Heroic Dog Cloned Successfully

I remain ambivalent about animal cloning, especially the copying of genetic material from animals which are considered to be "pets" in nature. I am concerned that some people who are motivated to clone their pet to "replace" a beloved one may be very disappointed that their "new" pet is not identical in personality or show those unique antics while its appearance is strikingly similar. They may not be open to allowing the cloned pet into their hearts unconditionally.

However this particular story about cloning a heroic and very special dog touched me deeply and gave me pause to examine reasons why the procedure may open very worthwhile doors.

Mr. James Symington, a retired Canadian police officer now residing in Los Angeles, entered an essay contest in 2008 in which he explained why he thought that Trakr, a search and rescue German shepherd who located the last survivor stuck in rubble subsequent to the terror attacks on the Trade Towers in New York City, on September 11, 2001. A biotech company, BioArts International, gave the cloned puppies to Mr. Symington.

On June 14, Mr. Symington had his first meeting with the pups. According to a statement by BioArts International, the meeting was a very emotional one. Mr. Symington told BioArts staff, "They're identical -- down to the smallest detail. Few dogs are born with exceptional abilities -- Trakr was one of those dogs. And if these puppies have the same attributes as Trakr, I plan on putting them in to search and rescue so they can help people the way Trakr did."

The procedure was headed by Dr. Hwang-Suk who produced the first canine cloning in 2005, and took place in South Korea at the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation. The team headed by Dr. Hwang used genes obtained from Trakr, and replaced them in random dogs. After the eggs were stimulated and had grown into embryos, they were implanted in surrogate mothers.

While the goal was to create only one puppy, the outcome amazingly produced five genetically identical puppies born to the surrogate mothers. The first cloned puppy was born on December 8, 2008, and the final puppy was born on April 4, 2009.

One of the search-and-rescue volunteers, Rick Cushman, personally observed Trakr's discovery of the fifth and final survivor, Genelle Guzman on September 12, 2001 and was happy to learn that Trakr had been cloned. He said, "If Trakr hadn't picked up her scent, we might not have known she was there. They helped save her life."

However, there is a bitter-sweet ending to this story. Trakr died two months ago at the amazing age of 16 years old. But fortunately his genes will live on in these miraculous puppies.

Watch the compelling video of the story by visiting the YouTube Video made by CBS News Online . What are your thoughts about this heroic dog's cloning? Leave a comment and share. Photo credit: Damian Dovarganes / AP