There is a little framed plaque hanging in my kitchen just behind the new microwave and it fits right into a small space I gave it 25 years ago. I have always loved the little lithograph but had become so accustomed to its presence I almost forgot it was there.
The image of a feisty Scottish Terrier proudly sitting on the master’s chair was a gift from my brother and sister-in-law to remind me of our dog’s funny antics and because Pepper used to sit bolt upright on our wing chair too. It was her favorite place and she looked very much like in the picture.
The image is precious but I have always thought the rhyme beneath it completes the whole happy feeling it provokes. I absolutely love the rhyme and once again I walk around quoting the words in my head, “Lots of things in life are junk, troubles never end, but there’s something never palls, a really truly friend.”
I also just noticed there is a reference on the back to the Buzza Company, makers of the plaque in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And of course I looked it up.
George Buzza founded The Buzza Company in Minneapolis in 1907.
Early products included college advertising posters, greeting cards, books and later framed mottos. Buzza was considered a pioneer in his use of color and the variety of papers used in greeting cards. The Buzza Company was one of the best known producers of framed lithographs or gift mottos. Buzza knew that sentiment sold and no sentiments were spared with syrupy verses and pretty pictures for mothers and sweethearts. Other motifs included patriotic and religious writings and illustrations. George Buzza retired in 1917. The company’s stockholders liquidated the company in 1942.
~ From about.com collectibles. Sources: Terry Kovel, Minneapolis Public Library Online Archives
The Scotty plaque occupies such a tiny corner of my house, but it says, “Home.” So, Thank you once again Steve and Viv all these years later. If there is such a thing as the perfect gift, that was it. Do you suppose I am soppy over sentimental syrupy verses and darling images? I never thought so, but maybe so. Maybe so.
There is nothing wrong with being sentimental over things like that. It means you have a big heart :).
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Oh, I think it’s precious….both the little pooch and the quote. I’d never heard that before, but it’s oh, so true!
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Simple with staying power and so true.
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I enjoyed reading the history on the company who made your lovely plaque, Dor. It’s the little things that say, “Home.”
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This is so appropriate for me at this time Dora because our rescue dog we have had for 9 years finally passed away. I don’t have to tell you how the loss of your best friend effects us. Ben was hard to bring up but we loved him to bits. The house is so empty without him. I know you have recently been through this.
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What a sweet sentiment on that plaque. Even more true today because we are surrounded by so much ‘junk’!
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Thas me all right – – you have discovered my big dark secret and many thanks for exposing it. 🙂
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I knew we were both “soppy” Dianna. I just learned that word from my English friend. It’s different than “sAppy” – better.
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Staying power – that nails it Mary. And I hope it stays around until my end and beyond.
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And it is actually a very small plaque Jill – maybe 5 x 5 inches. I just had to blow it up so you could read the sentimental rhyme.
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If I ever decide to bring another breed into my life, it will be the Scottish Terrier. Such personality and panache! Your plaque illustration really captures the spirit of the terrier breed.
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Oh Rita, I do know exactly what you are going through and it is the toughest thing. They say that time is the great healer and there is truth in that. I thought I was past grieving for Rozie. But yesterday while pruning our crepe myrtle, something flew into my eye and stuck there. I knew if I could cry it would help to wash it out. So I thought about Rozie (our rescue dog who died in October last year) and immediately came a flood of tears. Time may dull the immediate pain you are feeling Rita but I know Ben will be with you forever. I’m glad the little plaque helped and that’s precisely why I love it.
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Yes Cindy, that is my favorite line in the poem – “Lots of things in life are junk…” – well, almost my favorite. I really love the “really truly friend” bit too.
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🙂
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🙂 A little fella with a big personality. 🙂
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Awwww…..so sweet!
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🙂 🙂
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Thank you for this lovely reply Dora. I didn’t realize Rozie was also a rescue dog. I think this is why we seem to bond more with them knowing they have been abandoned. The worse part is when we have been out say shopping and come back and Ben is not here to welcome us with his lovely nature tail wagging and sniffing everything we have bought, because we always brought him a treat. I will miss him this summer especially, sitting by me in the garden while I read my book. But, I do believe as you say Dora his spirit will always be with us and time will heal.
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Rozie was really a second hand rescue dog. My niece rescued her from a kill shelter, but then she couldn’t keep her, so we inherited Rozie and she then became the love of our lives. I know how empty it feels to come home to no greetings or to look around and our beloved critter is not sitting right there next to us. I know. It is a terrible ache in our hearts.
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