Some stories are so unbelievable they feel more like a movie plot than real life, and that’s true for Rufus and Ziggy’s story. It’s easily one of the most heartwarming tales you’ll hear today.
Channel 7 ABC News shared the touching story on July 14th that left one California family both overjoyed and astonished to find out that their adopted dog, Ziggy, was actually the father of their senior dog that passed away in April, named Rufus.
Just four days after their senior fur baby passed away, Jillian and her 6-year-old daughter Maya were looking at adoptable dogs on Muttville‘s social media pageswhen they spotted a dog that looked exactly like Rufus.
They headed to the shelter to meet the dog, Ziggy, and Jillian told ABC News, “It was just kismet that they looked alike. I think the longer I sat with him, there was a feeling I could not explain.” They brought him home, surprising Jillian’s husband and son, Benjamin.
Related: Senior Pup’s Final Day at Dog Park Before Crossing Rainbow Bridge Is Breaking Hearts
More About Rufus and Ziggy
The family soon realized that not only did the dogs look alike, but that Ziggy had a lot of the same personality characteristics that Rufus did. “The way they approach the kids, the way they talk, howl, everything about them was the same,” explained Jillian. “I was so certain that something was going on.”
Not sure what else to do, Jillian submitted the dog’s DNA for a test through Embark. The results they got back were shocking: The two dogs were an identical DNA match, meaning that Ziggy and Rufus are actually father and son!
ABC News spoke with Muttville’s CEO and founder, Sherri Franklin, who has helped save over 13,000 dogs. She was just as surprised as everybody else, “I thought I’d heard everything! It’s wild. Almost unbelievable!”
We loved everything about this story…it’s a one-in-a-million! Families that adopt senior pets have such huge hearts, and we’re so glad that Jillian’s family has found a new member that keeps them so connected to Rufus.
The news outlet also shared a video of the interview with Jillian, and it’s so heartwarming to watch. You can check it out here.