Social media influencer Chloe Chung found herself at the center of an unexpected storm of controversy when she publicly shared her unconventional method of grieving her beloved dog's passing. The California-based content creator recently opened up about facing intense online criticism after choosing to freeze-dry her late canine companion, MisTricks, following the pet's death from lymphoma in August 2024.
Mixed Reactions to Unusual Pet Memorial
The controversy erupted after Chung posted a video on January 18 explaining her decision to preserve her dog through freeze-drying technology. In the emotional clip, Chung revealed that she had brought MisTricks home in a glass display case, gently hugging the preserved remains while adding text that read, "Brought her home... duh." The video, set to No Doubt's song "Just A Girl," quickly went viral, attracting thousands of comments with dramatically divided responses.
While many viewers expressed support and sympathy for Chung's grieving process, others reacted with discomfort and criticism. Some described the video as "creepy" or disturbing, questioning the ethics and emotional impact of preserving a pet's physical body in this manner. The polarized response highlighted how personal grief rituals can become public spectacles in the age of social media sharing.
A Deeply Personal Decision
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE magazine, Chloe Chung explained the emotional journey behind her controversial choice. "I really struggled with the thought that I would never see her beautiful face again after she passed," Chung revealed, describing how she had initially planned to cremate MisTricks like her previous pets but changed her mind while waiting at a crematorium.
The influencer emphasized that the decision was deeply personal and emotionally taxing. "The process was emotional, stressful, and deeply personal," Chung told PEOPLE, acknowledging that she anticipated mixed reactions but felt compelled to share her experience honestly. She eventually connected with a pet preservation specialist who helped her execute the freeze-drying process months after MisTricks' passing.
Finding Comfort in Controversy
Despite the online backlash, Chung maintains that having MisTricks physically present in her home has provided significant comfort during her grieving process. "Grief and sadness are always present since MisTricks passed away," she explained. "But in the moment of being reunited with her physical body, I primarily felt comfort that she will be safe at home with me from now on."
Following the initial controversy, Chung posted a follow-up video on January 21 addressing the criticism directly. She noted that while she expected diverse reactions, she has received thousands of supportive messages from pet owners who related to her experience but felt unable to speak openly about similar feelings. Many respondents thanked her for bringing attention to alternative end-of-life options for pets.
Educational Aspect and Lasting Impact
Chung told PEOPLE that the negative comments haven't diminished her resolve, stating, "I've never been impressed by any troll in any comment section." She believes the controversy has actually helped spread awareness about pet preservation options. "The hate is only causing the video to reach further audiences, and the more people that see the video the more messages and comments I receive thanking me for sharing this option," she observed.
The influencer highlighted an important educational component to her experience, noting that many pet owners were previously unaware that freeze-drying preservation was even possible. "The information about the end-of-life choices for pets is not always accessible," Chung explained. She expressed gratitude that MisTricks' story continues to inspire and help others facing similar decisions about memorializing their beloved animal companions.
Chung's experience underscores how social media platforms have transformed private mourning into public discourse, while also revealing how unconventional grieving methods can spark important conversations about pet loss, memorialization options, and the diverse ways people process emotional attachment to their animal companions.
