Zuzu's Paw

Zuzu’s paw was the very first dog Pet-Paw I ever made, back in 2008 — almost 20 years ago. She wasn’t at the end of her life or anything like that; she was a happy, healthy dog in the prime of her life. I just wanted to make her paw because I had recently learned how to cast things in metal. Naturally, being the animal lover I am, I wanted to cast my dog’s paw!

I took an impression of her paw and cast it in both bronze and aluminum. These became the prototypes for all the dog Pet-Paws I make today. They don’t have a flat back or polished edge, but they still mean the world to me. It’s Zuzu’s paw — with me, forever.

Zuzu was a Husky/Malamute cross. I got her as an older puppy, just after my horseback journey ended. She went everywhere with me — my best friend. She always loved to give me her paw, and I held it often. She also loved to hop up and rest her chest and front legs on my lap when I came home from work and sat down in the kitchen. I can still remember how it feels to hold her paw in my hand. And now, I am so grateful that I was able to cast her paw and hold it whenever I want to.

One Easter Sunday evening, she slipped away upstairs in the living room. Goodbye, my beautiful girl Zuzu. I will always love you. Thank you for giving me the gift of your paw.