Woman pays US$22,000 to clone late dog, sparks curiosity online

In a heartfelt tale that has captivated online audiences, a woman from Hangzhou, China, has spent 160,000 yuan (US$22,000) to clone her beloved Doberman, Joker, using a skin sample. The decision, driven by deep grief and love, has sparked widespread curiosity and debate about pet cloning.

Xu, the woman behind the story, first met Joker in 2011. The Doberman quickly became more than just a pet—he was her guardian and steadfast companion, offering an irreplaceable sense of security while she lived alone. Xu described Joker as "loyal and brave," recounting how he would stand by her side through all of life's challenges.

As Joker aged, his health began to deteriorate. At nine years old, he was diagnosed with malignant sarcoma in his neck. Due to the risks associated with anesthesia, the dog underwent surgery without sedation, enduring the pain with remarkable resilience. Xu recalled how Joker remained calm throughout, a testament to his unwavering trust in her.

In November 2022, at the age of 11, Joker suffered a fatal heart attack. Devastated by the loss, Xu found it difficult to move on. Searching for a way to keep Joker's presence in her life, she turned to pet cloning.

The cloning procedure, which remains a controversial yet legal practice in China, involves extracting genetic material from a deceased pet and creating an identical copy. Though some critics argue that cloning cannot replicate a pet's unique personality and experiences, Xu insists that her decision was not about replacing Joker but about welcoming a new life with his legacy.

"I know it's not the same dog," she said. "But in a way, a part of Joker still lives on. This new puppy is a fresh, complete life of its own."

Xu's story has ignited discussions on social media, with netizens debating the ethics and emotional implications of pet cloning. Some sympathized with her grief and praised modern science's ability to provide comfort, while others questioned whether cloning truly honors a pet's memory.

Despite the controversy, Xu remains firm in her decision. She sees her cloned pet not as a replacement but as a continuation of the bond she shared with Joker. Whether seen as a marvel of biotechnology or a contentious moral dilemma, her story has undeniably stirred deep emotions among animal lovers and beyond.

Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3301304/chinese-woman-pays-us22000-clone-late-dog-skin-sample-sparks-curiosity-online