Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

Taz,
I reread what I typed and feel I need to clarify something. When I said "as long as the mount looks like a deer that's all that matters", we want them to look as much as possible like they did, not just a resemblance. We want to capture as much of nature's beauty and grace as possible but since you don't have a personal relationship with a wild animal, on a really well done piece, you don't always notice the missing elements like you would with your own pet. Hope that makes sense.
Most taxidermists have a very strong respect for animals and want them portayed in a respectful manner. But, IMO, pets are best remembered in other ways, to me it's just too much of an emotional thing.

 

I understand what you meant.

A pet is so well known because of family members petting and holding it, any slight difference would immediately be noticed. Especially eyes since eyes are so unique in color and such.

Very hard work. Sounds more like an art getting the animal looking just right.