Grieving pet owners are opting for freeze-drying their deceased pets at an alarming rate. Rather than traditional taxidermy, Chuck Rupert, owner of Second Life Freeze Dry, claims he preserves around 90 animals every year, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and even rattlesnakes. The cost varies from $1,200 to $4-thousand based on the animal’s size.
So what are the gory details of the freeze-drying process? Apparently, it involves removing organs, filling the body cavity with wood filler, sewing it up, posing the animal as per the owner’s request, and using a freeze-drying machine with a vacuum to extract the moisture. Rupert also uses oil-based paints for color restoration. Rupert admits he wouldn’t choose this option for his own pets, though he’s glad that clients find comfort in having a lifelike representation of their passed-on pets at home.
Source: Daily Mail
