I was walking around the old port and I spotted this cool looking dog, when I asked if I could get a photo, I was told “you’ve already got him, this is Petey!” I had to get a follow up. The official update is that he is doing AWESOME. I first met him when he was very, very young. I think like 3 months old. He is featured in this video along with a younger looking Quimby. I think he was happy to say hello. I was happy to see him!
I had high hopes when I gifted a dog DNA test to someone who I knew would use it on Quimby. It had been, when we adopted Quimby, we were told that the only thing they really knew was that he was part lab. This theory was confirmed by several vets and animal care providers. I had read poor reviews about Dog DNA testing online but decided it would be worth it to see what our Quimby was made up of. The entire experience a complete and total waste of time and money and I would not recommend it to anyone, ever.
Looking at www.canineheritage.com, everything seems in order. It sounds like a legit organization. Just listen to this statement from their website:
The Canine Heritage® Breed Test, developed by the pioneer in canine breed identification and a recognized leader in DNA technology, can help unravel the mystery of your mixed-breed pup. How often have you been asked: What kind of dog is that? This DNA-based diagnostic test can give you the answer by comparing your dog’s DNA to over 100 of the most popular breeds.
Wow 100 breeds. I had my theories on what he was, and was sure that out of the 100 they test, he would have at least 3 or 4.
I ordered the test, which involved swabbing Quimby’s cheek and sending in the sample. Easy enough. The estimated date for an answer was 4-6 weeks. 6 weeks go by and they send an email, stating that we need to contact them. They ended up calling and explaining that the only match they found was a 3rd generation Rottweiler. The woman who called then went on to say that she went on to poganddog.org and judging by the looks of him had some ideas.
W-T-F
I paid out money for this? I don’t want your best guess or opinion, I get that from everyone who meets Quimby (for free). That would be like getting a paternity test and having the scientist tell you that while the results were inconclusive, judging by some internet photos, it looks like you are definitely not from New Zealand. What kind of business does that? Apparently Canine Heritage. Of course there are no refunds for these results either.
My advice: Stay far, far away from any company offering this service. It’s a complete waste of money. Take the hundred bucks it costs to get the test done,(spent the money on it BEFORE we knew about his surgery, FYI) and donate it to a shelter. Then take a walk to the dog park for some “expert” advice.
This is Samson. I lived with him once. He’s a husky/rottweiler mix, and is very, very cool. he actually reminds me a lot of Quimby.
Quimby Update:
Quimby has been recovering nicely. His elbow was swollen for a long time. He saw the vet a couple times who assured him it was normal, and finally, it seems that the swelling is under control and starting to go down. The vet said he can not hurt the elbow by playing/running on it, it will just slow the recovery. That being said he seems to know this, and usually has a nightly freak out right before bed, where he runs laps either around the bedroom or living room. I’m sure the cats are thrilled he can now go up and down stairs as he pleases.
Anytime a dog needs to get surgery, it’s not a fun experience. When Quimby had his surgery, I remember how glad I was that he didn’t have to wear a cone around his neck, so I’m feeling for Daisy. Daisy had to have surgery on her eye and is going to have to keep this collar on for two weeks to make sure it heals properly. It’s good she has owners who care enough about her to get the surgery done! We hope she recovers quickly!
This is Sampson. He is pretty sweet. I met him near Standard Baking Company, here in Portland Maine. He was super friendly and cool. Seems like a classy pooch!
Upon looking at this, man I look awful! I need to get some more sun in my life. I’m like a pasty dough boy from sitting in front of a computer screen all day. I look like I’ve been proofed all night and am ready to bake. Ew.
This is my sisters dog, Livia. She was rescued from a puppy mill. Until she was adopted she had a very hard life, and still doesn’t trust strangers. My sister loves her unconditionally, and gets really angry when I say Livia looks like a rat-dog, so I won’t say that. My point is even if a dog seems damaged, it’s usually nothing a little love and patience can’t cure.
We are both always this freaked out by the outside world.
Phew! After a LONG break without any posts, I’m finally back into the swing of things! There were a couple of reasons for the prolonged absence. Quimby had his surgery, which means no more trips to the dog park. I forgot just how hard it was to meet dogs when you don’t have one of your own.
His recovery has been steady, about what the vet expected. It feels like it’s been many months, but in reality, it’s only been one. He desperately wants to play, and often tries to get the cats to play with him. They do not really appreciate this, but they kind of watch and judge him as he playfully throws bones and chew toys their way. He loves the snow, and wants to spend more time in the nearly 3 feet of it in the backyard. More on that in the next couple weeks.
The other reason for the break (no pun intended) was that my camera broke. Too many dogs for the thing to handle. Thankfully it was replaced for free so the fun can continue.
My return dog is Zip! He is a pug who likes to spend his days behind the counter at Fetch. If you haven’t been to Fetch and you have a dog or a cat, you really need to check it out. It’s right on Commercial Street here in Portland, Maine and they really have a huge selection of awesome dog and cat treats, leashes, collars, food and other awesome accessories. I’m pretty sure you can get your pet washed there if they get sprayed by a skunk, or if you don’t feel like washing them. Anyway, here’s Zip!
So, I wanted to post a final donation amount on the Quimby’s raffle! All in all I would say it was a complete success. I managed to solicit around $650 in donations/raffle ticket sales. The winner of the Patriots tickets could not make it to the game, so I was instructed to sell the tickets. I managed to sell them for $150 the day before the game (just under face). This brings the total amount raised to a shocking $800! While this did not cover the cost of his entire surgery, it covered about 75% of it! The rest we were able to afford ourselves.
Of course, I can not thank you all enough. Quimby doesn’t really understand why he can’t be outside playing, but in a month he will be back and hopefully better than ever!
Pog and Dog photos are going to officially start back up in the new year. Until then, I’m going to go a little photoshop crazy.
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