When Tom Brady introduced his family’s new dog, Junie, many fans noticed the striking resemblance to his late Pit Bull mix, Lua. What the public didn’t know until now is that Junie isn’t just similar to Lua — she’s her genetic twin.
The former NFL quarterback revealed that Junie is a clone of his beloved family dog, who passed away in December 2023. The cloning was performed by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotechnology company in which Brady is an investor. Using a small blood sample taken from Lua before her death, scientists were able to recreate her genetic makeup and bring Junie into the world.
“I love my animals. They mean the world to me and my family,” Brady said in a statement. “A few years ago, I worked with Colossal and leveraged their non-invasive cloning technology through a simple blood draw of our family’s elderly dog before she passed.”
The announcement came as Colossal Biosciences confirmed its acquisition of Viagen Pets and Equine, a company well known for its work cloning pets for high-profile owners, including Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton. Viagen has exclusive rights to technology developed by the Roslin Institute of Edinburgh, the same institution responsible for cloning Dolly the Sheep in the late 1990s.
Brady explained that the process allowed his family to hold onto an important part of their past. “The company gave my family a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog,” he said. “I am excited how Colossal and Viagen’s tech together can help both families losing their beloved pets while helping to save endangered species.”
Lua had been a part of Brady’s family for years, adopted by him and his former wife, Gisele Bündchen, during their marriage. Lua was often seen in family photos and even appeared in Brady’s 2014 Ugg Australia commercial. Her presence in their lives was significant, and her passing left both Brady and Bündchen grieving.
“Our little Lulu, our guardian angel is gone to heaven,” Bündchen shared in an Instagram post announcing Lua’s death. “She will forever live in our hearts. We already miss her sooooo much! #unconditionallove RIPLua 
.”
Brady also honored Lua on social media, posting photos with his children Benjamin and Vivian and writing, “We love you Lua, RIP.” In another tribute, he added that she was “forever in our hearts.”
Colossal Biosciences has drawn attention in recent years for its ambitious scientific ventures, including efforts to use genetic engineering to bring back extinct species like the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird. With the addition of Viagen, the company is expanding its reach from de-extinction projects to personalized cloning for pet owners.
While the ethics of cloning pets remain debated, Brady’s story has highlighted how deeply people value the bond they share with their animals. For his family, Junie represents both a continuation and a comfort.
For Colossal, it marks another milestone in a rapidly growing field that blends science, emotion, and the enduring desire to keep cherished memories alive.