A Charlevoix artisan has found a very unique way to soothe the pain of losing an animal by offering unique creations made from the hair of the faithful deceased companion.
A few years ago, Louise Constantineau tragically lost her dog, Charlot. While she was going to the vet to treat Charlot’s loss of appetite, the doctor discovered an imposing tumor in her.
She had to have her dear Charlot euthanized during this same appointment.
“We left with his leash, his collar and our pain,” says Mme Constantineau.
Feltmaker by profession, she already knew how to work with hair. So she made her first creation with Charlot’s hair, a rose.
“I made myself a room to comfort myself. It started like that. I passed it on my cheek, it helped me in my mourning, ”she continues.
A mourning still taboo
Mme Constantineau believes that the death of a pet is a terrible mourning and many live it in silence, since there are still many taboos on the subject.
“We have to stop thinking that it’s benign or that we’re going over it. people get judged [sur leur peine]. There are even some who are depressed for a very long time because of it, ”she argues.
Her creations, which she also calls “grieving tool”, are very varied and she takes special requests. It notably offers bracelets, latches, pendants, key rings and “memory hug” cushions. A small amount of hair is enough for the creations.
“The amount that ends up in the brush at the end of grooming is more than enough,” she says.
Purpose: to help
Since end-of-life care can be very expensive, Ms.me Constantineau does its best to keep items affordable. The price of the creations varies between around forty dollars and just over $80.
“My goal is to help people in mourning, I know they are suffering,” she explains.
With his creations, Mme Constantineau helps people from all over the world in their grieving process, since she receives orders from all over the world.
The designer also has a support group on Facebook to help people living with the loss of their pet.
► To consult on Facebook: Mon Ange Canin-Creations in felted animal hair.