Watson here and there have been folks at the dog park saying their dog is a mutt. Some of my best friends are mutts, so I wanted to know, what are mutts?
A mutt is a mixed-breed dog that is a cross between three or more different breeds. They do not belong to one officially recognized breed. There are about 150 million mutts worldwide.
Presently scientists are trying to understand how dog DNA changed as dogs went from living in the wild to cohabiting with humans. It’s now possible to tell which breeds make up your dog’s lineage using DNA tests. How cool is that?
My mom recently discovered a website that is run by Darwin’s Dogs, a program at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass. It is a center for genome studies. You can find it at darwinsdogs.org.
According to its mission statement, Darwin’s Dogs is following the paw prints of evolution by seeking to understand just how dogs became man’s best friend. Over time, dogs have evolved to be an important part of human existence, and now scientists can analyze dog’s DNA to follow that path.
Dogs have been bred by humans for centuries to create specific traits and over the years; the American Kennel Society recognizes 190 specific breeds. Sometimes it is not easy to identify a dog’s lineage. Enter DNA testing and you will know for sure what your dog is.
I’m sure you have seen the commercials for genetic testing for humans, so if you are curious about your dog’s lineage, it might be a good idea to check out the DNA test at Darwin’s Dogs.
My mom is sure I’m a Labrador, but even without the proof she is sure that I’m her boy and beyond that it doesn’t matter.
XOXO Watson
IN NEED OF
Aluminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. We are now able to pick up cans from you. If you have cans to pick up, call 775-423-7500.
SHOUT OUT TO
Watson for writing the column and being the best dog in the world. Good dog!
To all the BFF’s (best furry friends) who have made our lives so much richer. Good dogs!
COME SEE US
CAPS will be at Walmart July 21 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch. We have colorful caps and shirts, so be sure to check out the merchandise after you have loved on our pup.
DON’T FORGET
June Pet Holidays: National Dog Party Day.
Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a 20-gallon tree Sept. 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.
SNAPS is a program offered through CAPS that provides low-cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in the Nevada Check Up program, food stamps, 2017 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or a veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For information, call CAPS at 775-423-7500.
CONTACT CAPS
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.
Kathleen Williams-Miller, is a CAPS volunteer.
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