Lucy Devine
Losing a pet can be devastating, but one family decided to honour the memory of their dead golden retriever by turning him into a rug.
The idea of preserving your pet via taxidermy certainly isn't for everyone - in fact, some would describe it as horrifying - but the family from Australia were keen to preserve their pet by making him a permanent fixture in their home.
Hired by Chimera Taxidermy, Maddy, who owns the company, explained that taxidermy has become increasingly popular recently.
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“Pet taxidermy has only really become more popular in the last five years or so, so it’s a very new thing to see for most people,” she told Yahoo! News Australia.
“Some are more of a sentimental keepsake, others are on display resting in their beds or however their owners wanted them preserved."
Sharing a photo of the golden retriever on the company's Instagram page, Maddy wrote: “Beautiful old golden retriever preserved as a pelt for his family. Finally ready to head home.”
The rug even features the beloved pet's claws, with Maddy explaining: "The pelt has been tanned and turned to leather so the fur won’t fall out," adding that it should stay in a good condition for many years to come.
People have had mixed reactions since the video was posted, although a number of pet owners recognised that while it wasn't for them, it was still 'beautiful'.
One person wrote: "It’s beautiful. But I couldn’t deal with the pain of the dog I lost not being with us anymore. I lost my dog earlier this year, and I couldn’t imagine seeing her every day like this."
While another said: "Idk if I would be able to handle seeing this after my goldi dies. Beautiful but not for everyone."
And a third added: "I'm sorry for your loss, I can imagine how the loss may feel. I wouldn't be able to move on, by doing this to my beloved. It's not for everyone definitely."
Meanwhile, a fourth said: "Never thought of this.... might not be for everyone, but it's an interesting way keep that sensory connection alive far after the beloved pet is gone."
Maddy explains that while she works with all sorts of animals, it can be more difficult to work with family pets.
“It’s sometimes difficult working with pets compared to other animals,” she said.
“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.”
Would you do this with your pet?