Pet Preservation
Find answers to common questions about our products, policies, and services. Browse our FAQ section for quick solutions and helpful information.
Please reach us at lastbreathoddities@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Q: Are those animals real?
A: Yes! All of our specimens are real animals that have been preserved for you to enjoy forever.
Q: Where do your specimens come from?
A: All of our specimens are ethically and sustainably sourced. Most of them are donations from individuals and organizations. All animals died of natural causes. We are first and foremost animal lovers and a strict no-kill business. We take this very seriously and thoroughly inspect all donations for signs of abuse.
Q: Can I donate an animal?
A: Absolutely! Send us a message, let us know what you have and your location and we will happily take most donations. Including small mammals, insects and aquatic critters.
Q: What is diaphonization?
A: Diaphonization, also known as clearing and staining, is a technique used to make animal specimens transparent while highlighting their bones and cartilage. This is achieved by first making the tissues translucent through digestion with enzymes and then staining the skeletal structures with dyes, typically alizarin red for bone and alcian blue for cartilage. The result is a visually stunning specimen that reveals the internal skeletal anatomy.
Q: What is a wet specimen?
A: A wet specimen is a biological sample, often an entire animal or a specific organ, preserved and stored in a liquid solution, typically within a jar or other container. This method of preservation helps to maintain the natural morphology and anatomical features of the specimen, making it useful for scientific study, research, and educational displays.
Q: How do I care for my diaphonized specimen?
A: Display your diaphonized specimen wherever you see fit, preferably in a cool place and away from direct sunlight. There is no need to ever change the existing glycerin.
Q: How do I care for my wet specimen?
A: Just like the diaphonized specimen, display as you see fit, preferably in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. If the specimen becomes murky or changes color you may change the holding fluid. We recommend using only 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Q: DAMMIT! I dropped my specimen! What do I do now?
A: No worries. It happens! If your container is cracked or broken, you can replace it with any glass container you would like. Please wear gloves and other proper protective equipment. For wet specimens, replace fluid with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For diaphonized specimens, replace with 100% glycerin or vegetable glycerin which can be found at most big box and drug stores that carry hair and skincare goods. Sometimes craft stores will carry it as well in the soap making section. Ahhh, good as new!
Q: EWWW, someone drank some of my specimen fluid, what do I do?
A: DO NOT DO THIS!!!! KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS! If ingested, seek medical attention or call Poison Control. The wet specimens contain 70% isopropyl alcohol and the diaphonized specimens contain glycerin and thymol. If you absolutely must handle your specimen please use proper personal protective equipment.
Q: My pet died, can you help us preserve it?
A: Send us a message. We would love to help, if possible!
Q: Can we swing by your shop?
A: Currently, we are only online and in pop-up markets. Check for events on our home page or follow us on social media to see where we are next.
Q: I want something and I live in Houston, can I pick it up?
A: Absolutely! Just send us a message.
Q: Is this everything you have for sale?
A: Nope! We may have certain pieces that may not travel well or that are too large to ship. Check our social media to see what else we may have or send us a message.
Q:We love you guys and want to buy you guys beer! Is that okay?
A: Whaaaat? Hell yeah you can! Wow! So cool of you! ...eh, it's worth a shot. One day...