A family used a taxidermy service to turn their pet dog into a household item following its passing.
An Australian company, Chimera Taxidermy, was comissioned to turn the Golden Retriever into a rug.
They said that the practice has been growing but conceded it is "definitely not for everyone." Taking to social media the taxidermists outlined the process of going from dead animal to unique object, The Daily Record reported.
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According to the Express, the company stated in an Instagram post: "Beautiful old golden retriever preserved as a pelt for his family. Finally ready to head home." They explained that the pelt has to be tanned and turned to leather to stop the fur from falling out.
Maddy, 29, explained that taxidermy has only really been blossoming economically in the last five years or so, so it's a very new thing to see for most people.
"Some are more of a sentimental keepsake, others are on display resting in their beds or however their owners wanted them preserved," she told Yahoo news.
However, the owner admitted the idea was "definitely not for everyone" and that she "absolutely respects that".
She stressed: "It's sometimes difficult working with pets compared to other animals. But it's more rewarding to be able to help people with their grief and allow them to keep a part of their pet forever."
Online commenters were unsure of what to make of the process. One wrote: "Beautiful work as always."
Another said they were glad to see people venturing into it now, while a third added: "What a cutie! You did a great job with him."
A fourth opined "Pet taxidermy where the pets sleep forever always give me a really special feeling, like they're not forced to anything, they're free and their owners still have them very near at the same time. Such a beautiful and peaceful thing."
Some met the post with disgust and anger.
Maddy also posted a photo of a pet cat named Milkshake to her Instagram..
Accompanying the photo, she said: "Taxidermy preservation for the beloved cat, Milkshake. She has been preserved by traditional taxidermy, sleeping eternally in her favourite resting position.
"Thank you for the trust to preserve this beautiful lady forever."
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