The woman, identified by her surname Xu, resides in Hangzhou, eastern China. She recounted her experience to the mainland media outlet Personage, revealing that she first adopted her Doberman, named Joker, in 2011. Over the years, Joker became more than just a pet—he was a steadfast companion, offering Xu an invaluable sense of security, particularly during the years she lived alone.
Joker’s health began to deteriorate as he aged. At nine years old, he was diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma in his neck. Given the risks associated with anesthesia, he underwent surgery without sedation, exhibiting remarkable composure and trust. Xu was deeply moved by his resilience, stating that he endured the pain bravely.
By the time Joker reached ten, he developed heart complications, frequently suffering from coughing, wheezing, and twitching. Dedicated to his care, Xu took him to a specialized pet hospital in Shanghai every two weeks for treatment. Despite these efforts, Joker succumbed to a heart attack in November 2022 at the age of 11.
His passing devastated Xu, leaving her with severe insomnia, a weakened immune system, and frequent bouts of illness. Reflecting on their decade together, she described Joker as her closest friend, a companion who had been by her side through her studies and the early years of her career.
Having a medical background, Xu had long followed advancements in China’s pet cloning industry. Since the country’s first cloned dog was introduced in 2017, she had consulted various cloning experts, researching the feasibility of the procedure. After extensive deliberation, she decided to proceed with cloning Joker, though she chose to keep the company’s identity private.The cloning process involved extracting a skin sample from Joker’s abdomen and ear tips. This genetic material was then used to create an embryo, which was implanted in a surrogate mother. Cloned pets, according to experts, closely resemble their originals in both appearance and personality, with no heightened risk of health issues or premature aging.Approximately a year later, Xu received confirmation that the cloning process had been successful. She was provided with ultrasound reports and video updates every 15 days, tracking the puppy’s growth. Before the 2024 Lunar New Year, she traveled to the facility to pick up the new dog, whom she named Little Joker.
Xu quickly noticed striking similarities between Joker and Little Joker. Their appearances were nearly identical, down to a distinct black spot near the nose. Little Joker also mimicked many of Joker’s behaviors, such as stealing socks, drinking water in the same manner, and carrying around the leash that Joker had used for years.
Despite these similarities, Xu acknowledged that Little Joker could never truly replace the original. She continued to cherish Joker’s memory, keeping a notebook filled with his photographs. However, caring for Little Joker provided her with comfort, helping her momentarily set aside the pain of her loss. She viewed Little Joker not as a mere replica but as a new life deserving of love and care. She expressed that her experience raising Joker had left her with certain regrets, and Little Joker gave her a second chance to nurture and cherish a beloved pet.
When Xu shared her story on social media, reactions were mixed. Some questioned whether the cloning process harmed the surrogate animals involved. In response, Xu reassured the public that the surrogates were well cared for by the cloning facility and that many were later adopted by pet lovers.
Public opinion remained divided. One online commenter supported Xu’s decision, remarking that cloning was not about resurrecting the dead but about continuing love. However, another countered that a pet’s soul could not be replicated, arguing that cloning to cope with loss reflected a human-centered perspective rather than a true understanding of the animal’s uniqueness.
