“DNA testing is a window into their past.” “We typically think of dogs as orphans, especially if they’re adopted from a shelter,” she says. This is not uncommon, says Wisdom Panel’s Foran. Ostensibly, I wanted to be responsible and test for genetic abnormalities, but secretly, I was curious about Joe’s dog family and his early puppyhood and I hoped he would find relatives. It took all of three minutes and probably would have taken less if he hadn’t tossed his head so much during the swabbing. I swiped the inside of his cheek and under his tongue with a swab (according to instructions, I showed him a treat beforehand so he would get all slobbery), put the swab inside the liquid-filled tube provided by Embark, screwed the lid on tight, gave it a shake and dropped it in the mail. I must confess that I got the Embark test for my own dog, Joe, a floppy-eared mutt who arrived at the shelter from northern Alabama unaccompanied by any siblings. The ancestry element is marketed as a fun bonus. The tests cost between $80 and $200, depending on how much information you want, and the marketing emphasizes that this is a serious scientific endeavor: the tests can identify potential health problems. ![]() Other reunions have been facilitated by Embark and Wisdom Panel, another dog DNA testing service. Just before the pandemic, Smith started a Facebook group for humans to share photos of adoptees and resources about dog care The group quickly became a way to arrange reunions of littermates. “Humans want to talk to other humans,” says Abby Smith, director of the Chicago rescue group Felines & Canines. This is as much for their own sake as for the dogs. The increased number of pandemic puppies combined with lockdown boredom have inspired humans to track down their dogs’ relatives and arrange meetups. Their style of play is exactly the same.”ĭog family reunions have taken off. “I don’t know if he knew her,” says Jones, “but he greeted her like one of his dog friends we see around the neighborhood. Being in touch with the other owners makes you feel like you’re not alone ![]() As soon as he saw Brunch emerge from the car, Vardis began straining at his leash, dragging Jones across the lawn so he could get to his sister.
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