The comic I dreaded the most....
Added 2023-02-05 19:03:32 +0000 UTCHello friends,
You already knew that I had to say goodbye to my dog last month. While I was grieving, I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to dedicate a comic to Trixi. On the one hand because it's incredibly heartbreaking for me, of course, but also because I was afraid that it might look like I was exploiting Trixi's death. But not dedicating a comic to my little companion felt just as wrong, didn't she deserve it? The first days and weeks I couldn't do much and was paralyzed waiting for her little urn. But as all sorts of thoughts racked my brain, I came to the conclusion that these stories are not just a "job", but also how I process the horrors of this world for myself. I'm not just trying to raise awareness, I want to pay a "final tribute" to the victims in the stories. That's all I can do.
Anyway, I found that even with tears and way too long pauses, drawing this comic was a therapeutic experience. Many ideas were discarded, many panels were rearranged, texts changed, because I wanted to tell Trixi so much and this story gave me the illusion that I could. But in the end I had to cut it down to the few words that would have made sense to the reader.
But I digress, I think this comic is my most honest and personal work, so whether it's good or bad I'll let you decide.
I have also finally added some bonus content, maybe it is interesting for some of you :)
Thanks for the kind words under my last post by the way, it means a lot more to me than you know.
Jen
Comments
Thank you for giving us such wonderful illustrations and through that comfort for our pets passing. I lost my 1st dog Isis this past December and it’s been painful. Your comic here has given me the ability to move on and remember better times. Keep on doing what you’re doing! Thank you again.
2023-09-17 03:10:26 +0000 UTCThank you, again for your beautiful art and wonderful story.
2023-06-18 20:19:51 +0000 UTCYour tribute is exactly as it should be, and you've survived your trial of experiencing one of the deepest hurts imaginable. I'm hoping that this was a cathartic process for you, and am amazed at how well you can voice your pain, but control it, at the same time. Please- don't ever apologize or feel bad for how you ferl; too many have tried to armor their emotions. Your little girl will always be in your heart, and eventually, you may find a tiny corner for someone new to not replace Trixie's place, but to make their own. But only when and if you ate ready. It took me almost two years before I could search, and we really need a dog with us here on the farm. We've had two spectacularly wonderful girls, different as night is from day! Our new puppy is a whirlwind, and bound to make her mark. In wet concrete, most probably. Yours, Sandy
Sandy Kavanaugh, of Hens' Haven.
2023-03-11 00:14:21 +0000 UTC
