A Chinese woman, surnamed Xu, has made headlines after spending Rs 19 lakh (160,000 yuan) to clone her beloved dog, Joker, after his death left her devastated. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, Xu, from Hangzhou in eastern China, had raised Joker, a Doberman, since 2011. Over the course of their decade-long companionship, the pair became inseparable as Xu navigated various stages of her schooling and professional life.
However, Joker’s health began to decline at the age of nine due to malignant sarcoma in its neck, requiring surgery. Despite the risks of anesthesia, Joker underwent the procedure without sedation, displaying calm cooperation. But the dog’s condition worsened in the following year as it developed heart problems, which led to coughing, wheezing, and twitching. Despite Xu’s efforts to provide the best possible care, Joker passed away from a heart attack in November 2022 at the age of 11.
Xu expressed the depth of her grief, saying, “Joker was my closest friend. It witnessed a decade of my life, from my studies to my career. It was always so trusting and strong, enduring the pain bravely.”
Seeking Comfort: The Decision to Clone
Xu’s loss had a profound effect on her, leading to insomnia, a weakened immune system, and frequent illnesses. In search of relief, Xu, who had been following China’s growing pet cloning industry, decided to take an unconventional route. She visited a pet cloning facility and decided to clone Joker, paying the fee upfront. The company took a small piece of skin from Joker’s abdomen and the tips of its ears to proceed with the cloning.
A year later, Xu received an ultrasound report confirming that the cloning was a success. Before the 2024 Lunar New Year, Xu picked up her cloned dog and named it “Little Joker.” According to Xu, both Joker and Little Joker share an identical black spot near the nose and exhibit similar behaviors, which she found comforting.
Xu described her feelings about the new dog, saying, “Caring for this new life helped me temporarily forget the pain of losing Joker. I lacked experience raising Joker and left many regrets. Little Joker gives me a second chance to love and care for it fully.”
The Legality of Pet Cloning in China
While the practice of cloning pets is legal in China, it is subject to ethical guidelines, and cloning companies must meet the necessary qualifications to carry out such procedures.
Xu’s story has sparked both admiration and debate, highlighting the lengths to which people may go to preserve the memory of their beloved pets.
Related topics:
Struggling with Sister’s Dog During Family Visits
Research Reveals Genetic Connection Between Obesity in Dogs and Humans
Belgian Laekenois Faces Extinction with Only 1,000 Dogs Left Worldwide
