DNA testing for dogs? What’s so great about that?

By Stephanie Ladeira, VP of Development and recent DNA contest guesser winner

HSSV recently started providing DNA testing for dogs through our medical center using the Mars Wisdom Panel MX. Pretty exciting stuff – and not just frivolous, either. The benefits of DNA testing are many, but probably the two most useful are to better understand your dog’s behavior and to provide preventative care for breed specific health issues. Have a Lab mix that seems more oriented to one person than entire populations, like a normal Labrador? You might find out that there’s a large percentage of Rottweiler in there, which would explain the behavior and help you to provide the most appropriate environment for your dog. Or maybe you have a little dog that looks like a Chihuahua, but nips toes and heels to keep you moving in the right direction. DNA testing can help identify that your small dog actually has a large percentage of Heeler in him. Explaining behavior can be tantamount to managing undesirable behaviors and teaching dogs in ways that they learn best.

Recently, HSSV’s Animal Welfare Director, Dr. Julia Lewis, sponsored HSSV’s first DNA test. She asked HSSV staff and volunteers to vote on a dog to be the first DNA test at HSSV. Many dogs (favorites of staff and volunteers) were voted on, but the winner was Teeka. Teeka and her mother, Cannelita, have been with us at HSSV for 5 months, while they wait for us to find them the perfect home, together (watch their funny video here). We rescued these two silly girls from a public shelter when their time was up (at that point, they were depressed and shy) and they have blossomed into fun-loving, affectionate little “piglets” in the time we’ve been caring for them. To see them in action, watch the video of them after a vigorous play session here.

After 2 weeks, the DNA test came back – and while the most popular breeds guessed were chihuahua and pot bellied pig, only one person even came close to guessing what these girls had in them! In fact, only one person guessed a large breed dog could exist in these little waggy wiggle worms.

The results:
Drum roll: 25% Chihuahua, and 12.5% GOLDEN RETRIEVER (which makes sense, as Cannelita loves to fetch!) and 12.5% Cocker Spaniel! I bet that last 50% is pot bellied pig, which just doesn’t show up on the test...

BTW, Teeka and Cannelita are on hold for a potential adopter – so keep your fingers crossed that all goes well with their introductions to the other dogs in the household and that these girls can finally be in a home of their own. If you are interested in finding your own Teeka or Cannelita, check out our special animals available for adoption.

Self-Absorbed? Over-Weight? Stressed Out? Try Fostering!!

by Jeanne Wu, VP of Humane Resources

If ever there was a magic elixir to cure our ailments, frets, and the day to day annoyances that plague our lives, it’s a litter of homeless kittens. From the moment they come into your life, you will spend your day (and sometimes nights) caring for these precious balls of fur. You’re now Mom and they’re looking lovingly into your eyes.

The task ahead of you can be both exciting and humbling. Suddenly, a small, helpless creature depends upon you for their survival. No time for narcissism now, you’ve got meaningful work to do!

As they grow, ounce by hard-earned ounce, they become more lively and playful; they will become your real-time treadmill around your home, as you enthusiastically follow them while they discover every nook and cranny with fascination. Why invest in expensive exercise equipment when you’ve got kittens?

Now let’s put your problems into perspective. Unless you’re wondering where your next meal is coming from or have no roof over your head, the kittens’ problems trump yours. Yes, it’s a tough economy and you may have good reason for feeling blue, but does your ability to have a nice life depend upon your cuteness? So, get yourself some foster kittens. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have.