Jennifer Aniston ‘Curious’ About Cloning Her Beloved Dogs: ‘It Obviously Sounds Pretty Kooky’

Jennifer Aniston is devoting most, if not all, of her spare time to dog care and a source exclusively tells Life & Style she’s become fascinated with the possibility of cloning her four-legged friends – much like one of her idols, Barbra Streisand .

“Jen’s dogs have become her life and she’s researching the possibilities of having them cloned, so that when they do eventually pass it might be a little less painful.”

The Friends alum, 55, revealed to Instagram followers during a virtual house tour on Tuesday, October 1, that her $21 million Bel-Air mansion, which she originally bought when she wed ex husband Justin Theroux , is also home to four furry friends.

In a video she posted, Jen reads to her pups from her new children’s book, Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life .

The book launched in support of her new charity, The Clydeo Fund, which aims to help unadopted animals find homes by providing financial assistance to shelters and aid agencies in need.

“I could not be more thrilled to be taking Clydeo and his stories to publishing, where he will hopefully inspire children and dog-lovers alike with his adorable journey to find his true passion,” The Morning Show star told People .

“We can get awareness out and help the shelters that are in desperate need. They can’t keep up. And all you see is that we're euthanizing innocent, beautiful, perfectly fine two-year-old dogs, or a puppy, or a litter. I can’t. It’s too much. It’s too many.”

Jen’s passion for her canine companions started after she adopted a dog while filming Friends . The acting animal, named Normal, actually appeared on the show in a scene alongside fellow performers Joey, played by Matt LeBlanc and Chandler, played by the late Matthew Perry .

Norman’s on-set trainers complained that the poor pup couldn’t hit his mark and would likely have to retire from show business – meaning if they couldn’t find anyone to take him, he’d go to a shelter to eventually be euthanized.

“I’ll take him,” Jennifer reportedly blurted out when she heard. The rest is history, as the actress has been enamored with caring for dogs ever since, even after Norman died.

“When she lost her dog Norman,” the source continues, “it absolutely wrecked her. She’s dreading going through that agony again and a few people have suggested she should look into cloning the three pups she has now just to ease the pain of the loss a little.”

“She loves all dogs but these three are like family, they’re more than just dogs to her. If she could have cloned Norman when he was alive, she probably would have because he was such a special dog, she was so attached to him and she’s equally attached to her dogs now,” the source adds.

“This isn’t something she’s going to openly talk about. It obviously sounds pretty kooky, but she’s investigating the possibility. She hasn’t made any decisions one way or the other, but it’s certainly something that she’s curious about.”