Freeze-Drying Preserves Memory Of Departed Pets

Freeze-Drying Preserves Memory of Departed Pets AG WORLD Ag World 10-3-18 Your favorite dog, cat, bird or other pet can now be preserved forever, thanks to the wonders of freeze-drying and Preserv-A-Pet International of Nisswa, Minn. "It's the next best thing to bringing deceased pets back to life," says Roger Saatzer, president. His company offers a first-of-its kind service for pet owners which preserves the remains of four-legged loved ones in life-like fashion. Pet owners from all corners of the United States have sent him deceased pets to be freeze-dried. "We've done everything from dogs, cats and birds to gerbils, snakes and skunks. We've even freeze-dried a pet lion," Saatzer told FARM SHOW. "Freeze drying gives the animal a far more life-like appearance than traditional taxidermy. We're able to preserve pets in their most natural and complete form. Freeze-drying extracts all water from the body without altering its shape or size. All decomposition is halted and the animal won't shrink or have an odor." Pet owners freeze their deceased pets, then ship them UPS "air service" to Preserve-A-Pet, along with a photograph or two showing the pose in which they want their pet preserved. The pet is thawed and shaped into the desired pose, then freeze-dried. Except for the eyes, no artificial body parts are added. Saatzer notes that freeze-drying isn't new. "It dates back to the turn of the century and is used by museums, universities and other institutions to preserve animals, food, flowers, medical specimens and other items," says Saatzer, a leading manufacturer and retailer of freeze-drying equipment. For several years, he tried to get several taxidermists interested in freeze-drying pets. Unable to stir up interest, he decided to test the pet market himself. "The response has been fantastic," says Saatzer. "We're even getting calls and letters from pet owners who know an older favorite pet hasn't much time left and they want to have all the freeze-drying arrangements made for when the time comes." Cost for freeze-drying pets range from about $450 for a house cat in the sitting position to $2,000 for a large watchdog in the jumping or "attack" position. Saatzer hopes to be on the market soon with a franchised Preserv-A-Pet Service. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup: Preserv-A-Pet International, Roger Saatzer, president; P.O. Box 775, Nisswa, Minn. 56468 (ph 218 963-2900).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.