Two dog owners from Oregon have turned their dead pet into a porch ornament for the outrageous price of $2500 that they still kiss and stroke.
Daniel and Sharon Smyth from Florence, Oregon stuffed their late Matlipoo named Sparky after he died at the age of 13.
The couple have placed Sparky’s stuffed body at the window where he always sat and guarded the home.
Sharon, 53, told The US Sun that Sparky was like a child to them and feels that he has now been ‘reborn’.
Daniel and Sharon Smyth got their late dog Sparky stuffed (pictured) by a taxidermist and have placed him in the same spot he always sat when he was alive
Sharon, 53, (left) and Daniel, 75, (right) lost Sparky on November 24, 2022 and decided to call the local taxidermist the following morning
The costly price to get their precious pup stuffed didn’t faze the couple that have been married for 30 years as they just wanted Sparky in their lives forever.
Sparky died suddenly on November 24, 2022, after he fell ill and left his owners devastated.
In an effort to never physically say goodbye to Sparky, Daniel and Sharon consulted with their local taxidermist and paid the hefty cost with no problem.
Daniel said that he had ‘reached the age where he could do what he wanted’ and that all he wished for was for Sparky to ‘still be with them while they are alive.’
Sharon revealed that she kisses and pets Sparky’s stuffed body just like she did when he was alive.
‘We always go over there and talk to him and pet him like he’s still alive because he is still alive in our hearts,’ Sharon said.
She considered the dog to be like a child to her as he was her first ever pet.
Daniel revealed that the reason they considered taxidermy was due to the simple fact that they missed Sparky.
The couple paid $2,5000 to have Sparky’s body stuffed (pictured) after he suddenly died
The couple described Sparky as a ‘cuddly little boy’ (left). He unexpectedly passed after falling ill at 13-year-old
Sparky and Daniel on a walk (pictured). Daniel said that Sparky’s stuffed body has become a ‘physical comfort’ for them
He also said that he was influenced by neighbors that he had growing up that had done the same for their late pets.
‘I always remembered that and admired that,’ Daniel said.
The morning after Sparky unexpectedly died Daniel said that he called up the taxidermist and discussed the next steps.
The almost identical aspect of Sparky’s stuffed body has pleased the couple as they feel that their dog never left their side. Daniel said that Sparky’s presence is a ‘physical comfort’ for them.
‘It’s like he’s still alive now he’s back in the house. It makes us very happy,’ Sharon told The US Sun.
They both considered Sparky to be a ‘cuddly little boy’.