Magician splashed out £46K to have Scots dog cloned for residency in Las Vegas

Magician spends £46K to clone Scots dog for Las Vegas residency
A comic magician known as Piff The Magic Dragon has made headlines in Las Vegas by securing a residency with a cloned dog. Piff rose to fame after appearing on America’s Got Talent with his Dundee-born rescue dog named Mr Piffles back in 2015. After more than 15 years in the limelight and traveling extensively for performances, Mr Piffles, aged 17, is preparing to retire due to old age.

Despite searching for over seven years for a replacement who could live up to his beloved pooch’s standards, Piff, whose real name is John van der Put, couldn’t find a suitable dog. In a bold move, he decided to clone Mr Piffles, investing £46,000 ($60,000) to have scientists use the dog’s DNA to create a clone called Fortune, affectionately nicknamed Mr Piffles 2.0. Both dogs are set to perform together on stage before the original pooch begins his retirement.

Reflecting on this unique decision, John shared, “Vegas has seen many ‘firsts,’ but never before has there been a cloned performer. He is a hundred percent genetically identical – hence the name Mr Piffles 2.0! We also call him Fortune, as he cost a fortune to create at $60,000. But he is worth every cent.” Piff’s journey to fame started in 2011 on the Penn & Teller show Fool Us, and he gained further recognition after becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2015.

John’s bond with Mr Piffles began in 2008 when he rescued him from a young boy during his visit to the Edinburgh Festival. Since then, they have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe several times. Describing their connection, Piff shared, “At that time, Mr Piffles was being kicked around by an eight-year-old boy. I rescued him and gave him a new life in showbusiness. He took to it like a duck to water, and we’ve been inseparable since. We’ve been together for seven years now – it’s my longest relationship.”

In a groundbreaking move for the entertainment industry, Piff The Magic Dragon’s decision to clone his beloved dog has taken his Las Vegas residency to a whole new level. Their unique bond and captivating performances continue to charm audiences, making them a duo to watch in the world of magic and entertainment.