Rare Post Mortem Pet? 1/4 Ambrotype Woman and Dog Antique 1850s Photo

Original 1/4 ambrotype woman with her dog. Though hard to be certain, the way the dog appears to be lying down partly on its side or with its head turned, the sad expression on the woman's face, along with the placement of her hand, makes me think there is a strong chance this is a rare post mortem pet image. Ambrotype is in a full leather case that is complete with no repairs, though the pad is partially detached. The ambrotype is behind glass with some age-related darkening and oxidation of the image. Boxed & signed shipping. 7920H