Need opinions on memorial bench

[Kim]

I am getting a memorial bench in honor of Chutney; it will be donated to my vet's office. I cannot decide which one I like better, so I thought you folks could offer opinions!

Which one do you like better?

http://www.perfectmemorials.com/images//product_images/52/lg/5383.customengravedst_lrg_0.jpg

or

http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productClassId=7819
(in the "horse" design -- with a nameplate)

Thanks in advance for opinions!

Kim

[arabhorse2]

Kim, they're both very nice.

If I were choosing, it would depend on whether or not I wanted people to actually sit on it.

If no, I'd go with the first bench. If yes, then definitely the second. :)

[ChocoMare]

The first one... it will last almost forever. Alas, the wood on the other ones usually rots and breaks :(

What a precious thing to do for your vet and to remember Chutney by :sadsmile:

[arabhorse2]

Good point, Choco.

I actually like the first one better than the second, but they're both lovely.

I think it's a grand gesture no matter which one she chooses, but you're right; the first one will last a lot longer. :yes:

[starrysky]

First one - what a nice sentiment.

[TheRedFox]

I really love that second one. I like anything with a backrest on it these days-lol. They are both beautiful.

[3horsemom]

i love the first one. it will last a very long time.
what a nice thing to do.

[SBH]

The first one! I had a friend that actually bought one like the second one and while it was very pretty in the beginning, within a few years it had started falling apart. The stone would last much longer than the wood.

[JSwan]

They are both nice but the second one is rather cheap and will deteriorate quickly if left in the elements. In a sheltered area it might be fine for years.

Question about the first one. In the picture it is set among what appear to be stella d'oro lilies. Those are miniatures, which would make the bench doll size.

Is that an optical illusion or is the bench really that small?

[kookicat]

I like the second one better. :)

[lawndart]

If you decide to go with the second bench (the wooden one) I would check at Tractor Supply. I just saw some there very similar on clearance for about 1/2 the price. While I know price is not usually your first thought when choosing a memorial, Chutney will be honored no matter how much you spend. :yes:

On those wooden benches I find it helps a lot if you apply wood preservative before putting it outside, and every other year thereafter.

We plant a tree here for every horse that passes on, type chosen by the owner. A bench in that area makes a nice touch too. :sadsmile:

[Ride2Dreams]

If you want it to last and have no maintenance to your vet office, go with the rock one. Wooden ones still need to be cleaned, covered in winter and taken care of. A rock one will withdure the trials of weather and time better.

[equineartworks]

I like the stone memorial best. What a lovely way to thank your Vet and remember Chutney :sadsmile:

Jswan...The dimensions on the bench are 36"W x 16"H x 15"D. It's on the short side but I am thinking they are more for esthetics than function? Either way, a very nice gesture :)

[Kim]

Thank you everyone! I am going to go with the first one. I appreciate your feedback. I am hoping that Chutney would be proud of this tribute. I still miss her a lot :( -- but I know she is with me.

[lcw579]

I like them both but I think it depends on where the vet will place the bench. If it is for inside the office than the wood one is probably more functional. If there is a garden spot outside than I would go with the stone bench because it will last longer in the elements.

[JSwan]

Thank you everyone! I am going to go with the first one. I appreciate your feedback. I am hoping that Chutney would be proud of this tribute. I still miss her a lot :( -- but I know she is with me.


I think it's a wonderful gesture. I have a marker for two of my dogs made out of that resin. Looks to be the same stuff used in your bench.

It's been outside in pretty harsh conditions and it looks brand new. The engraving is crisp and black.

On one marker I have written, "Love knows not its own depth until the hour of Separation".

On the other (for a Basset who's favorite pastime was howling at the TV, piano, radio, and used to make us laugh hysterically when he sang) is: O, That he had one more song to sing.

[arabhorse2]

JSwan, lovely sentiments.

I'm going to get a marker made for Conny's grave with the words, "I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance." :sadsmile:

Kim, you will never not miss Chutney, but you're doing all the right things in helping yourself deal with the grief of losing her.

I love the idea of a memorial bench for your vet, and I'm sure they'll be extremely touched by the gesture.

[Eventer55]

What a lovely sentiment. I like the stone one best:)

[Threebars]

NHR but we did one for my late mother - placed it at the top of a small hill on the trail of her favorite park (If you live in the Port Angeles Area and are familiar with Robin Hill Farm, you may have very well seen it.) It's actually made of recycled material and will last a LONG Time - Personally, we liked the idea of it actually being used, as it embodies the spirit of my mum who would help ANY soul who needed a place to pause for thought or just rest their feet. :)