DNA Testing for Dogs

     A few weeks ago, I discovered that there are tests that can detect doggie DNA for determining types of mixed breeds. After doing some research into the different companies out there I made a decision on one to test with. My research included talking with a vet, Professors of Animal Sciences at Auburn University and their Veterinarian School, as well as people who have actually tried the DNA testing for their own animals. One person actually knew the exact makeup of their dog but wanted to test the accuracy for future testings. The recommendation from these sources was that the testing at worst was about 75% accurate to near 100% accurate at best. So that seemed good enough for me. Being increasingly curious about Harley’s genetic makeup, I opted with a company that had a good reputation and fit the bill for what I desired: affordability, accuracy, communication, accessibility and results in a timely manner.

     The test cost me about $70 and was purchased at a local PetSmart store. They had several types of tests to choose from with varying prices. The test included 2 Q-tip type swabs, 2 tube containers to place the swabs in after collecting the sample, a prepaid postage envelope for returning the samples, and complete step by step instruction page. The test itself was very simple. I just took one of the swabs and rolled it around Harley’s cheek for  about 15 seconds to collect DNA. Then I repeated it with the other swab. It didn’t hurt Harley and he didn’t mind at all. I placed the swabs in the container tubes after they had air dried, placed the tubes in the envelope, sealed it up and mailed it. Quick and painless…Except for the anxious waiting for the results.

     The company I chose was a company called Wisdom Panel Insights using Mars Veterinary’s proprietary breed detection algorithm methods. Their box stated it would take 2-3 weeks for results and their website said the same. It took 3 weeks to the day. Their customer service was very fast to respond to my anxious inquires and their website has a page that you can follow the progress on. Very cool.

     So on the 3 week anniversary my report was generated showing me what my Harley was. Not the Saint Bernard that I had thought but….a Great Pyrenees that I had begun to suspect…. with a very minor to possible none Collie breed thrown in. I had begun to see all the signs of the Pyrenees lately and am so glad to have it confirmed for sure.

      I would recommend this testing if you are like me and want to know what your mixed breed dog is. I can now have a better understanding of why Harley does what he does and can employ better training techniques geared to his breed specific thinking process. What is really interesting is that the professor at Auburn said he thought this is what Harley was even as a young pup. Very smart guy… that may be why he is a professor of Animal Science at Auburn University.

Dog Treat Recipe

Found this cool recipe for dog treats that I thought I would share.

Peanut Butter Treat

2 cups of rice flour

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1/4 cup canola cooking oil

3/4 cup of warm water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Once it becomes stiff, start kneading until smooth, adding up to a tablespoon of water if needed. Roll out into about 1/4 thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Do not over cook. Cool and treat your dog.

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Another recipe to try:

2 cups of rye flour

1/2 cup rice flour

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup of water

Blend the flours and cornmeal together. Whisk the oil and water together. Slowly add to flour mix to the water and oil mix-forming a stiff dough. Add more water if needed to make the dough workable. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutter. Place on non-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes or until treats are crisp. Cool and treat dog.

Callie's New Beginning

     Callie is a female white Labrador Retriever. I say white because she is more white than yellow. She came to us by the usual route. She was a rescue dog.

     Her beginnings were sad. She was a young pup being raised in a questionable environment. She was left out in the elements without proper attention or care. She was run over by a car. The owners were going to shoot her instead of taking her to the vet to tend to her injuries. A neighbor stepped in and told them she would take the pup. She brought her in to the Veterinarian where one of my daughters works. The neighbor promised to pay all costs for the pup. The pup had several breaks in both legs and a broken jaw and some internal issues. But they were fixable with time and lots of care.
     
Well after about 2 weeks, the neighbor stopped checking on the pup, moved and left no forwarding address. Callie had to have her legs splinted and her other wounds tended to. Bruised and underweight, she was abandoned. Normally this would necessitate a call to the pound for pick up. Given her circumstances that would mean being put down for sure.
   
But being the kindhearted people they are at the Animal Hospital, they just couldn't bring themselves to making that call. Something about Miss Callie tugged on their heartstrings. So, for the next 3 months while she recuperated, Callie would end up being a guest at the Animal Hospital. The girls would take turns sometimes bringing her home with them for the weekends just to give her a chance to be in a normal environment.
   
Callie was growing so fast that she soon outgrew even their largest kennel area and more permanent arrangements had to be made. So I reluctantly agreed to let her come and stay at our home with the condition that another home must be found for her ASAP!
   
Almost 4 years later, she is still here...And Lordy it has been a ride with her. She adapted well into our home with the other dogs and a cat at first, but one day something set her off and she turned on her housemate Chrash; a black and tan mix. They tore into each other so viciously that stitches were necessary for both of them. From that day we have been unsuccessful in integrating these two into a peaceful coexistence. They will try and kill each other at every opportunity. They have successfully crossed paths on at least 3 other occasions that resulted in horrifying attacks on each other. We literally could not pull them apart without using our entire bodies and strength.
    
The hatred they have for each other is limited to each other for the most part. Callie shows none of that same aggression with any of the 3 other dogs, though I am very alert to any signs that she is becoming agitated. Chrash is completely fine with the other dogs and never shows any aggression to them.

   
We have asked ourselves could this be a result of not being socialized properly as a puppy? Or is this some form of plain old female aggression at its worst?

Callie & Chrash in better times

      Today, we must play musical dogs every time one has to go out. They must be kept separated to avoid another fight. That means constantly monitoring the situation without any room for error. I can't afford any more trips to have one of them be sewn up. I wonder what Caesar would have to say about that?
     
Callie has suffered many health issues over the years. The latest being an allergy issue so bad that most of her hair fell out. Thankfully that has been resolved now after spending over $600 at a dermatologist for dogs that included pathologist and blood work. She is a true and loyal textbook Lab to a fault. She requires thyroid and allergy meds twice a day every day. But aside from the issues of hating her house mate and her health problems, she is probably the most consistently well mannered dog we have. Go figure...

Those best laid plans will screw with you every time...

       Sometimes even the most resolved intentions, with the map plotted to perfection will go astray. In my last posting I wrote of my training for the half marathon next month in Las Vegas. But expectations were running high then and reality gave me a sharp smack to bring me back down to earth.

       No worries though. I have not given up on the dream of running that half marathon; I have just adjusted the sails a bit on the when I am going to do it. So now I am shooting for the Oak Barrel Run in Lynchburg, TN as my inaugural half in April. That gives me ample time to get ready and if the Gods are smiling upon me, actually run a decent time. 

      Watching the ING New York marathon this weekend inspired me all over again. I felt the exhilaration and excitement of the crowds even though I was almost a thousand miles away. I jokingly told my daughter that I actually could follow what the announcers were saying as they spoke their coded language of running. 


       I look forward to the return to training. I miss it like on old friend. The hot humid weather of the summer proved to be more than I could handle while working toward that 13.1 mile goal. But now that Fall has arrived, my intent is to embrace the cooler temps and plod away. I am making plans with great anticipation of my breaking in my new pair of Brooks Adrenaline's, If I find those not to my liking, then its back to the Nike Structure Zoom's. 


      Either way, I plan to enjoy the ride, because lately I have been thinking a lot about what tomorrow might bring. That uncertainty is bringing about a sense of urgency to create the memories now! Live each day as if it might be the last so to speak. Wish me luck and perseverance... I will keep you posted..