SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — For those who’ve ever had a pet, you realize simply how embedded they are often inside your loved ones. And to lose that pet may be devastating.
That was the case for one East Bay household till a brand new addition to their family introduced therapeutic in a means no person may have imagined.
Ever since Jillian adopted Rufus from San Francisco SPCA in 2016, the half rat terrier, half chihuahua combine has all the time been there.
“He was there when my husband and I had been engaged. When my husband and I acquired married at metropolis corridor, he was in our photos,” stated Jillian. “He was the primary to satisfy each of our children.”
Undated picture of the Rufus, who handed away in April 2025.
Jillian and her husband on their marriage ceremony day
Maya and Benjamin, now 6 and 4 years outdated, did not know a life with out Rufus.
When Rufus unexpectedly handed away this April, a deep gap was left behind.
“We weren’t able to undertake one other canine,” stated Jillian.
Over time, this dog-loving household has fostered dozens of canine. Jillian and Maya typically scrolling by shelter social media pages, taking a look at canine that want houses and discussing what sort of households they might want.
Simply 4 days after Rufus’s demise, the mother-daughter duo noticed what appeared like a well-recognized face on Muttville‘s social media pages, a canine that regarded identical to Rufus.
Ziggy, who was featured on Muttville’s web site.
They rushed right down to the senior canine rescue shelter, figuring out she needed to meet him.
“It was simply kismet that they regarded alike,” stated Jillian. “I feel the longer I sat with him. There was a sense I couldn’t clarify.”
There was no hesitation in taking him dwelling, a lot to the shock of Jillian’s husband!
“Dad was completely not anticipating that!” Maya stated.
Jillian together with her youngsters, Maya and Benjamin, and Ziggy
Quickly, Jillian realized that not solely did Ziggy appear to be Rufus, however he additionally exhibited comparable mannerisms!
Rufus, left, deceased, and Ziggy are associated!
“The best way they method the children, the way in which they speak, howl, every little thing about them was the identical,” defined Jillian. “I used to be so sure that one thing was occurring.”
On a whim, Jillian submitted Ziggy’s DNA for a check by Embark, a canine DNA check. The outcomes had been one thing no person may have imagined.
“They had been an an identical DNA match. Ziggy was truly Rufus’s organic father,” stated Jillian. “And that they share an excellent chunk of their DNA. I screamed. I screamed at my job, in my convention room. I nearly handed out!”
DNA outcomes present Ziggy is Rufus’ father!
Rufus, who handed away in April 2025, is Ziggy’s son.
Even Muttville‘s CEO and founder, who has helped save over 13,000 canine, was in disbelief!
“I believed I might heard every little thing,” stated Sherri Franklin. “It is wild. Nearly unbelievable!”
Whereas Jillian acknowledges that no canine will ever take Rufus’s place, her household is so grateful to organizations like Muttville for giving older canine like Rufus and now, Ziggy, an opportunity.
“I do not know that I can specific what this has meant to us,” stated Jillian.
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