Your Turn
I saw a couple is going to pay $100K to clone their deceased dog. Would you pay that much? How much would you pay to keep your pet alive if they would have a good quality of life?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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70 comments:
I don't have $100,000 to spend, so I guess its a moot point.
But I do love my pug.
Not enough, probably. I have three kids, and as much as I have loved some of my pets over the years, as close as I've been to them and as much as my family has cherished them, I barely have enough to send each of my kids to one year of college, let alone four years for all three. There is so much I would rather be spending on my kids that I don't have, so the only way I could answer this is to hypothetically say I'm filthy rich. Like Pinnault rich. I'd probably pay quite a bit. But I'm not.
As much as I LOOOOOVE my dog, I'd be afraid that it would be a physical clone and not share the same personality as she currently has, so no.
If I had it, I just might. I lost my little Simon a year back and I would have done anything to get him back.
The more I think about it, probably not. He came into my life for those few years and was taken away for whatever reason. No need to mess with the ”big guys” decision.
I do have his ashes.
I would never clone my dog. There's only one and that's how it should be.
NO I wouldn't. As Peter Tosh sang, "everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die."
I'm good sticking with nature.
No, cloning freaks me out. If I had enough money, I would pay to have my dog stuffed.
Oh IF I had the money
I loved my dog!!! I was more sad when I left my dog than my ex
I think that's weird, sorry. Bad sci-fi flick, and I do love the genre.
In my opinion, if you're truly such an avid animal lover, you'd be more interested in rescuing and loving one of the many millions needing a loving home and nurturing a new relationship there.
As much as I want my beloved Toulouse back, I know it wouldn't be the same wonderful spirit.
I loved my dog more than anything in the world, except my parents...and I would have done anything to have had more time with her. Unfortunately, it's the law of nature that everything must die. I wish scientist would stop trying to make everyone and eveyrthing live forever.
If I had the money oh I'd be tempted for sure, I love my guy so much, and I do believe temperament is in the genes as well as nurture.
However, too many other dogs waiting to be adopted. And they would become just as loved. I mean I wouldn't clone my kid, just too weird. There's only one of a kind.
Hell no. They're not going to be the same dog anyway. Agree with Sarah: I love my dogs, but there's plenty of other dogs who need a home after our two pass.
If I was rich enough to afford something like this (and if I had a dog), no. There are so many dogs in shelters that need homes - I'd rather help the living.
It's my four-legged furry child's birthday today and I would go to the ends of the earth and spend any amount of money if it meant extending and giving him a good quality of life, however, I would never clone him. It's not the physical appearance that makes the dog but his personality and my baby's personality can't be cloned b/c he's one of a kind original broke the mold when they made him perfect snowflake.
Nothing. It would creep me out too much. The idea of it being your dog but not your dog. Sounds like a horror movie waiting to happen.
And I love my dogs!!! I just don't want pet clones.
I can understand the desire to keep a beloved pet around, however the reality is that ultimately, cloning doesn't bring back the original - it's essentially only a genetic xerox - with no guarantees that the clone will even look the same as the original.
So no, I would never clone a pet.
Besides, there are far too many unwanted animals out there that need a home for me personally to do something so undeniably selfish.
No. Something's not right about cloning.
Wow, that price is double what I saw in headlines not even that long ago.
No way. But I don't have any dogs, just cats and wouldn't clone them either.
I volunteer with a rescue group, and while I've had my fair share of pets pass away from old age or incurable disease, I would never clone them. There are too many good cats and dogs looking/needing homes that are put down. People need to spend the time mourning their pet, then go adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group. Do not clone. Spend the $100,000 on your local humane society and help the already existing animals...
/off soapbox
I forked out over $500 to keep my cat-Kevin Arnold-alive when he had a horrible urinary blockage. (Let's not even talk about the special food/treats since then) Worth every single penny too-to be honest I would have paid 3x that just to have him healthy. That was 5 years ago-he's now approaching 11 yr/old and has not had another attack since *knocks on wood* I'd say no to cloning tho-it wouldn't be his kitteh spirit.
No. As much as I loved my late Westie, I would not clone him. First, because I know that there would be no way to insure that he'd have the same personality. Second, he died from stomach cancer, which means that it is VERY likely that his clone would develop the same type of lymphoma. We spent several thousand dollars trying to beat the cancer to no avail, and the last few days of his life were very painful. I'd never want to go through that again.
exactly...personality cannot be cloned. But if I could keep my baby girl alive forever as she is, I would go into very very very deep debt.
I have never loved anyone as much as I love my baby girl.
I don't care if I sound pathetic. :)
I co-sign with the others who say that there are WAY too many other animals out there waiting for forever homes to justify cloning a pet. I love my animals very, very much. They are my kids. I will do anything and pay anything to give them good lives and good health. But passing away is the natural progression, no matter how much it hurts. I lost my chiweenie just before last Halloween to a sudden stroke. She was only 3.5 years old. I was absolutely devastated and inconsolable. But there is no way I would have had her cloned, even if I could have afforded it. I honored her memory more by getting another playmate from the shelter for my remaining dog.
George Carlin once said that getting a pet was volunteering for a small tragedy, simply because their life spans are (usually) so much shorter than ours. But I can't imagine living without animals, even though it hurts so much when they pass away.
Also, I think cloning is weird and unnatural and should be banned.
Funny this should be asked today...I took my tiny dog to the vet this am. Waiting for lab results to come back, but he's not doing well. He's in the office with me and I just want to cry.
No cloning for me, thanks. That's some Pet Sematary shit.
But I will obviously do my best to make sure my dog has the longest, healthiest life possible.
We had to put our kitty down in October. We still miss her so much and it hurts coming home to no one greeting us at the door but that's nature.
Even if it wasn't creepy and even if it would be the same personality, etc., I wouldn't do it. Like others said, there are so many other animals out there who need a home.
And maybe the new kitty won't wake me up at 4am for food or throw up on the couch or claw on my shoes.
I think those people probably should've seen someone to cope with their loss.
I understand someone loving their pets so much where money isn't an issue, but then I think of all the lovable rescue pets that might never have homes. It's their choice what they do with their money, but that could help so many animals if they donated it to the ASPCA or Humane Society or even Best Friends Pet Sanctuary.
Best Friends "Animal" Sanctuary.
I completely understand...
I would pay every dime I had to get my dog back. I had to put him down four years ago and I still tear up thinking about him. Best pal ever.
I could never see myself doing this even if money was no object. I loved all of the pets I have had so much, that it would feel like dishonoring their memory by trying to recreate them. They are so special that you just have to enjoy them while they are here.
So many cats and dogs need a good home, that is seems so much better to open up your heart to a new personality. And I agree the money would be better spent donating to shelters.
Spending all this $$$$ on sick and dying pets is for people that have more $$$$ than brains! It's cheaper just to buy a new dog! Pets are not people and can easily be replaced.
I am a huge dog lover. I have insurance for my newest rescue who is 1.5 years old now. If he were to lose the use of all 4 legs, no go. Certain types of cancer, no go.
Cloning doesn't mean you'll have the same behaviors, even have the same type of coat. Seems silly.
100k to a rescue shelter seems a better way to honor your pet.
@mikey and @anita I'm so sorry, my heart goes out to you and Mikey I hope your little pup is ok.
My rescue kitty is sitting in my lap as I type this...I am not kidding, when he was ill a while back and the vet said it might be a brain tumor, I said what can be done? She said well you'd have to take him 5 hours away for a CAT scan (no pun intended) and it will be about $4,000. I said "Ok," and immediately began liquidating everything I owned in my mind. Thank GOD it only turned out to be something that required daily meds but this little guy and I have been through so much together...he's 12, and knock on wood in good health, and he is an unbelievable lovey little guy...so smart. I could never clone him but I would spend every last penny I had to save him if he would still have a good life. He is that special to me.
Thanks. Co lived to be 17. She had a great life but kidney disease got her. We know we did the right thing because she wouldn't get better and we didn't want her to suffer. I miss her but eventually I'll get a new little friend and I'll see what personality she will have and I'll adapt accordingly.
I spent $700 on surgery for my cat after he tore a tendon about 15 years ago. I was in my 20s and didn't bat an eye about it. But that was because it wasn't a life-threatening surgery. My last cat, I decided to put him down after his renal disease got too advanced that he needed IV treatment.
Cloning though? Nope. I've seen too many Frankenstein movies to go down that path. Though I'm incredibly curious about how much the cloned animal (or persons) personality would change. It's like the ultimate answer to the nature vs. nurture question.
@jetfeulgenious, thanks. Fingers crossed!
When I lost my first two cats I got as an adult, cloning was new and I had fantasies.
But after a few months, you go to the shelter and find a brand-new kid--a new personality to get to know. I'd rather have memories of all the different pets I've had, than the same pet over & over.
I'm currently at $6,000 in medical bills for my cat in just a week. She has suddenly been diagnosed with cancer but she went through the ER and had multiple x-rays and ultrasounds to locate the tumors, which all starts to add up. I also have a cat who had to have a surgery for a kidney stone in the same week and while she is going to be fine, I would never question paying for anything when I can afford it. As for my cat with cancer, I will keep paying the bills, for however long it takes until SHE tells me she's had enough. Right now she is eating, playing, grooming and purring a great deal. When that starts to go, I will have to make the decision for her because I know that as much pain as she is in, she will not want to disappoint me - that's how she is. I know I am in a place of shock right now and getting though each day is all that matters but she was my first pet ever and this is breaking my heart.
@elle Ohhh honey I'm so sorry your going through it right now. All you can do is hope and pray and spend as much time with your baby as you can. Besides the KevinKat I wrote about above we also had another kitty about 4 years ago. Nippy was a beautiful little calico that had sooo much love in her heart. About a month after we adopted her the vet told us she had feine leukemia. The vet's best advice was the the same I just gave to you. You'll know when its the right time to let go. Sadly Nip is resting in the backyard under the big oak tree now. Best to you dear hart. And I'm sending out MAD pet love to any other commenters going through hard animal times. (Sorry this was so long)
@Elle - Hugs!
Hell no! Not with all the poor animals out there needing good homes.
That's ridiculous, but hey--it's a free country (or wherever these people are from).
For that matter, look at all the starving HUMAN children as well.
Plus, they could get the Monster Pet from Hades! Cloning won't ensure the same personality, IIRC.
I've paid a small fortune to keep pets alive.
I would never clone a pet no matter how much I loved it. I had an English Mastiff that lived to eleven and half, literally ancient. Our chow mix thirteen and half. They were rescues, and the next rescue and present dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback, I don't even go for the same breed again, it could never be the same.
A million little things made your dog who or what they were to you and yours, it can't be replicated along with the dog.
@Elle and Mikey, I'm sorry for what you're going through.
As much as I love the 2 dogs I have now, I would NEVER clone them. With so many other dogs living in shelters or dying to get a family, I would never pay an outrageous sum to clone them.
Pogue Mahone, I have gotten into arguments with people on this site before about things, usually politics, but I am going to say something to you that I have never said to anyone before on CDAN. You are just a straight-up asshole. I don't know if you are a troll or what, but I seriously hope you never have pets, because you obviously lack the ability to love other beings. Pets cannot be "easily replaced." They each have their own personalities and spirits and deserve unconditional love, as that is what they give to us. I far prefer my furbabies to most people I know, and you are yet another reason for me to feel that way.
I have spent a few thousand in vet bills willingly and would happily pay ten times that if I could safely double their natural life span because in the 8 years we have shared together, they have become a part of me.
I think cloning would be a big mistake, even if they looked identical; they wouldn't have the same spirit or quirks and it would break my heart when they didn't know me.
@Pogue What a fucked up, nasty, throw away comment.
You're the fool, if you haven't let a precious animal into your cold,, icy, dead heart.
I'd give my last dime that I didn't need for food/shelter to keep my pup alive. In fact, I pretty much already am. I wouldn't clone her for myself, because she wouldn't be the same dog, but I do think she's an amazing mix, and there should be a lot more just like her out there.
So sad and so selfish to waste money cloning a dog when so many need a home and die daily.
Rude, rude, rude, I would never speak to a person who did that - they're horrible. Plus, a clone does not make that new animal the same exact *being* as the old animal, ugh. Ignorant, stupid people, throw away your money on something else.
Thanks for the loving comments everyone.
What I am learning about people is that some have measures for love and for them, animals (or in this current world, same sex love) are somehow lesser. To them I say 'love is love'. It's an energy, a bond, a heart responding to another - it doesn't discriminate. I don't care where it comes from or in what form, if another living being makes you feel loved and fills you with compassion and lights up your life, you will do whatever you can to honor their presence. If that means spending your last dime in order to make their life a little easier, then that's what you do. I have always been someone who responds to the innocence of animals and the very fact that they can't speak means that the bond you create with them is something deeper. When you don't need words to convey that love but instead you get to see it in the light of their eyes or feel it in the warmth of a hug, then you have hit life's lottery.
Ahhh... right up my alley. When I was in vet school 8 years ago the idea of cloning pets was just coming to fruition. We were constantly reminded that although the DNA may make the animal look identical, it would never be the same animal. Every event that occurs in a lifetime alters the personality of a pet. There is no way to exactly mirror the original lifetime, therefore this animal would never be the "same." (As well as the "spirit" of animals for those of us that believe in that)
I have heard a lot of people say they want to clone their pet during times of incredible sadness. However, as the pain lessens these individuals are happy to have a new pet with their own, unique personality! Pus, remember that if you clone your pet the next one will most likely die of the same fate that killed it the "first" time-- most causes of illness have some sort of genetic component (obviously, unless it was a traumatic event).
Love to all the animal lovers out there... <3
We just had to put down our boston terrier, and I will be honest...if I had that kind of disposable income, and I could have a dog that was identical to her in personality, then I would. Hands down, yes. Not just because I am still grieving, but because she was literally my best friend and a huge part of our family. I would pay anything I could afford to have her back.
After reading "Pet Semetary" uhm, no. Lucy and Ethel will have to go onto that great litter box in the sky. Although OP wants to have them either a) stuffed or b) made into slippers (ain't never gonna happen!).
And my sincere sympathy to everyone who lost a beloved pet. I am so crazy for mine it's gonna hurt like hell when they are no longer here. I'm with everyone here (Save for Icy Blue Heart Mahone) that your pets are your best friends who provide such unconditional love that they reinforce the world is a good place when you are down.
As Will Rogers said, "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went". You can also add cats and any other animals to that as well. They have the purest love.
And NEVER trust a person who doesn't like animals.
The end. By me!
I was thinking about Pet Semetary while reading the posts, I love Stephen King. IMO the cloned pets would not be demented creatures though, as long as they were raised in the same way the original pet was it should turn out the same. It might be difficult to replicate that though.
I would be more in favour of rescuing another pet, it's interesting to learn and accept a new pets personality.
I'd never clone a pet for all the reasons everyone else has given. As for spending money to keep them going, I wish I had more money right now for my Jezebel--she needs more thyroid meds/bloodwork plus tooth cleaning/possible extractions, and just that latter one will run around $300-400; unfortunately, I'm unemployed & looking for a new job right now. (I'll be looking to sell a decent little Squier Telecaster guitar when I get some other money together for Jess's dental work--anyone in Boston want to buy a guitar w/case for around $250? And does anyone in Boston need a pretty good legal secretary?) I would never try to keep an animal going if they were obviously suffering, but as long as they're still enjoying life, I'll do whatever I can for for her/him.
@Robin, I'm sorry to hear that. One question, how old is your cat? I'm assuming it's a cat based on your avatar. In my complete, unexpert opinion, I wouldn't worry too much about the teeth. As Co was aging, the vet said she had some teeth issues but based on her age, it would be more upsetting to her to go through the dental extraction. I loved my vets, they were a cat only hospital and they weren't after my money.
No need to be nasty about it, but not everyone enjoys the company of animals. I pretty much only like my own dog, and I've only had her for a few weeks. Before that, I didn't like any dogs. And I'm still not sure they should be living in human houses with people, but she seems to like it. It IS quite an ego boost.
For the human, that is.
Maja, WTF? Where else would a domesticated animal live but in a house? If people aren't going to let their pet live inside, then do them a favor and don't get one. Inside animals are far, far healthier and longer-lived than outside animals.
And yes, there IS a reason to be "nasty about it." Pogue said, basically, that companion animals are worthless and interchangeable. That is so offensive, I can't let it pass. I don't care if someone likes animals or not -- that's their problem. But it doesn't give them the right to say really offensive things without being called out on it. I don't like kids, but I don't go around saying that they are annoying pains in the ass, now do I?
Settle down, Texshan - I meant that Pogue, or anyone who is not fond of pets, doesn't have to be nasty about it. But if you're feeling particularly nasty today, go right ahead and take that personally, my dear.
And all I said was that for ME, as a person who did not grow up with pets, and is not used to living with animals, it's a strange feeling having a four legged individual in my house. She is a happy, healthy dog and I intend to do everything I can to keep her that way, but I still find it...odd. All I'm saying is that many people are not comfortable with pets, and for some reason, many pet owners feel that everyone should love their dogs and cats and fucking parakeets, and allow them to jump and slobber all over everybody else. I GET that dogs and cats and hamsters have been domesticated and nowadays fare better living in human houses. I still think it's a little strange.
And also, I do think a LOT of people have pets for vanity's sake, or because they don't want to be lonely, which is a pretty fucking sad state of affairs in my opinions.
As a humorous ending, I would like to share with you all that our dog came from a family that didn't have time for her, or could be bothered to do anything for her really. Like training her, or getting her her shots, or getting her spayed. I - a person who is not used to dogs, brought home a bitch in heat. Right now, she is at the stage where she really wants to get pregnant. I didn't know female dogs humped things. I learned something this week.
"I don't like kids, but I don't go around saying that they are annoying pains in the ass, now do I?"
It would be perfectly alright with me if you did. I mean, let's call a spade a spade here.
I took Pogue Mahone's meaning as it's easy to physically replace the animal.
I took in my Boots when he was 13. I figured I'd give him a few good years and that's it. I wasn't a cat person; can't even call myself that now. He lived to be 21. Before he shuffled off his mortal coil, I couldn't stand the stray cat we had hanging around outside (my husband called him Fucker, and that's what he answered to) and Boots didn't like him either. But when I came back from the vet that day, Fucker curled up on my lap and he became a great help to me.
My husband only let Fucker in the house when we were here and it was very cold outside. I hated that (and have hated it many times since with many other strays), but he grew up on a farm and to him, pets stayed in the barn. (The barn is no longer on our land, but it's still standing.) You would think he hates animals, but he hates animals in his house. He's really good with them, and they LOVE him. He calls the horses across the street his girlfriends.
I miss having a pet. I've had some budgies, then Boots, then 2 more budgies after Boots, and now I would like a dog for various reasons. Of course, I'm meeting huge resistance, but I finally put my foot down and said as soon as I can afford it, we will have a dog. He's very stressed out about it - he's imagining massive vet bills and the house being torn apart and smelling like shit. I plan on getting pet insurance, and adopting a dog that's spayed/neutered and house-trained. Our son has broken enough things around here that a calm dog should be a welcome addition.
Can someone tell me if they have pet insurance and they've had to use it? Wondering if it's just as good as human benefits at work.
Maja, I apologize -- when you said there was no need to get nasty about it, and then said that not everyone likes animals, I took it to mean that those of us who were offended by Pogue's comments shouldn't be "nasty" to him/her.
I understand your feelings about people letting their animals go crazy and misbehave and expecting other people to find it charming (I feel that way about other people's kids, frankly). My two pomeranians think they are Billy Badasses and since they are adorable and little and fluffy I let them get by with a lot more than I really should. But if someone new was in my house and the dogs were being rambunctious, I would put them in another room or outside. I may find my two hellions cute as shit, but that doesn't mean everyone else has to.
Since she can't tell you thank you, I want to do so on behalf of your new dog. I am sure you will be a great doggy mommy and that she appreciates you adopting her. By the way, the humping thing never really goes away in some dogs. My red pompom loves to hump my white one, even though they are both neutered males. Even more pathetically, it's usually a face-humping situation. There's a lot of canine teabagging going on around here, sadly. It's a domination thing, not a sexual one -- the red pompom has been with me six months longer, and he's a couple of months older than the white one. My chiweenie who passed in October did it to the red pompom, too, once we brought him home, and she was spayed. But maybe you'll get lucky and your girl will cut it out once she's spayed, if there isn't another dog around to dominate.
Shakey, I am sorry about Boots. I wish your husband would let the other kitty in, but my mom's family were farmers and I am familiar with how many farm people regard animals. My grandmother never really liked cats -- to her, cats were always barn dwellers who killed mice and rats and served a purpose. My mom loves cats, but my grandma would never let her have one. Once my mom got married and moved out, she always had cats (and usually dogs, too). I wouldn't say that my grandma ever really felt comfortable with them hanging around her, but she did try -- she would pet them (awkwardly) and enjoyed the funny things they did. So maybe you will be able to wear him down.
You didn't ask, but I would suggest getting a young adult dog. They are usually better behaved, already housebroken, and not puppy-hyper. I would caution against getting a small dog (they tend to chew and yap) or a terrier of any kind (they are often hyper and destructive out of sheer boredom). Medium-sized and bigger dogs might be better for your family. Do some breed research, but ultimately, it's a personality match, not a breed match. Unfortunately, I do not have pet insurance, so I can't give you any advice on that. But I know there are several good companies online that offer it. Good luck!
I Immediately think about Pet Sematary when the subject of cloning comes up. That book/movie scarred me so no way would I ever want to even though I think everyone should experience having the sweet soul of a pup I have.
@shakey - I had Banfield pet insurance for over ten years but recently quit when the practice I went to kept having high turnover with vets. It made sense when I was in my early 20's, very broke with only one dog but it got pricey with three. The only time it came in handy was with dental cleanings, which was inc at a higher monthly premium. They are very specific about what things are covered and what is not so make sure you read the fine print.
Thanks for info, Lelaina!
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