In a remarkable story from Hangzhou, China, a grieving pet owner has spent a significant sum to bring her cherished companion back through cloning. Xu, a devoted dog lover, had an unbreakable bond with her Doberman, Joker, whom she adopted in 2011. More than just a pet, Joker was her source of comfort and security, especially during the years she lived alone. However, tragedy struck when Joker developed severe health complications, leading to his passing in November 2022.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Joker’s health issues began with a malignant sarcoma that required multiple surgeries. Despite undergoing painful treatments without sedation, he remained resilient. Over time, he started experiencing frequent coughing, wheezing, and twitching, raising concerns about his worsening condition. Determined to provide the best care, Xu took him to a pet hospital in Shanghai for regular check-ups and treatments. However, despite her efforts, Joker succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 11. His death left Xu devastated, causing her to struggle with insomnia and health issues due to grief.
Turning to Science for Solace
As someone with a medical background, Xu was already aware of China’s advancements in pet cloning. Seeking a way to cope with her loss, she explored the possibility of bringing Joker back through cloning. After consulting with experts and ensuring the credibility of the procedure, she made the decision to proceed, investing 160,000 yuan (approximately Rs 19 lakh) in the process.
The cloning procedure involved extracting a skin sample from Joker, isolating his cells, and merging them with an egg cell from another donor animal. The resulting embryo was then implanted into a surrogate mother. The process ensured that the cloned dog would closely resemble Joker in appearance and behavior, growing up without any health complications.
A New Beginning with Little Joker
A year later, Xu received confirmation that the cloning had been successful. Throughout the process, she received regular updates, including ultrasound scans and video footage of the developing puppy. Just before the 2024 Lunar New Year, she finally met the cloned pup, whom she named Little Joker. To her amazement, the new dog not only shared Joker’s physical traits—such as a distinct black spot near his nose—but also exhibited familiar behaviors. He stole socks, drank water in the same manner, and even carried Joker’s old leash as if he had never left.
Xu expressed that caring for Little Joker has helped ease the pain of losing her beloved pet. “With Joker, I made mistakes due to inexperience, and there were things I wished I had done differently. Little Joker gives me a second chance to love and care for him properly.”
While the ethics of pet cloning remain a topic of debate, Xu finds solace in knowing that she has a new opportunity to cherish a dog who feels like an extension of the one she lost. Her story highlights the deep emotional connections humans form with their pets and the extraordinary lengths some will go to keep that bond alive.