Can you believe it? We’ve officially entered an era where pet cloning is a reality, and it’s not just the stuff of science fiction anymore. In a world where even our favorite celebrities seem to be living in a new normal—Kim Kardashian is navigating motherhood like a champ, and retro fashion trends are back in vogue—Barbra Streisand has taken it a step further by cloning her beloved dog. Yes, you read that right.
Now, when I say “people” can clone their pets, I’m not talking about you or me. Growing up in a household where we buried our beloved cat in the yard, I can’t fathom having the resources to clone our golden retriever. However, if you’re someone like Barbra Streisand, well, the possibilities are endless.
According to Variety, the legendary performer successfully cloned her dog, Samantha, who sadly passed away last year. In an effort to preserve her memory, Streisand had cells extracted from Samantha’s mouth and stomach prior to her passing. This process resulted in not just one, but two adorable pups, named Miss Violet and Miss Scarlett. To help tell them apart, Streisand dresses them in matching outfits—a purple sweater for one and a red sweater for the other. You can see their adorable antics featured on her Instagram, often alongside their cousin, Miss Fanny.
If you’re wondering about the cost of cloning your furry friend, it’s not as astronomical as you might think. While it used to set you back around $100,000 to clone a pet, ViaGen has reduced the price to $50,000 for dogs and $25,000 for cats. That’s probably pocket change for someone like Barbra.
However, this leap into cloning raises ethical questions reminiscent of the debates sparked by the cloning of Dolly the Sheep back in 1995. Some believe that cloning pets crosses a moral line and plays God, while others, including affluent figures like Barry Diller, see no issue with it. Critics argue that with so many animals in shelters needing homes, it’s questionable whether we should be investing in cloning when there are so many animals in need.
John Woestendiek, a prominent author and commentator on the topic, raises important concerns about the necessity of cloning when countless dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. He also highlights that cloning requires numerous surgeries, which can be problematic. Furthermore, he points out that while a pet may be cloned, its unique personality cannot be recreated. Indeed, Barbra herself acknowledges this, mentioning that the new dogs have their own distinct personalities, stating, “I’m waiting for them to get older so I can see if they have her brown eyes and seriousness.”
This leaves us pondering the true purpose behind such a hefty investment. If these new pups don’t mirror the personality of Samantha, what’s the point? Is it simply a way for Barbra to keep a piece of her past close?
In my opinion, while cloning may not be on my personal agenda—mostly due to my lack of a pet and the fact that my savings account is nonexistent—Barbra Streisand has certainly earned the right to make her own choices. As a groundbreaking figure in the entertainment industry, she shattered barriers that women had not crossed before. She was the first woman to take on multiple roles in filmmaking—star, director, producer, and co-writer. “I didn’t know it was a glass ceiling,” she remarked. “I just thought they don’t believe in a woman’s capacity to handle finances or to be the businessman.” She may not have recognized the limitations set before her, but she certainly broke through them, advocating for women’s rights along the way.
So, if you’re curious about pet cloning, I won’t judge you, Ms. Streisand. And while I don’t have any plans to clone a dog or a cat, the idea of cloning a mom? Now that’s a concept worth exploring! For those looking into the world of artificial insemination, you can check out the CryoBaby at-home insemination kit, which offers a modern approach to starting a family. For additional insights on this topic, Modern Family Blog provides a wealth of information. And if you’re interested in more about fertility and related procedures, Healthline serves as an excellent resource.
In summary, Barbra Streisand’s cloning of her dog has opened the door to a new discussion on the ethics and implications of pet cloning, highlighting the intersection of technology, love for pets, and moral considerations.