HEARTBROKEN dog owners could not endure letting go of their beloved pet so they had his body stuffed so they could keep him around to cuddle.

Husband and wife Daniel and Sharon Smyth from Florence, Oregon, wanted their 13-year-old Malitpoo named Sparky to be able to sit in his favorite spot forever.

Now, the stuffed pup is able to sit by the window and guard the Smyth’s home like he used to.

Sparky died unexpectedly on November 24, 2022, after falling ill and it left the Smyths devastated.

So much so that they literally refused to bid farewell.

The couple turned to their local taxidermist to consider their options.

The 30-year married couple were informed it would cost $2,500 to have Sparky preserved.

To them, there was no cost that would stop them from allowing Sparky, their “cuddly little boy” to return home.

It was a no-brainer and the Smyths decided to move forward with taxidermy.

POSITIVELY UNCONVENTIONAL

Daniel, 75, and Sharon, 53, realize their decision was unconventional but the comfort it brings them is more important than the opinions of others.

Daniel explained he felt he had “reached the age where he could do what he wanted.”

And what he wanted was for Sparky to “still be with them while they are alive.”

Having Sparky around has brought Sharon immense joy – she explained that she strokes and kisses him as if he were still alive.

“I feel like he’s still alive – I sometimes go over there and give him a little kiss,” Sharon said.

“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 considered Sparky to be like a little child to her.

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She even has shined a new light on taxidermy Sparky and referred to it as the pup being “reborn.”

“He was a big part of my life. He was my first pet. We miss him a lot,” she said.

“Sparky was like my little child. He looks the same as when he was alive – it’s like he’s been reborn!

“It’s like he’s still alive now he’s back in the house. It makes us very happy.”

‘UNDENIABLE’ DECIDING FACTORS

Daniel explained the main reason he went through with the taxidermy was because he missed him.

“I made the decision to go to a taxidermist because I missed him,” he said.

Another deciding factor was that neighbors of his while growing up had the procedure done for their pets.

Daniel explained it has always stuck with him and he admired his neighbors for doing so.

When Sparky died, Daniel immediately thought of them and was inspired to do so himself.

“I had neighbors when I grew up that had had their dogs prepared in that way,” Daniel said.

“I always remembered that and admired that.

“First thing in the morning after he passed, I called the taxidermist and made arrangements with her.”

The realness of the taxidermy version of Sparky is also how the couple knew they made the right decision.

“It’s really nice to have the physical presence back. He looks very lifelike,” Daniel said.

“He’s a physical comfort as well.”