EXCLUSIVE I make bikinis and rugs out of dead pet cats and dogs. People say its morbid but its a beautiful tribute

Sweetums had always been a steadfast companion, and now, even in death, the beloved chihuahua remains by its owner’s side — immortalized through the delicate craft of taxidermy.

Sweetums’ preservation is just one of many heartfelt projects undertaken by Lauren Kane, a master taxidermist known for transforming cherished pets into lasting memorials.

Speaking exclusively to the DailyMail.com, Kane, 35, owner of Precious Taxidermy in Redlands, California, shares some of her most intricate and astonishing creations. 

She embraces her reputation as the ‘Grief Fairy,’ finding fulfillment in offering solace to those mourning the loss of their furry companions.

Kane’s journey into taxidermy was shaped by a lifelong fascination with mortality — an interplay of fear and curiosity that took root in childhood. This interest initially led her to work in a funeral home, where she discovered her passion for supporting the bereaved.

However, the structured solemnity of traditional funerary work left her craving a creative outlet — an unexpected realization. Seeking a way to merge her love for animals, art and death care, she found her true calling in taxidermy.

I take a lot of pride in approaching this work from a non-judgmental place, Krane said, If someone has an idea something that I hadnt even thought of or done before, I want it make happen. 

From crafting necklaces from pet tails, pillows from dog fur, cufflinks from mouse heads, a bikini top made of a cats pelt, and even a witchs cape and hat for a skeletal cat made of its skin, Krane approaches each project with compassion and creativity.

Sweetums had always been a steadfast companion, and now, even in death, the beloved chihuahua remains by its owner’s side — immortalized through the delicate craft of taxidermy

Speaking exclusively to the DailyMail.com, Kane, 35, owner of Precious Taxidermy in Redlands, California, shares some of her most intricate and astonishing creations

She challenges the perception of taxidermy as morbid, viewing it instead as a celebration of life. 

If anything, its really sunny because youre celebrating and preserving the life. people think bones are morbid, but were all made out of bones, were all just walking skeletons. 

While many taxidermists shy away from pet commissions due to the razor-thin margin for error and the heightened emotions involved, Kane embraces the challenge. 

Ive always been drawn to working with domesticated animals because they are so familiar, because we know them so personally, Krane said. Its not like youre taking a deer whos a stranger and putting him on a wall. Id much rather preserve my pet Chihuahuas head on the wall that I personally knew, loved and shared a special bond with.

Its not just a trophy — its a commemoration.

However, she acknowledges that the process can be bittersweet. 

[The pet owners] know their loved ones so intimately and deeply that whatever we give them back, as much love and time and care that we pour into it, its not going to look exactly like and feel exactly like the loved one that they knew in life, Krane admits. 

Some clients are overjoyed, while others find the experience brings back their grief. Some never pick up their pet. 

Pictured: A coat preservation pillow

Pictured: A bikini top made from a pet cats coat

Pictured: A framed coat preservation of a dog

Some pet owners just dont want to open that door again to their grief, and its really hard, she said. 

Despite the challenges, Krane finds immense reward in her work. 

It feels really good when families say, Wow, he looks just like he did in life, or even better than he did, she said. It is so rewarding when it goes, right. 

Kranes services range from simple paw print keepsakes to full-body taxidermy, with prices varying depending on the size and complexity of the project. 

A full-sized cat in a laying position, for example, starts at around $8,200. She also offers payment plans, recognizing the emotional and financial investment involved.

Her new brick-and-mortar studio in Redlands, California, provides a dedicated space for clients to say goodbye to their pets and pick them up again in their new form. 

Krane offers personalized reunions, allowing families to create unique memorials with music, flowers and even toasts. We kind of just roll with whatever grief wants in that moment, she said.

Her clientele is diverse, including commissions from Marilyn Manson to preserve his cats coat in a heart shape. Danielle Smith-Boldt, a client of Kranes, had her two dogs, Hades and Sweetums, were made into taxidermy.

Pictured: Hades basking in the sun, the same pose Danielle Smith-Boldt requested 

Pictures: Hades after being created into taxidermy

Pictured: Sweetums while he was alive

Pictured: Sweetums at his reunion with Smith-Boldt

Her decision, while sparking curiosity and even bewilderment in others, brought her profound peace and a continued sense of connection. 

I was just so connected to him, Smith-Boldt explained, referring to Hades, her miniature pinscher. 

Though she originally wanted to mummify him, that proved to be even more expensive.

It really is very warming and soothing to me, Smith-Boldt said of having Hades taxidermied. It helped the grieving process for me that he was like at the spa. I would always say hes at the spa, and hes still coming home. 

Hades, her miniature pinscher, was more than just a pet; he was her first all me dog, a constant companion through lifes upheavals, including escaping an abusive relationship. 

Hades was very special, she recalls. 

His preserved form, positioned exactly as he slept in a sunlit photo, brings a sense of familiar comfort. 

If you put him in a dog bed or on the couch or on the bed or anything, anybody will say, Oh, my God, theres a dog in there, she explained. And you cant tell that hes not just a dog thats sleeping.

Pictured: Sweetums posed at his reunion

Pictured: Extra gifts provided by Kane, including a plush of Sweetums

Though encased behind glass to protect him from her cat, Hades presence remains a source of solace. 

He was my baby, and he still is my baby, and now hes here with me in a special way, she said.

Sweetums, a rescue chihuahua mix, held a different kind of significance. 

She blew the roof off of what I knew special to be, Smith-Boldt said. Shes my familiar. Shes in my dreams every single night.

Seeking a more tactile connection, Smith-Boldt chose a traditional taxidermy method that preserved Sweetums distinctive wire-haired fur without the need for stuffing. 

This allows Smith-Boldt to physically connect with her memory. 

When Im having a really bad day, I can take her out and I can just pet her, she shares. And just feel her and feel that connection. 

Smith-Boldt expressed immense gratitude for Kane, the taxidermist who brought her vision to life. 

Pictured: Smith-Boldt with Hades and Sweetums

Pictured: A taxidermy chihuahua preserved by Kane

Pictured: Mice-head cufflinks bade my Kane

I couldnt be happier, she said. Shes given me such a gift.

Smith-Boldts choice has elicited varied reactions. 

Very mixed, she admits. People would just be like, "Oh my God, theres a dog on the shelf. It freaked me out". 

However, she emphasizes that its a personal decision, not intended to make anyone uncomfortable.

Its not for everyone, and I understand that, she says. But theyre with me, they make me happy, and theyre extra special.

Smith-Boldts perspective is deeply rooted in her understanding of lifes cyclical nature. 

Its life and death, and that its all a part of the experience, she said. Time is fleeting, and its just part of nature and its beauty. 

This philosophy extends to her appreciation of the preserved skulls of her dogs, the artistry of nature, as she refers to them.

Pictured: A tail preservation in the form of a necklace, made by Kane

Pictured: A cat paw preservation by Kane

Pictured: A hybrid of taxidermy and a blanket made from a deceased pet dog

Kanes care extended beyond the taxidermy itself. When Smith-Boldt received Hades remains at their reunion, she found him presented in a bed of flowers, accompanied by thoughtful gifts.   

There were so many extra gifts — a gift bag of sage, for example. I think she even made me an essential oil blend for grieving, along with all these little things meant to help, she said.

Its not just, "Heres the thing," but rather, "Heres a collection of thoughtful items I put together just for you". 

Sweetums reunion was similar, with her body lay on a soft bed of fur under a canopy.

Looking to the future, Smith-Boldt acknowledged that she may preserve aspects of her other pets, but each memorial will be unique. 

I dont want to repeat the same thing for any of the pets, she says. It would always have to be their own special idea. 

She even contemplates preserving her cat Timmys beautiful tail.

This morning, I was thinking about how Timmy is this huge, fluffy cat with a gorgeous tail. Well, sorry Timmy, but I might have to keep your tail when you go! she said, laughing.

But don’t worry, he’s only one year old, so we have plenty of time.