A family from the United States of America has spent over $47,000 on cloning their beloved pet dog after it died.

Marley, a Labrador, died from cancer 5 years ago.

After the death of Marley, Alicia and David Tschirhart could not bear the thought of living without their beloved pet dog, so they decided to get help from a cloning company.

The couple went to a company that uses the same cloning technique that produced a genetic copy of Dolly the Sheep in 1996.

The couple said they spent $47,800 on the technique.

When asked if it was worth it, the couple said the money was well spent.

The couple said they were keen on cloning Marley because she saved the life of Alicia when they were out hiking.

During an interview, the couple said, “I just saw this really big stick and so I was focused on grabbing that. I didn’t even see the snake until Marley started clawing.”

Marley reportedly chased off the incredibly venomous rattlesnake and Alicia thought it would be fitting to bring her dog back from the dead.

Alicia said she wanted to speak with the dog and say thank you.

Not only that, David said it would be amazing for their kids to grow up with a dog that is nearly genetically identical to the one that they adored so much.

David said, “I just couldn’t think of any better way to do that. To have, you know, their years growing up to have Ziggy around.”

The couple reportedly went to ViaGen Pets to have their pet dog cloned.

In order to clone the dog, researchers, doctors, and scientists are required to take a biopsy of the animal while they are living or shortly after their death.

The scientists then take out the DNA and other necessary cells from the animal, fuse it with the nucleus of a female dog’s egg, and let the nature do the rest of the job.

Do you think it was right for the couple to spend nearly $50,000 USD on cloning a pet dog?

Tell us what you think by leaving a comment in the comment section below.