For the fourth installation of our series After a Dog Dies: Thinking Outside the Box, we ask the age-old question: Is that you, Mummy?
Some dog-lovers with many thousands of dollars to spare are turning to the ancient practice of mummification. At Summum, a Utah company that specializes in modern mummifying techniques, dogs get the King Tut treatment. Here’s how Summum describes what it does:
As nature abounds in endless cycles, once again, the sacred art and science of Mummification of Transference is offered to devoted pet lovers. Our extensive research, experience, and knowledge has resulted in Mummification that is the culminating union of medical technology, modern chemistry, and magnificent art. A very complete, precise, yet gentle process, Mummification will shelter the essence and body of your pet forever. Through this singular form of Permanent Body Preservation, your pet, at his natural earthly passing, will enter eternity in all of his splendor and beauty.
A big dog like Jake, my yellow Lab, would cost $28,000 just to mummify, or up to $100,000 for a mummiform with all the fixings. Small dogs and cats will max out at $14,000 for the royal treatment. Even if this is not an option for you — and from what I’ve seen of Dogster comments regarding freeze-drying, it probably won’t be — you might be interested in the video below. It’s a fascinating look at how far some people will go to keep their dogs with them in spirit and body. Heads up: The video does show a dog at one point who is part-way through the process, but the dog really doesn’t look so bad. But if you are easily creeped out, you might want to steer clear. (If it’s of any use for a gauge: My 13-year-old daughter, who isn’t fond of gazing at dead dogs, thought it was “weird,” but did not hide her eyes once.)
Tomorrow is the last day of our series, and there will be a fabulous contest with an utterly beautiful prize to wrap up the week. Looking forward to seeing you then!
