Dog DNA

Buster is having his DNA tested. I put the kit in the mail today. The lab should receive it by the 2nd and I should finally have an answer to the constant question "What kind of dog is that?"

What breeds do you see in Buster?

In fact, right after I dropped the kit off at the post office, Buster and I went for a walk and the first woman we pass asks me "What kind of dog is that?". I've been walking along a busy street and had a car pull off and wait for me to pass so he could ask me what kind of dog I have.

We're using the Wisdom Panel 2.0 . You get a kit in the mail with two swabs. You swab your dogs cheek & gums for 15 seconds, dry the swabs, enclose them in the package and mail it back. Results are emailed to you within 2-3 weeks of receipt. 

The results show a family tree for your dog, going back to both sets of great-grandparents. Some parts of the DNA can be so muddled that it only shows up as Mixed Breed. Nobody  can agree on Buster's breeds because he LOOKS so muddled. Generally the results show percentages; They might tell you your dog is 12.5% one breed, 25% another, etc. I'm afraid the percentages will be mostly "Mixed Breed". I suppose if they can discern just one breed, I'll be satisfied.

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New Year

So 2013 is almost over and I always get excited about a near year. It feels like when you open an exciting new book and turn to that crisp, white first page.

 My new years resolution for this year (I think) was to floss...or was that 2012's resolution? Whatever my resolution was I didn't complete it. But I'm at least writing down 2014's resolutions so next December I'll know if I've failed (am I being pessimistic?): 

1. Do a split

I'm naturally very flexible and with yoga I can gain flexibility fairly quickly but I've never been able to do a split. My hamstrings are very tight, so those are first on the list to stretch. 

2. 30-Day Yoga Challenge

This complements #1 in that I would like to do some form of yoga for 30 days straight. I have several DVDs to vary the routine. (I highly recommend Shiva Rea, especially her revolutionary Yoga Shakti DVD)

3. Read 30 books

I love GoodReads. Before it I bought small journals made for keeping track of books read. So I actually have a record of all the books I've read since 2005. I got bored one day and uploaded all those dates to the site. The most I've read in a year was 39 books in 2007. This year I reached my goal of 25.

I was busy in 2011, ok?!

4. Agility Training

Not for me, though, for my amazing dog, Buster. So far he has completed his Beginners obedience class. His Intermediate class starts Jan. 22, then he'll take the Advanced class and *fingers crossed* will pass his Canine Good Citizen test. After that he'll be able to do pre-agility courses. Then after mastering all that he can start taking Agility classes. We have a long road ahead of us but eventually I'd like to do some competitions with Buster, if he enjoys it.

5. Get into PTA School

This really should be #1. I have been working towards Physical Therapy Assisting school since Fall 2011. (I've been in college since 2005. I already have a B.A.) This past fall I finally got an A in Anatomy & Physiology 1 at Randolph Community College. I take A&P2 this spring, as well as the TEAS test. Then I will apply having done everything I possibly can to get in. I'm still in shock over my A in A&P1....I can't even imagine what I'll feel when (not if!) I get my acceptance letter. 

Update: I got into PTA school (and graduated), read over 30 books, and did agility training with Buster. I did not do a split or 30 days of yoga.

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