SAN DIEGO — San Diego has seen some wild weather in 2024. In this Zevely Zone, I visited City Heights where storm damage has gone to the dogs.
If a heavy rain storm thought it could totally wipe out an old treasured pine tree it was barking up the wrong tree. In early March, following a strong San Diego storm, a fifty foot pine tree came crashing down.
"I was absolutely devastated. It just broke my heart," said homeowner Jill Ramsey. She estimates her pine was 125 years old. It was a tree she used to wake up in the morning and hug. "I am very fond of my tree, it was like losing a pet," said Jill who is an big time animal lover.
"My mother says I have been rescuing dogs since I could walk," said Jill. "I love them and it breaks my heart to see a dog in trouble." Jill has rescued more than 100 dogs in her life.
"Dogs are the best. You don't have to put them through college, they never borrow your car, they love you no matter what," said Jill. So, when her precious pine got reduced to a seven foot stump. "I thought maybe I could have it carved into something and so I got on Google and found a guy," said Jill.
Ricardo Brazil, who has been featured several times in the Zevely Zone, got the call and went to work.
"An amazing artist," said Jill who asked the chainsaw savant to carve out a dog memorial honoring her favorite pets of all time. "This is Guy. This is Carbon. This is Bailey," said Jill. "The best part is he does it so well that the people who knew the dogs know which dogs they are."
I asked Jill how many dogs she was hoping to include in the memorial.
"As many dogs as will fit," said Jill who is a bit worried a dog shrine may become a beacon for even more house guests. "Right now there are ten dogs staying here," said Jill.
When Ricardo Brazil got a bit carried away and created a dog she didn't recognize, she got nervous.
"Great, so some stray dog is going to come by see himself up on the tree and thinks he lives here," said Jill.
One dog that currently does live here is the Labrador Guy.
"Come on Guy," said Jill. "He did come out for a modeling session." I hoisted Guy up to the memorial for a side by side comparison. It was like looking in a mirror! "It's incredible I recognize my dogs up on the tree and they will live forever," said Jill. "I am amazed I can't believe how great it is."
Jill lives on the corner of Juniper Street and Sumac Drive. She says you're welcome to come by see her dog memorial. For more information about the artist Ricardo Brazil call 619-788-0837 or visit him on Instagram by clicking here.
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