the buzz log

Cloned animals are nothing new. Heck, it's been over a decade since Dolly the genetically engineered sheep exploded (not literally) onto the scene. But now we're seeing something new: cloned animals that people pay copious cash for.

A Florida couple, Nina and Ed Otto, recently forked over $155,000 for the first commercially cloned puppy, Lancelot Encore. An article from Money.co.uk explains that the regal puppy is an exact replica of the couple's dearly departed dog, Sir Lancelot. The original Lancey passed away last year after a bout with cancer. The couple sold some serious jewelry so they could afford to bring back their favorite companion.

Now 10 weeks old and cute as a button, the yellow Labrador never would have existed had the couple not had the foresight to store some of their old dog's DNA in the hopes "that cloning technology would one day be readily available to those willing to pay."

Clearly, that day has arrived. The pooch made its national television debut on the Today Show, and search response was immediate. Queries surged on "cloned dog" and "lancelot the dog." Additionally, mad scientists have pushed up queries for "how to clone." As for Lancelot, he's already making himself at home with the Ottos' other pets: 9 dogs, 10 cats, 6 sheep, and 4 parrots.