When Sarah first laid eyes on Millie, a Labrador / Cocker Spaniel mix (also known as a Spanador or Cockador), she immediately knew that there was no returning home without her. But when she discovered some shocking news about Millie’s breeder, Sarah knew she had to dig a little deeper into Millie’s history. Read on to find out more.
Millie’s doggy fact file:
Name: Millie
Breed: Labrador / Cocker Spaniel mix
Favourite treat: anything as long as it’s food (that’s the lab in her)
Best trick: Millie will give you each of her paws then lie down and do a ½ roll over
Favourite place to sleep: Millie can sleep anywhere and in any position
Naughtiest habit: rolling in fox poo! She loves it, we hate it.
Here’s Sarah’s tale:
Sarah was concerned about dog care for Millie as she had upcoming holiday plans, but was comforted by the fact that the breeder offered to take care of Millie while they were away. Unfortunately, a few days before their departure, the breeder told Sarah that she had sold her kennels and would no longer be able to take care of Millie. With limited time to find a suitable alternative, Sarah turned to a local kennel.
“When we got back we realised that Millie didn’t enjoy being at the kennel as she really is a ‘people’ dog and just loves company. That’s when I started searching online for people that look after your dog while you’re away, and I came across DogBuddy.
Our DogBuddy sitter, Les, is wonderful with Millie and always sends regular updates and pictures when he’s taking care of her. I know Millie loves going there too as when we turn onto the road where Les lives she starts pulling on the lead and tries to use her head to open his gate! She is one happy puppy when she sees Les. Using DogBuddy has been better for Millie and for me as I know she is happy and being well cared for whether it be doggy day care or an overnight stay. I recommend Les to everyone that asks where Millie goes when we’re away.”
Shortly after their holiday, Sarah discovered the shocking news that the breeder where she got Millie was prosecuted and found guilty of puppy farming.
“We just count ourselves lucky to have Millie as it’s a scary thought what may have happened to her otherwise. We hoped she was what we had been told (but of course would love her no matter what breed she turned out to be) and we were concerned about her long-term health, so I mentioned to my husband that maybe a DNA test would be a good idea.”
Sarah opted to try the Wisdom Panel 3.0 DNA Test with the largest database of breeds, types, and varieties on the market. After collecting your dog’s DNA with a cheek swab, owners activate their kit online and then send the kit to the lab addressed on the pre-paid envelope.
“The Wisdom Panel Test was well packaged and very simple to use. Millie’s results were sent to us a couple of weeks later via email in an easy to understand format. The online report told us that Millie is 50% Lab, 37.5% Spaniel and 12.5% Golden Retriever, so thankfully quite close to what we had been told by the breeder. We were also relieved to know that her health is all ok.
When you obtain a DNA test for your dog it’s really nice to find out about their ancestry. Millie is such a friendly, loyal and loving dog, and finding out the results hasn’t changed our opinion of her, but we now know which breed some of her quirkier traits come from thanks to the detailed information provided by Wisdom Panel.”
Just like us humans, every dog is an individual, so understanding more about our dog’s breed can strengthen the relationship with our four-legged friends, particularly when it comes to things such as training, managing your dog’s eating habits & weight and preparing for possible health risks.
You’ll also be able to provide more information to a potential dog sitter for your pooch. The same is true of when you complete your dog’s profile with DogBuddy. Providing as much detail as possible will help DogBuddy sitters have a deeper understanding of your dog’s exact needs, and ensure you make the perfect match!
Would you like to find out more information about your dog’s ancestry? Get an exclusive £15 off a Wisdom Panel DNA Test Kit until 8th August. Visit the Wisdom Panel website and use code DOGBUDDY at the checkout to claim your discount.