People grieve differently and the hardest part about losing my best friend, faithful companion and most wonderful dog ever was just how I lost her. After 17 years, nearly 2 decades, an accident took her from me and left me holding nothing but her tags. For years I had avoided doing any 'end of life' things with my doggy daughter. It hurt too much and she was still in good health, so when people would send me ideas like paw prints, hair lockets, etc, I would file it away in a list of things I wanted before I said goodbye.
However, I didn't get anything from that list. There was nothing left of her. No paws, no fur, nothing and I went from feeling like I had the world on a platter to feeling like I had lost everything I loved with no proof it was even there to begin with, other than some left behind sweaters and toys.
I was dead inside for so long and still feel that way most days. So when my friends asked what I wanted most, I said a Cuddle Clone. I needed something physical of "her" to touch, to still have, to cling to, I guess. I wanted to just see her again in more 3D than a crystal memory block, which was the closest I had to "her."
First off: The process.
I uploaded about 10 to 15 photos of Pookie and filled out a general questionnaire. I was asked about 10 questions, all about her and what she was like, what my favorite features were, etc.
They kept in touch via email multiple times with follow up questions to help them better know what she was like. I received about 4 of those asking for more detail.
They come with customizable options like an added keepsake pocket but I felt weird putting that on her but wish I had now as it would hold her tags. I still love it.
Review:
It was striking pulling the stuffie out of the box. From the first glimpse, I knew it would be rough because I could already see they had gotten her chest hair pattern perfect. I sobbed and inspected the clone, suddenly remembering the questionnaire and found they had gotten my two favorite features perfect, along with many other things I had forgotten I loved about her.
Pookies Whispers. I called them whispers because when she was in my arms, I would have to brush her little hairs out of her ears before I could sing to her because they would tickle her ears. Her feet as well, were my second favorite and they got those perfect. Pookies left paw was Polka Dotted while her right looked like it had been dipped in white. They got them spot on, literally, along with her tail fan which must have been hard to do.
I can't get over how much the clone looks like her and it helps having something to hold again. It's brought up mixed feelings in me and in those that have known about it. Some say they love the idea while others think it's just a set back on getting over her passing. I don't know which is true but I do know it helps to have, in an odd, small way, my best friend back.
You guys are the best, ever.
