Well, it wouldn't be the same... and we could say that over time our mind could adapt to the idea that it is the same dog because it is the same... since our brain, if not properly trained... just as it believes in good things, it also believes in stupid things... so I think I would be lying to myself and especially to my children... it's been 3 Christmases this year that my son tells me that he misses his little black dog😓😓