We've all read stories about the latest and greatest technologies for figuring out the composition of your "Mutt", right? Well, for years, literally, I've been trying to figure out just what my Mutt (Max) is made of. Beside being the smartest, cutest and, yes, most stubborn man I know, my curiosity got the better of me a couple months ago. I had his DNA tested.
As I didn't just want this to be a clinical experiment, I decided we needed a theme so we had a "Who's Your Daddy" party for Max and all his admirers. The general idea was that everyone would make a $20 donation and then get to submit their thoughts on what Max was really made of -- the beneficiary being the shelter where I got Max -- PAWS Chicago. Max's DNA results indicated there were only three very distant traces of breeds detectable in his genetic make-up (more on this later). We included photos of these three breeds, along with a brief description of their personalities, among a total of 12 to give players a little something to work with. Each guest then chose the three breeds they believed were part of Max's make up and put them in the ballot box.
So, fast forward . . . 40 people made 40 guesses and no one got more than one of the three breeds correct. Sounds kind of crazy but if could see Max (physically, he resembles a combo of a Portuguese Water Dog, Wheaten Terrier and possibly Bouvier -- if I had to venture a guess) but, genetically, there was a whole other story going on. Apparently, the three detectable breeds in Max's DNA were Chow, Airdale Terrier and Basenji. Who knew?
Just goes to show you . . . you can't judge a book by its cover. Truth be told, I'm not buying it. I'm still convinced he's one of a kind, which in my heart and mind he is. The good news is that we raised $800 for a great organization and had great fun in the process.
Throw your own "Who's Your Daddy" party and let us know just what your Mutt is made of!
Signing off.
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