Help with mount

[zeke08]

Hello, this will seem strange but.........I am a K-9 Officer and my retired K-9 of 9yrs on patrol is 10 and 1/2 yrs old and when he passes I want to have him mounted in a seated position with his toy. I have seen wolf mounts standing do they or can a mount be done like this? I live in Knoxville so can anyone recommend a taxidermist in this area that's able to do such a mount? He was to good to me to just throw in the ground and I can not have him "Burnt" and in a cup. Thanks for any help in this matter.

[skinman]

I am retired, but my taxidermy methods are always fresh in my mind. You can probably first google for taxidermists in Tennessee or contact your Department of Natural Resources via Internet or phone. They should have a list of folks who are taxidermists. Those who take in mounts for "customers", need a license, so your state's DNR should have a list of these folks.

I see no reason why your dog could not be mounted on a Wolf manikin. McKenzie Taxidermy Supply is one of the largest taxidermy supply houses here in the United States. Google their website. This might give you an idea of your dog mount. Food for thought....a good taxidermist will get all the measurements from the carcass after the animal is skinned. Keep that in mind when you talk to a taxidermist. Also ask about how he/she prepares the skin for mounting. McKenzie has an out standing process for mounts that will last longer than your lifetime, as long as you do your part.

All mounts regardless of type should be kept away from sunlight, heat sources and the touching hands. Groom mounts with a soft brush attached to a vacum cleaner. These are just some of the things that have crossed my mind when I read your post.

In Best Regards:
Skinman

J.D.Gillis

[mcwoodduck]

Read Allen Alda's Stupid book never get your dog stuffed or something like that
He did and there were problems.
Better to have him/ her creamated and you can keep then in a seald box or urn.
I had a roomate that had one of his dogs in an sealed polished box with a nice plaque.
Said all the dog wanted to do was be with him so this was the way he could do that.
He even wants the box in his casket.

[zeke08]

Skinman thanks for your help I have checked and so far no one in TN does Domestic animals!!!!! So I'm not for sure what i am going to do.
mcwoodduck thanks for the advise just dont know that I can bring myself to Burn him I know this is silly but when a dog saves your life and never leaves you and I cant say that for some of the Officers I work with hard for me to do that but I do appreciate the advice sir

[Spanky]

Find the best taxidermist you can... you want someone who is familiar with canines.



Spanky

[mcwoodduck]

My last lab was 14 years old when I had to put her down.
I know what you will go through.
But at 10 years old i think you are jumping the gun a little.
It can not hurt to be ready but don't count him out yet.
Go enjoy the time you have with him.  Walk, play and pet him.
You will miss him when he is no longer there to do those thing with.

[zeke08]

I wish I was jumping the gun but he is eat up with cancer best case scenario is 3- 5 months via ct scan an to different vets. I enjoy him as much as possible. Most police K-9's dont live past 11 if they were patrol dogs a lot of stress on them

[catkiller]

Check into getting him freeze dried.Contact Anthony Eddy. He will have a website.

[North2Alaska]

Hm, a lot of taxidermists are opposed to doing pets...

But I saw your post and wanted to tell you that in order to do that mount they will probably have to modify a wolf form (because they don't really make them for domestic dogs) -so be sure you find yourself a really good taxidermist. It might be pricey to have that done but if you're going to have it done, have it done well. I know many taxidermists who say "good taxidermy ain't cheap and cheap taxidermy ain't good." so just keep that in mind in your search. And good luck.

[zeke08]

Thanks for your help I check on freeze drying costs way to much 6500 to 8k cant afford that and so far I havent been able to find someone to do the mount I will keep looking

[DANNY-L]

I would think if Roy Rogers horse Trigger could be done so could your best friend.

[zeke08]

Just a update He passed at the end of January and I found a excellent Taxidermist who is doing the full mount on a wolf form in a seated position open mouth (so he can hold his dam toy he always worked so hard to get) she is doing it for 800.00 and God has blessed me with some side jobs so I am pleased mount should be done by September I will post a picture of the end process!

[DANNY-L]

Please do,glad you were able to get someone. That's the problem with pets,it dont take long before they are family.