Woman Clones Late Dog for $50K While Under ‘Profound Grief,’ but Now Admits She’s ‘Not Proud’ of ‘Crazy’ Decision (Exclusive)

Woman’s Decision to Clone Late Dog for $50K While Grieving Draws Reflections

Venessa Johnson recently found herself in a compelling dilemma after the passing of her beloved 17-year-old Shih Tzu, Oliver, due to cancer in December 2024. Overwhelmed by grief and struggling to cope with the loss of her loyal companion, Johnson took a drastic step that she now regrets. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Johnson shared her emotional journey of cloning Oliver in a moment of profound sadness, shedding light on the complexities of grief and the unexpected turns it can take.

The emotional turmoil began over a decade ago when Johnson decided to adopt Oliver, a 6-year-old Shih Tzu, from a family in California. Their bond grew stronger over the years, with Oliver becoming Johnson’s cherished companion and source of solace, especially as she navigated life as a single individual. However, when Oliver succumbed to cancer, Johnson’s world shattered, leading her to spend nearly $60,000 on treatments in a desperate bid to save him.

The devastating loss of Oliver left Johnson in a state of profound grief, where she found it difficult to carry on with her daily routine. Relocating to her parents’ home due to her inability to cope, Johnson’s life took a drastic turn as she grappled with the absence of her faithful companion. It was during this period of intense sorrow that Johnson was introduced to the concept of animal cloning while seeking solace in resources for pet grief.

Driven by a sense of hope and a desperate longing to preserve a part of Oliver, Johnson embarked on the cloning process with Viagen, a decision she now regards with mixed emotions. The intricate procedure involved extracting Oliver’s DNA, creating an embryo, and transferring it to a surrogate mother, resulting in the birth of three cloned puppies. Despite the successful outcome, Johnson acknowledges the exorbitant cost of $50,000 and the emotional toll of her choice.

With the passage of time and a clearer perspective, Johnson has come to terms with the reality that the cloned puppy, named Ollie, is not a substitute for her beloved Oliver. Reflecting on her decision in hindsight, Johnson admits that her actions were driven by overwhelming grief, clouding her judgment and rational thinking. She acknowledges that, given another chance, she would have chosen to adopt a shelter dog in honour of her steadfast belief in rescuing animals in need.

Reuniting with Ollie in November 2025 brought a bittersweet mix of emotions for Johnson, as she grappled with the uncanny resemblance to Oliver while also feeling the absence of her original companion keenly. Despite the criticisms and backlash she has faced for her decision to clone her pet, Johnson remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for shelter animals and supporting senior dogs in need. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can offer solace to others experiencing profound pet grief and emphasise the importance of adoption and fostering in animal welfare.

While the journey of cloning Oliver has been fraught with challenges and introspection for Johnson, it has also provided her with a platform to advocate for a cause close to her heart. As she navigates the complexities of grief and acceptance, Johnson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, loss, and the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions.