Grieving family adopt 'identical' dog after losing pet then make wild DNA discovery

Daily Mirror

17-07-2025

Jillian Reiff had only just said goodbye to her beloved dog, Rufus, when she found another dog that looked exactly like him, but it turned out there was more than just a resemblance
A heartbroken family was left gobsmacked after rescuing a dog that was the spitting image of their late beloved pet – only to find out the pair were father and son. Jillian Reiff had barely finished grieving for Rufus, her cherished rat terrier cross, when she spotted a photograph on Instagram of another dog.
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The pooch was Rufus' doppelganger – boasting identical markings and ears. Though still devastated by her loss, Jillian wasn't certain she was prepared for another four-legged friend – but her instincts urged her to arrange a meeting.
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Merely four days afterwards, she and her loved ones popped down to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, where an instant attraction took place.
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"He felt like a gift," Jillian revealed to What's The Jam, adding: "Seeing his happy face reminded us so much of our beloved boy."
"It brought peace to a house that had been crying for days." Jillian reckons the likeness was extraordinary, prompting them to take the hound home immediately and christen him Ziggy.
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Back at their place, Ziggy made himself comfortable right away – wandering through the front entrance like he was the landlord and forming an immediate connection with their senior dog, Petey.
The similarities didn't end there – Ziggy began mimicking everything Rufus once did, from welcoming the children each morning to tucking a blanket around his head come bedtime.
However, when he began howling like a wolf, exactly as Rufus had done, Jillian's gut feeling kicked in. She requested a DNA analysis for Ziggy, comparing it with one she'd arranged for Rufus years earlier – and the findings were absolutely staggering.
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Not only were they the same mix, they were family – Ziggy was Rufus's actual dad. It transpired that Rufus had been adopted from the San Francisco SPCA nine years prior, while Ziggy had recently been found as a stray and taken to Muttville, also in San Francisco.
Now, spiritually reunited and sharing the same home, the Reiff family express their abode is once again filled with happiness – all due to a fortuitous scroll on Instagram.
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Jillian stated: "There is no science I can find to explain this, only kismet. We have cried many times since last Thursday, this time in unadulterated joy.
"The fact Ziggy is here and with us to spend the rest of his amazing life is because of Muttville."
It follows news that Perranporth Beach in Cornwall has been voted the UK's best dog-friendly beach. Canine Cottages investigated beaches across the country in an effort to find the top locales.
The verdict was decided after looking at reviews, dog-friendly activities, terrain and car parks. Perranporth Beach, situated on the North Cornwall coast, has plenty to offer, including rock pools, and is dog-friendly throughout the year.
It's worth noting, however, that dogs must be kept on their leads in July and August on the main beach, although there remains ample space for your four-legged friend.