Golden Retriever Scarves

My first couple projects of 2026 were created in memory of two of our doggy friends. Every month my son and I would attend an event at our local library called Read to a Dog where kids get to practice their reading skills by reading to therapy dogs. Through this program, we became friends with some amazing Golden Retrievers and their lovely owners. My son was especially close to Whisper, Keeper, and Zoey. And unfortunately, both Zoey and Whisper passed away earlier this year from cancer. Zoey and Whisper were sisters, and it was devastating for their owner to lose them both only a couple months apart. This was also the first time my son (age 11) experienced the deaths of friends/loved ones. So there were lots of sad conversations and questions about death. He was very sad to lose his doggy friends, and he was also extra sad because he knew we were moving away. He didn't want to leave Zoey and Whisper's mom after such a loss. But, don't worry. Zoey and Whisper's mom is now training a puppy to be a service dog for the blind. I am sure the new pup is keeping her busy!

Since I like to crochet for friends and family, I decided to crochet scarves for Zoey and Whisper's mom. I found this fur yarn and knew it was perfect for the project(s). 

Since this is a chunky yarn, I used my N Furls hook. I didn't use a pattern to create this scarf. I just winged it. I started by crocheting the body of the scarf. 

Next, I crocheted the legs and tail.

Then, I crocheted a circle for the head and a circle for the snout. 

I also made ears, of course! 😁

I used safety eyes and nose for the face. I used black yarn and a yarn needle to create the mouth.

This is the scarf I created in remembrance of Zoey. 

Zoey wore a red bandana, so I crocheted one for the doggy scarf. 

When we took the Zoey scarf to the library to gift to her owner, Whisper instantly fell in love with the scarf. She would snuggle and sleep with the scarf. I believe this was Whisper's last time attending Read to a Dog. She and my son always did more snuggling than reading.  

When Whisper passed away, her owner asked if I'd make another scarf like the one I made of Zoey. So, I made another scarf, and I added a blue bandana for Whisper.

The Whisper Scarf... Both Zoey and Whisper will be greatly missed. I'm so glad we learned about the Read to a Dog program and met these amazing dogs. My son loved them so much. We have 2 cats, and he really wants a dog. So going to library to read to the dogs was a great way for him to get to spend time with some very friendly and loving dogs. 

Before we left WA and moved across the country, my son was gifted a lovely blanket with photos of his favorite doggy friends, so he'll never forget them.