Anthropologist agreed to donate his body to the Smithsonian museum — but he had one strange condition

Much has been shared about the unique bond between pet owners and their furry companions, a connection unlike any other. Dogs show unwavering loyalty to their human friends. In one legendary tale, a devoted dog lover chose to stay close to his Irish wolfhound even after his passing. The well-documented story of renowned anthropologist Grover Krantz gained new attention on social media after being reshared by content creator Doug Sharpe (@dougiesharpe on Instagram). Smithsonian Magazine had earlier reported how the American scientist’s legacy was preserved in many ways.

A widely circulating video showed Doug shedding light on the anthropologist's passing in 2002 from pancreatic cancer. The pioneering Bigfoot researcher had long planned to donate his body for scientific study but had one condition: that he be kept with his dog, Clyde. Krantz's dream was fulfilled seven years after his death when his skeleton was put on display at the Smithsonian. In a touching tribute, Clyde's remains were also placed alongside his, recreating the special bond the duo once shared.

In 2009, during the "Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake" exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, the skeletons of Grover Krantz and his dog, Clyde, were displayed. Visitors were able to witness the emotional reunion of the anthropologist and his loyal companion, showcased in a tender embrace. The exhibit aimed to honor the unique bond between Krantz and Clyde while also illustrating the educational value of body donations for scientific study. “The Smithsonian places the display at the end of the exhibit as an example of how bodies that are donated to science are used as educational tools,” Sharpe shared in his video.

One of Krantz’s colleagues reportedly worked hard to make this marvelous display of human-canine unity a reality. Before his passing at the age of 70, the researcher made his colleague, David Hunt, promise to keep him with his dogs even after he died. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Krantz, who had dedicated his life to teaching, said, “I've been a teacher all my life and I think I might as well be a teacher after I'm dead, so why don’t I just give you my body." When Hunt agreed, Krantz added, “But there's one catch: You have to keep my dogs with me.”

There was no funeral after Krantz passed away, per Smithsonian Magazine. Instead, his body was used for scientific research at the University of Tennessee, where it contributed to studies on human decay rates. Krantz’s remains were placed in a body farm for forensic investigations before being stored in a green cabinet in the Natural History Museum’s back hallways, alongside dinosaur bones. His wolfhounds were also preserved in the same location. In a poignant gesture, his colleague, Hunt, even kept Krantz’s baby teeth for a time. Krantz’s legacy as a “true teacher” was further honored when his skeleton was put on display at the museum for two years, a testament to his dedication to education, both in life and death. It is unclear whether his remains are still housed at the same location or have been moved.

You can follow Doug Sharpe (@dougiesharpe) on Instagram for more insightful and lifestyle content.