Embalmer's dog gets "grand" burial as family member

​A professional embalmer from Orani, Bataan gave their family dog Pepper a befitting burial last month to show how much they loved her.

The wake of Pepper, a Shih Tzu owned by a family of embalmers. (Photo from Dhan Punzalan)

​Being in the funeral business, it was easy for Dhanielyn Canlas Punzalan and her family to pull out all the stops so Pepper, a Shih Tzu, could be laid to rest in a manner that follows human standards.

After embalming the eight-year-old dog, the Punzalans had a small white casket made for her festooned with flowers and other decorations. Her wake lasted for two days and viewed by friends and family. Pictures of Pepper's wake were also shared online for other pet lovers to see.

Kids came to see the wake of Pepper.

​Pepper left behind a “hubby” named Oreo, also a Shih Tzu, who Dhanielyn said stayed with Pepper until she died. Poor Oreo is grieving.

Oreo stayed with his long-time partner Pepper until their very last moment together.

​“Oreo would stay close to Pepper's cage all the time and he followed her when he was taken to the morgue. Now, whenever Oreo is being groomed and he realizes that Pepper is not around anymore, he would cry,” said Dhanielyn.

Pepper's interment took place three days after her death and it was definitely a sight to see. 

Pepper's funeral procession and interment, both attended by Oreo.

​A hearse took Pepper to a private memorial lot of the Punzalans but not until it went through a solemn procession led by a car ridden by Oreo. 

A drone followed and recorded Pepper's funeral procession.

Pepper's casket was carried by staff members to the spot where she would be buried and where family and friends would later let go of white balloons as an act of farewell.

Oreo and his family marched to Pepper's final resting place.

An aerial shot of the whole event was captured by a drone and made into this short video:

Pepper's departure rites, while seen by some as impractical, generally got favorable response from pet owners.

“We didn't expect the outpour of love from animal lovers who saw Pepper’s funeral,” said Dhanielyn who explained to those who didn't agree that there were times when they provided free funeral services to the less fortunate, so “what more to pets who are part of the family.”

Pepper's final resting place would not be disturbed anymore, said Dhanielyn. She's the third family dog to be honored in this manner. “First time was with our English Bulldog who died 12 years ago, followed by our Mastiff three years later,” Dhanielyn added.

When Pepper's funeral video went viral, Dhanielyn said she received inquiries from those who want the same kind of service when their pets die. She said they can accommodate them although their service is really designed for humans.

Pepper, the embalmer's dog and Oreo's partner, is sadly missed.

* All photos and video are courtesy of Dhan Punzalan.