The Extreme Measures Barbra Streisand Took To Keep Her Late Dog’s Memory Alive

After making the shocking statement in an interview with Variety that her two Coton de Tulears, Miss Violet and Miss Scarlet, were clones of Samantha, the media was naturally curious as to the how and why. Barbra Streisand revealed to The New York Times, “I was so devastated by the loss of my dear Samantha, after 14 years together, that I just wanted to keep her with me in some way. It was easier to let Sammie go if I knew I could keep some part of her alive, something that came from her DNA.”

The cells were taken from the pup’s mouth and stomach, after which the genetic material was sent to a lab in Texas called ViaGen Pets. Apparently, the cloning process bears no guarantees, so while the “Funny Girl” actor was waiting, she kept the doors open to other dogs. One came in the form of a distant connection to Sammie — a puppy from her breeder whom Streisand named Miss Fanny. The other was a rescue Maltipoo whom she dubbed Sadie. Still, Streisand was elated when the lab informed the starlet that the cloning had worked, and she was now the proud owner of four puppies.

Only three puppies survived long enough to be welcomed into the actor’s home; at this point, she was feeling a little overwhelmed with five dogs. Fortunately, she found loving homes for Sadie as well as one of the clones, keeping Miss Fanny and the newly arrived Miss Scarlet and Miss Violet.