Stone Essentials

Inscribed Paddle Stone Memorial

Inscribed rustic stone memorial tribute to a pet dog

This stone is a tribute to a much-loved pet dog called Monty.

Monty's owners who live in Essex searched the Internet for stone memorials after he passed away and found inspiration through our examples. They wanted a personalised, portable and natural stone memorial that would be in keeping with the garden where Monty's cremated ashes were scattered.

We discussed suggestions based around their needs and ideas and helped them explore those ideas until they decided on a memorial they felt was appropriate. The idea they favoured was to use a natural Paddle Stone on which would be inscribed Monty's name, the year he passed away and a pair of dog paw prints. The bold, sans serif letters fit suitably into the broad smooth face of the Paddle Stone.

Just like our pets, each river washed paddle stone is unique. The stones form naturally by ice and water action after starting out as hard granular, angular pieces of rock. Over time, stones are abraded into simple and smooth forms that possess a unique rustic charm. Where stones have a naturally level base for inscription, letters can be incised to a consistent depth.

Natural stone characteristics

The stone chosen for Monty's memorial was both tactile and had the face qualities needed. Comfortable dimensions of approximately 30cm x 22cm would allow adequate space for the engraving. We inscribed into the smooth stone surface Monty's name, the year he passed away and the paw prints. The paw prints were an addition that personalised the stone, identifying it as a memorial to Monty the dog.

The stone solid took on the unique, balanced and definite character we aim for with all our pet memorials. If more elaborate lettering - such as the crisply finished Times 'serif' font - had been chosen, then a fresh cutting surface would be needed to allow for the fine detailing. However, for Monty's memorial, a new surface, which would have altered the natural look and the character of the stone, was not advised.

When designing memorials, we consider and select stones based on each customer's own set of requirements and preferences. We help by pulling together our customers ideas and forming practical suggestions based on our stonemasonry knowledge and experience of working with stones of all types. Our design suggestions take account of the broad range of stone types - such as sandstone, slate, granite, limestone and marble; and their colour and texture characteristics.

Price guide

Monty's memorial cost £130 to create, plus shipping and vat. Generally, the memorials we design are to a total weigh less than 30kg once packed, so that shipping costs are at a reasonable price and the package is not classed as pallet freight.

Anything is possible

Many pet owners turn to us after finding it is not possible for a local stonemason to meet their design requirements. We pride ourselves in having the skills required to producing the designs that others turn away. Our truly unique pet memorials include pet sculptures, carved or engraved headstones, grave markers, plaques and garden stones.

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