There’s no science that can fully explain certain events, that’s for sure.
How does one stumble upon a dog that feels just perfectly suited for them? Or fill the void left by losing a pup with another who seems like their ideal match? It’s hard to put into words, yet for some reason, these things tend to happen in just the right order.
But what if I told you some events go even beyond that?
Take the story of the Reiff family, for example. After losing their beloved dog, Rufus, the family never imagined they’d find another dog so perfect for them.
Then, just a few days later, Ziggy entered their lives, and it turned out he was Rufus’ biological father!
How about that?
What Are The Odds?
Jillian and her family were devastated after losing their beloved Rufus.
After so many years of happiness, this sweet Chihuahua mix crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a huge void in all their lives. But little did the family know something amazing would happen only four days later.
One night, Jillian was scrolling through rescue sites, when she saw a familiar face. A dog named Ziggy was available for adoption through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in California — and he looked exactly like Rufus!
Jillian, who never thought of adopting another dog, couldn’t shake the feeling that this dog belonged with them. So, she applied!
“Ziggy was adopted from Muttville by the Reiffs in April, days after they lost Rufus, the family’s pup since 2016,” the California rescue shared in a Facebook post.
As Ziggy arrived at his new home, the resemblance between him and Rufus became even stronger.
The two literally looked like relatives, even though they were years and miles apart. Still, on a whim, Jillian decided to do the DNA test, and the result was mind-blowing!
Not only were Rufus and Ziggy related, but they were actual father and son!
Jillian, who received the test results at work, almost passed out from shock. The news felt unbelievable. And it was unbelievable!
“The statistical probability of two dogs over 15, a decade and hundreds of miles apart, being a direct child/parent bloodline and both adopted by the same family is one in millions. There is no science I can find to explain this, only kismet.” said Jillian, as reported by We Rate Dogs.
The Resemblance Is Uncanny
The story the Reiff family shared soon made the headlines, making Ziggy and his late son, Rufus, top news all over the country.
But, what fascinated Jillian and her family most was how truly identical these dogs were — in almost every way possible. Not only do they look alike, but Ziggy also growls, shows affection, and covers his head with a blanket the same way Rufus did. The resemblance was beyond amazing!
“Not only do the dogs look similar, but they also both ‘talk,’ are obsessed with the kids, cover their heads with a blanket at bedtime, and more,” the rescue reported.
Although not planning to adopt so soon, the Reiffs couldn’t be more grateful for Ziggy. To have him around just after their beloved Rufus crossed the rainbow bridge is the ultimate comfort for Jillian, her husband, and their kids.
There’s no doubt that Rufus’ memory will be preserved forever. However, having Ziggy is their chance to relive all those beautiful moments again… and make Ziggy feel part of the family, just as Rufus was!