Would you clone your dog?

I saw this story today about a couple in Florida who paid $155,000 USD to have their dog cloned! Their dog had died of cancer and, since he held such a special place in their hearts, they had him cloned. It got me thinking as to whether I would have done that for/to Watson, and I am unsure of the answer.

This couple had their dog's DNA frozen prior to his illness. But doesn't that mean that Cloned Dog would have the same genetic disposition to cancer as Original Dog? It would be heartbreaking to have the new dog die in the same horrible way.

So, would you have your dog cloned? Thoughts?

Q&A video about canine cancer

Here is a video by the Morris Animal Foundation featuring three veterinary oncologists from Colorado State University discussing canine cancer prevention and treatment. According to the video, cancer is the number one killer of dogs over two years old. Take a moment and find out more.

Snowy days

We've been trying to enjoy the snowy days here, although arctic cold has made it difficult to go for walks sometimes. Here are some shots from a recent walk in the woods after fresh snowfall. Waldo has such thin fur that we got him a coat this year. Red, so that the hunters know not to shoot him!


Here he is bounding off onto the trail.


It seems like the cold weather has lessened the appearance of his sebaceous cysts, as well. Near the end of the summer, I was in a cycle where I thought every lump must mean that dreaded "c" word. Looks like I officially have my first lumpy dog! And what a relief that is.....