Psychologists say that pets are the “ideal attachment figures” due to their accessible, active, and affectionate manner. Humans naturally form strong bonds with their pets and when the animals die, it can be extremely painful. For some, a burial or cremation is out of the question. So, some pet owners have chosen a different way to honor their pets: taxidermy.
How does taxidermy work?
In the past, taxidermy has been popular among hunters, not pet owners. This is because the process for traditional taxidermy requires that the pet be skinned. The skin would then be preserved and stretched over a form made of wire or wood. Now, there is a new process of taxidermy that requires a special freezer that is more dignified for your deceased pet.
Unlike traditional taxidermy, in this process your pet’s body frame will remain whole. However, with freeze dry taxidermy the internal organs are removed and the body is filled preservative chemicals. The pet is positioned and placed in a special freezing chamber. It removes the moisture from the pet while it freezes. This method creates a more natural final result, keeping the original characteristics of the pet’s features intact.
Though freeze dry taxidermy ensures that you’ll always have your precious pet at your side, it is not exactly easy. The procedure can cost several hundred dollars for smalls pets like birds and kittens or several thousands of dollars for large dogs. The freezing process also takes longer than you might think, anywhere between six months to a year. It also requires some pre-planning from the pet owners since the pets need to be frozen soon after death.
This method of memorializing a pet isn’t for everyone though it has gotten more popular due to recent news reports and even reality shows like the History Channel’s Mounted in Alaska. But, if you already know that you want your pet with you even after death, experts say that it’s important to do research before your pet passes in order to make sure that everything goes smoothly.