FACTS

GENERAL

+ Do you kill the animals?
The majority of specimens I use are found in the wild or on the side of the road — they are not intentionally killed by my own hand. Any hunted or trapped animals were acquired legally for food, science, or population control. The rats for the workshops are humanely killed post scientific studies or bred for feeding larger animals. Fair ethics and morals are used as a guide for all acquisition.

+ How are the bones cleaned?
A personal colony of thousands of dermestid beetles complete a meticulous cleaning on every inch of bone. The process can take hours to months depending on the size of the piece and flesh consistency.

+ Can you reconstruct my pet?
Yes. Some specimens are left as separated bones or preserved in formalin. Others are re-articulated or taxidermied into their native or unique structures.

+ How do I provide you the specimen?
Located in Colorado Springs, you may drop off your piece(s) any day of the week. Pickup/drop-off outside of the city/state can be scheduled. See Shipping instructions below.

CLASSES

+ How long are the classes?
The class normally lasts about 4 hours. It can last up to 5 hours if there is a large group or if students would like to take their time.

+ I want to use my own specimen.
I do not advice using your own find for your first project. If you have experience with taxidermy you may bring your own piece. Be sure that it has been frozen to kill off foreign organisms. Thaw for at least 4 hours before class.

+ May I bring some clothes or a hat for my piece?
Feel free to bring any props or a base to attach to your creation. This will help inspire the final positioning.

+ Is there a lot of blood?
You will encounter a very small amount of blood and internal organs during the dissection. The process is fairly clean.

+ Do I have to be 18?
I have taught children as young as 9. The guardian must sign a consent form if under the age of 18.
– Consent Form Here –

SHIPPING

Note: Be sure to keep it from freezing and thawing multiple times. This can cause hair slippage.

MATERIALS

• Frozen ice packs (disposable or reusable)
• Absorbent materials (such as paper towels, pee pads, or old towels)
• 3 ziplock bags
• Grocery bags
• 1 garbage or lawn bag
• Cardboard box
• Tape
• Marker

SHIPPING STEPS

1) Freeze the specimen for at least 48 hours prior to packaging.
2) Triple bag your specimen with zip lock bags. Place in a plastic grocery bag. Securely tie up the bag.
3) Inside a second plastic bag place absorbent material (such as paper towels, pee pads, or old towels), then place your bagged pet inside this second bag with the absorbent material on the bottom. Securely tie up the bag.
4) Place a garbage/lawn back into a box and place a few ice packs inside the bottom of the garbage bag. Put the wrapped specimen on top of the ice packs. Pad this bag by placing crumpled bags/newspaper/etc around it to keep from getting crushed. Securely tie up the final bag.
5) Tape up the box. Draw arrows pointing “up” on the sides and write “Perishable”.
6) Ship via UPS, USPS, or FedEx. When speaking with the shipping employee, avoid saying that you are shipping “a deceased animal”. Instead, when you are asked “what is in the box?” we recommend saying: “Animal diagnostic specimens” or “Frozen items that are ok if they thaw a little”.

NOTES

• Dry ice is not necessary.
• Simple fiberglass insulation can be very effective in keeping the piece frozen solid for even a week.
• Smaller specimens do not need to be priority shipped. Ground will suffice.
• Items do not need to be frozen when they arrive.
• Do not let your package leak. Leaking packages could be confiscated and destroyed by the shipper.
• Do not use ice cubes or frozen bags of water.
• Don’t ship toward the end of the week for it may just sit on a Sunday.
• Do not request a signature upon delivery.

MAIL
Sally Piette
310 Yucca Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80905

CONTACT
Email or text the tracking code: sallypiette@gmail.com

NOTES ON DEATH

• Many ancient cultures believed that eternal life was associated with an intact body and rotten bodies are deprived from the afterlife.

CLEANING YOUR OWN BONES

Natural decomposition 
• Secure your specimen inside a bird cage or pet carrier.
• Store outside on the ground
• Place a garbage bag under the enclosure to catch any loose bones
• A rock or large object can be placed on top to keep from being disturbed
• 
You can also hang it from a tree
• Process can take weeks to months (faster during warmer months)

“Flensing”: slice or strip (skin or fat) from a carcass

CAUTIONS

• When something dies if fills up with gas. Be cautious when you start cutting open a found specimen.
• Rabies: Can be transmitted to humans and is fatal. It attacks the brain and nervous systems. Beware of any foam in mouth, self-mutilation, and discharge from eyes. It cannot last 48 hours without its host.
• Distemper: Cannot be transmitted to humans and is of no health concern. It attacks various bodily systems in animals like the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.
• Bacterium, Tularemia, parasites, Hantavirus (found in rodent’s dried poop dust)
Baylisascaris (roundworm)

LAWS

• Always check with your State Laws before you possess/sell specimens. Some species are illegal to obtain (Migratory Bird Act).

FORMS

• A modern pre-made form for classic taxidermy can cost $75 (deer shoulder) – $500 (full deer) depending on the size
• When purchasing a pre-made form, you will get measurements for A, B, C, D, L etc.  Your seller will give an example such as the diagram below: