Science and whimsy are joining forces at Boston Children’s Hospital, where doctors are hopeful that advances in gene editing technology will soon allow sick kids to own pets only seen in dreams. Dr. Sophia Anderson, the chief of pediatric medicine, expressed excitement over the potential for children with rare diseases to have unique companions such as puppies with tentacles, guinea pigs with wings, or even goldfish with flowing locks. The hospital staff believes that these unusual pets could greatly improve the quality of life for these children.

Anderson humorously noted that a visit from a giant, two-headed puppy or a three-eyed snake with antlers could soon be a reality. She mused about the possibility of children being greeted by a rainbow-colored rabbit that speaks perfect Spanish. However, she did caution that widespread use of such treatments is still a few years away, especially after an unfortunate incident involving a horse with a shark's head.