Is Freeze-Drying Your Pet Good Grief Advice?

What would you say if someone told you that you’d never have to quit holding and petting your pet even after it dies?  That is the pitch one business is selling.

In the past decade, the pet grief industry has been thriving. The marketing of pet death care services and products target individuals’ grief over the loss of a cherished pet. One technique is to invite owners to imagine not having to let go of their pets—literally.

Take, for example, the option of freeze-drying your pets. Owners of Perpetual Pet tell us that freeze-drying pets creates a lasting memorial that “allows pet owners to see, touch and hold their pets, and in a sense, ‘never have to let go.’” The pictures in this post showcase their work.

They further explain what to expect from a freeze-dried pet:

“Even from a distance of a mere couple of feet or so, it will be difficult to tell any difference at all, save the lack of movement. For this reason, we highly recommend a sleeping or at least lying down posture, which looks the most natural in the absence of movement. However, we will work with you to accommodate any other pose or special considerations you would like. Your pet will retain its original size and the shape in which it posed indefinitely. However, it will weigh much less than it did, due to the removal of the water and other liquids which account for the majority of an animal’s weight. If not subjected to subsequent damage (dirt, spills, stains, weather, mistreatment, etc.) there should be no further change or deterioration. With a little care, your pet can be held, carried, transported, and even gently petted.”

Freeze-drying is not cheap. Another freeze-drying business, the Good Shepherd, charges $995 for up to 10 pounds. Each additional pound is $70 more and having a raised head is an extra $340.

What do you think of freeze-drying your pet?  Would you find it comforting to always have your pet with you?