Overview

• The Reiffs now view Ziggy as a living link to Rufus, describing his presence as a balm for their grief and a continuation of cherished family memories.
• Embark’s genetic analysis delivered an astonishing identical match, confirming Ziggy as Rufus’s sire in a rare canine DNA finding.
• Muttville Senior Dog Rescue CEO Sherri Franklin hailed the case as the most remarkable she’s overseen among more than 13,000 dog placements.
• Striking physical and behavioral parallels—from matching howls to affectionate interactions with the Reiffs’ young children—prompted the family to pursue genetic validation.
• The revelation highlights a growing trend in which shelters and DNA services collaborate to guide adoptions and deepen owner–pet bonds.