Family get amazing surprise after adopting shelter dog

Family & ParentingPets
23 Jul 2025 • 12:19 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A Californian family, grieving the unexpected death of their dog Rufus, adopted a new senior dog named Ziggy from a San Francisco rescue.
  • Days after Rufus's passing, the family noticed Ziggy's striking resemblance to their late pet, including similar markings and behaviours.
  • Prompted by these similarities, Jillian Reiff, who had previously DNA tested Rufus, decided to have Ziggy's DNA analysed.
  • The DNA test results astonishingly revealed that Ziggy was the biological father of their recently deceased dog, Rufus.
  • Further details suggest a potential past connection, as both dogs were neutered at the same San Francisco SPCA in the same week.

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