Chloe Chung did not expect so much anger when she shared how she chose to grieve her dog’s death. The California-based influencer recently spoke out after facing strong backlash online for freeze-drying her late dog, MisTricks. The reaction came after Chung posted a video explaining what she did with her pet after her death. MisTricks died in August 2024 after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Months later, on January 18, Chung shared that she decided to freeze-dry her dog so she could bring her home. The video quickly spread, drawing thousands of comments. Some people showed support and sympathy. Others called the choice disturbing or hard to watch.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Chloe Chung explained why she made the decision and how the response has affected her. She said the process was emotional, stressful, and deeply personal. Still, she believes sharing her story has helped many people who are grieving pets in their own way.
Chloe Chung explains why freeze-drying MisTricks brought her comfort
In her January 18 Instagram post, Chloe Chung answered a question she said she receives often in her messages, what happened to MisTricks after she passed away. In the video, Chung showed a glass case inside her home holding MisTricks’s freeze-dried body. She gently hugged her dog and added text saying, “Brought her home… duh.”
The video was set to No Doubt’s song “Just A Girl” and quickly gained attention. While many viewers offered kind words, others reacted harshly. Some called the video “creepy” or said it made them uncomfortable.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Chung said the decision was not easy. She explained that she had cremated her past pets, but this time felt different. “I really struggled with the thought that I would never see her beautiful face again after she passed,” Chung said. While waiting at a crematorium, she changed her mind and later met with a pet preservationist.
Chung said having MisTricks back home has helped her through grief. “Grief and sadness are always present since MisTricks passed away,” she told PEOPLE. “But in the moment of being reunited with her physical body, I primarily felt comfort that she will be safe at home with me from now on.”
After seeing the backlash, Chung shared a follow-up video on January 21. She said she expected mixed reactions but still wanted to be honest. In the post, she wrote that she has received thousands of messages from people who felt the same but were afraid to speak openly.
Chung also told PEOPLE that negative comments do not affect her. “I’ve never been impressed by any troll in any comment section,” she said. “The hate is only causing the video to reach further audiences, and the more people that see the video the more messages and comments I receive thanking me for sharing this option.”
She added that many pet owners did not even know freeze-drying was possible. “The information about the end-of-life choices for pets is not always accessible,” Chung said. “I’m thankful MisTricks can continue to inspire and help others.”
