
Becky :)
Natalie says
Haha “Heads are important to me.” I’m sad the dog couldn’t be saved, but I didn’t cry. However, I did cry at that Titanic scene all 10 times I saw it in the theater.
karen @ our slo house says
My condolences on your ceramic loss. You gave it a good try, but the ceramic gods were not smiling down on you. :)
kara says
…the missing piece probably fell inside … just a thought!
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly I shook him upside down for a while. My only thought is that the missing piece is actually five million specs of dust that we swept up (we only kept the big shards).
xo,
s
Krista says
Too bad the hole isn’t lower, you could have put an eye patch over it and made him into a pirate doggie!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love it. Every house needs a ceramic dog pirate.
xo,
s
Rosemary says
I had a similar experience this weekend. The top to my beloved kermit-green ceramic teapot broke into bits when it fell on the slate kitchen floor! I know it’s not as lovable as a pup, but my teapot was a gift and (like a pup’s missing face) isn’t as cute/functional with no top! I lovingly superglued it back together. We’ll see if it holds up. Any idea about using superglue with dishes? Is it going to make me sick if it touches my tea? Is it going to fall apart when it gets steamy? For now, it looks much better (from afar).
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! So sorry to hear about Kermit’s demise. Hmm, I think I’d be nervous about the toxins in the glue leeching into the tea water when it’s heated up. Anyone know more on this for Rosemary?
xo,
s
Lena says
How about using it as a vase instead? Or a planter? I have seen so cute little vintage tea pots used that way.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah check out the second paragraph above the Titanic clip. We actually had awesome reader suggestions like that but there’s something about the face that we love. Faceless = meh. Haha.
xo,
s
Jennifer L says
You should put a top hat on the horrifically damaged ear. The other side doesn’t look as bad. And who wouldn’t love a ceramic greyhound in a top hat? Stylin’.
lauren says
hmm.. heads ARE important aren’t they. good point. ;) you will always have the memories.. true love never dies. :)
Paige says
valiant effort!!
Kayakgirl73 says
Sometimes you just have to give up.
Lucy says
I don’t think I am taking it as well as you are – I was a big fan of that dog statue and am totally bummed! But then again, I am dealing with an aging dog at the moment, so maybe this is some sort of psychological projection…
Stacey says
my condolences on the loss of the ceramic pup :o(
may he rest in pieces (sorry, couldn’t resist)
as for the titanic reference…my 11 yr. old son’s name is jack (not after leo’s character) and i’ll occasionally use rose’s raspy call “Jaaack” when calling him for something important. yeah. he pretty much thinks his mom is the biggest dork around lol ;o)
Wom-mom Ethne says
I’d like to say I could suggest something to do with him now and his missing scull piece, but I really cannot think of anything.
Cheri @ I Heart Old Houses says
I’m sorry for the greyhound’s early demise, but I’m inspired by your attitude about the whole thing! You tried, it didn’t work, now you’re moving on.
I get super attached to material things, even non-ornamental ones (I cried when my boyfriend dropped my beloved coffee press…I even tried to piece it back together knowing it couldn’t work again) and it’s time I learned to let things go. At least you have tons of pictures of the greyhound…he’ll live on in spirit!
Natalie says
I constantly marvel at how you two work on projects while taking progression photos at the same time… mucho talented.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Natalie. You’re sweet. My mantra with this project was “don’t glue your fingers to the dog, don’t glue your fingers to the camera.”
I chanted that over and over and over again.
xo,
s
Meredith says
Sometimes you have to know when to say goodbye. An “A” for effort, though! (And thanks for calling out Rose—that totally bugged me when I saw that movie! “I’ll never let go” but not 3 seconds later and he’s sinking to the bottom? Where’s the commitment?)
Shannon says
Well it was a noble attempt, it’ll just take a little time to heal the wounds. Keep up the awesome posts, y’all are fantastic!
emily @ the happy home says
awww, poor guy. i was kind of hoping, like the commenter above, you were just going to throw an eye patch on him and call it a day.
also– i’m assuming it’s a her, to be honest. not to be crass…
Chelsea in Richmond says
awww, that’s sad :-( Sounds like you’ve come to terms with it though!
off topic Question- we’re getting our couch from IKEA delivered tomorrow but they never gave us a timeframe to expect delivery. Did they give ya’ll one when they delivered yours? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I think they gave us a three hour time frame like “between 1pm and 4pm.” Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Misty says
I’m so sorry to hear he’s unfixable!
Just out of curiousity I did a search…
http://www.wellappointedhouse.com/Products/150840-the-well-appointed-house-italian-ceramic-greyhound.aspx
I’m sure you guys didn’t splurge on him the first time, right?!
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, he was $29 from Home Goods. We’re cheap. Haha.
xo,
s
ka says
UGH that will always bug me…”I’ll never let go…” until I just did.
Stupid Rose.
If she would have just moved her happy little self over a few inches on the door/raft, they could have lived happily ever after.
ALICE IN DESIGNLAND says
May your greyhound rest in peace. I am mourning a similar loss of my ceramic unicorn. We will get through this :-(
Cait @ Hernando House says
So sad! :(
liz @ btb says
Maybe you could put a little hat on his head to cover the hole. He’d sure look fancy.
All dogs go to heaven : /
Krysta @ Domestic for Dummies says
Sorry Sherry :(
Sarah says
If you got him from Homegoods, I’d keep a look out for another one. I work at TJ Maxx and all of their stores (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods) will get in similar items. They often will get the same stuff for multiple years. The store I work at had a bronze looking greyhound statue about 2 months ago. Never know, another could pop back up!
Jennifer L says
Here’s your boy with a tophat! All fixed! http://www.flickr.com/photos/neatlysliced/5592540269/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, hilarious!
xo,
s
Jennifer L says
In all seriousness, though, condolences. You could save him by covering him with a headpiece, but you’ll always see the cracks.
My first violin was destroyed by an unexpected water leak. I could have repaired it but the mold damage was extensive. A few tears, and then carry on. They’re only things, right?
Carrie says
I think he needs a fedora. And you can call him Scarface.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha.
xo,
s
Sara says
HAHA, This cracks me up!
I always make fun of that Titanic scene. Although mine usually involves being annoyed that he didn’t climb on the door with her and unsatisfied that his frozen hand didn’t break off when she removed hers. But that’s just my twisted mind :)
Sorry your pup didn’t work out. I hate it when the pieces JUST don’t fit :(
Jason says
If that happened to me…granted I live alone so this isn’t possible..but anyway the Breaker(legal term lol) would be getting guilt from me forever!
You are very healthy about it! And I superglue a lot lately, apprently I’m very clumsy.
Also agree on the “Rose drops Jack like a hot mess after all that not letting go talk” scene.
katie t says
so sad, i loved that dog!
samantha owens says
lol you are so freaking hysterical!
Amy says
I’m so sad about this! :( I loved how you decorated him for Christmas…he was a cute guy, for sure! So, a ceramic dog question for you…my MIL bought me two ceramic dogs for Christmas that look just like our two dogs. They’re also painted just like them, and they don’t fit in our decor AT ALL. Would you spraypaint them to make them fit in? I’m thinking white gloss?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! You might need spray primer first but then white gloss would be awesome.
xo,
s
Liz says
Come on Rose! You could’ve held on a little longer!!
Sorry…that scene always bugs me.
Bethany says
Just in case you want to give it one more shot…try epoxy. i have used it twice now when superglue was not anywhere near strong enough. it’s the kind where you mix two substances together and it immediately reacts to make a super strong adhesive that dries in place pretty quickly.
The stuff I used came in a small pack with two separate compartments, kind of like the fun dip packs.
Autumn says
Yes definitely try Epoxy Modeling Putty! You could put your sculpting skills to use and fill in those odd indents. Then go over it with a quick coat of high gloss paint. Try Kneadatite Epoxy Modeling Putty (The Green Stuff).
doahleigh says
Couldn’t you keep him anyway? I mean he looks a little wonky, but it’s like war wounds. People would ask “Oh what happened to your dog?” And you could say “He fought a tough battle.” I just feel so bad for the poor thing. Like he’s alive or something…
Ok not that weird, but still.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I think it makes me more sad to see him this way. I know I’m crazy because he’s ceramic but it’s like I want to savior his gorgeous memory and not live with him all busted up. Besides with a mobile baby maybe larger ceramic items on the floor aren’t a good idea anyway. Haha.
xo,
s
caree says
Years ago when I was in college, I received a lovely large ceramic coffee mug from a friend several states away. However, the mug shattered into a hundred pieces in the mail. Uh, however again I have mad superglue skills and managed to glue the thing back together. Due to the cracks, its never been perfectly water-tight and I’ve used it for holding pens and pencils; not coffee. I really don’t have a use for it anymore and it’s kind of ugly, but dawgoneit, I glued the thing together and I am having a really hard time parting with it. How to get rid of it anyway? I really don’t think anyone would buy it in a garage sale, and I am NOT tossing it in the trash.
YoungHouseLove says
I think you pencil holder idea for your mug is sweet!
xo,
s
Kat says
It’s so funny you posted this today! I’m currently in London on holiday and just today I saw this in a store: http://dwell.co.uk/109671/Flock-dog-black/
It instantly made me think of you! Sorry to hear you couldn’t put him back together but hey, maybe there’s hope you’ll find another dog out there somewhere…
YoungHouseLove says
Now that’s a new one. Never seen a black flocked one. Love it.
xo,
s
Ali says
Wait, Jack dies??? Just kidding, saw the whole movie, tragic ending and all.
Sorry about the doggie. I’ve tried to salvage some prized possessions with super glue and that stuff doesn’t always feel so “super” when it can’t hack it.
Megan says
Is it in the budget?
http://shop.natalienorcross.com/_product_77507/Delphi_Italian_Ceramic_Greyhound
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- negatory!
xo,
s
Allison F says
Is it just me or does he look kind of like the phantom of the opera in that first pic?
YoungHouseLove says
Totally.
xo,
s
sandra says
OMG! That’s exactly what my daughter said!
Heidi M. says
I, too always wanted Rose to scoot her big butt over and let Jack have a piece of the raft. Why Rose, why! She also threw that big ol’ diamond into the sea so maybe she was crazy from the start. (wink!)
Sorry ’bout the doggie.
Katie says
Not sure if “letting go” means you’ve accepted having to throw him out, but if you do throw him out are you going to have to smash the poor dog into tiny pieces? I generally have to completely obliterate something in order for me to finally let go and throw it out. Its weird but if I didn’t I would probably become a sentimental horder haha. I’m not sure if anyone would want a faceless dog, but guess in reality there is ALWAYS someone haha.
YoungHouseLove says
He’s still sitting out on the porch (poor guy) but I am thinking that we can sit him in the garbage bin and squeeze other bags around him to avoid having to break out the hammer. Shudder.
xo,
s
KathyG says
Think of it as a proper burial, instead. Get a nice sized new pot, put his shards in the bottom, then cover with new dirt and plant a pretty on top. He’ll live on, and work his magic as drainage for you, instead of wasting away in the landfill. Good Dog.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, very practical.
xo,
s
Nicole says
i’m hysterical! i actually watched the clip of rose saying “i’ll never let go!” and ripping her hand from him! HHAHA…too funny. RIP Faceless ceramic greyhound!
Lisa says
You should totally put a picture of the ceramic dog in the photo collage.
Debbie says
Gone, but never forgotten!
Janet says
“I needed that facial reconstruction like I need a hole in my head.” Perhaps Fido’s final thoughts?
Christine says
He could be an awesome Halloween mascot as is!!
Snickrsnack Katie says
I seriously felt like crying looking at that. :(