DNA Testing for Your Dog

You’ll Never Guess BUT You Can Guess and WIN!

Henry 1018

I never meant to adopt a dog; at least not on the day I adopted Henry. My precious schnoodle, Mimi, had died, and I saw a picture of Henry on Hilton Head Humane’s (HHH) Facebook page. Grieving, I went to HHH to pet him. That’s all. When I arrived, he was the “office” dog, meaning he was inside frolicking around in a little open-air pen, and his name was Elmo. I asked if I could hold him. Even so, I was just there to pet and put back.

He was so cute and he was a hugger. His paws draped over my shoulders with a grip, pleading to not let go. It was sweet. As I sat in the rocking chair with him, two families came in to inquire… about him. The adoption facilitator looked at me. I knew that look and said, “Yes, I have decided to adopt him.” In less than an hour, I went from going to pet a dog to having a new, unplanned pet.
I learned Elmo was about 6 months old, and the HHH staff had no clue what kind of dog he was. They thought some kind of terrier, but were uncertain and only guessing. I asked how big they thought he would get—12 pounds or so. He now weighs 18. My children and I changed his name to Henry, which suits him perfectly. Now, almost five years later, he is still our well-behaved, adorable, gentle, funny, quirky Henry the hen-nut.

One of my favorite things is to go on beach walks with Henry. He loves running and chasing birds, even though he doesn’t stand a chance of catching one. He usually doesn’t get in the surf, but will trek through soggy beach mud when enticed by a feathery friend. He’s not a big barker, he loves other dogs, going to the office and playing with toys. He is very smart and likes to "sing."

The question I get asked almost every time we go to the beach is: “What kind of dog is he?” Not wanting to explain the story yet again, I started making up breeds. I would tell people he’s a fluffernutter, or a pookerdoodle.

Nonetheless, curiosity killed the cat (me), and I took him to Port Royal Veterinary Hospital for a DNA test. There, I learned there’s more to DNA testing than just knowing the genetic makeup of your dog. The test can also show possible genetic issues that may arise, as well as recessive dominant genes your pet may have. The test is a simple blood draw, with the results coming in 3 to 4 weeks later.
Dr. Marikay Campbell, veterinarian at Port Royal Vet, and licensed veterinarian technicians Victoria Smith and Beverly Boehm, all made their guesses about Henry’s possible breed/mix. The bottomline: The results are in, and I am surprised! Now YOU get to guess Henry’s breed and WIN:

Submit your guess to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If multiple guesses are correct, all the correct answers will go into a drawing. The winner will receive the grand prize, which is a DNA test for your dog at Port Royal Veterinary Hospital and a doggie goody and treat basket! Guesses must be submitted by October 15, 2018 before midnight. Please place DOG DNA in the subject line. Include your guess in the body of the email, along with your name and telephone number. The winner will be contacted by phone and featured in the November issue of Pink. Limit one entry per person/email address. Value approximately $250!

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