Some Dogs Wait Months to Be Adopted — DNA Tests Could Change That
Helping adopters get to know a rescue dog on a deeper level makes all the difference.
Meet Ferry
Ferry is a four-year-old red-and-white mix with the kind of face that’s genuinely hard to resist. He’s calm, gentle, and the kind of dog who just wants to be close to his people. What Ferry has been through would break most of us: when he arrived at Animal Friends Alliance, the medical team discovered a bullet lodged above his right knee. On top of that, he came in heartworm positive, battling an upper respiratory infection, and needed a tooth extracted. And yet—through all of it—Ferry still shows up happy, sweet, and full of love.
He does wonderfully with kids and people of all ages, making him a perfect companion for just about any family. If you’re looking for a dog who’ll be a great companion on neighborhood strolls, Ferry fits the bill perfectly.
He’s looking for someone fully committed to giving him every bit of care he deserves—because this boy has earned it. He’s on his way to a clean bill of health, and if you’re interested in bringing him home, the shelter is offering a Foster-to-Adopt option while he finishes his heartworm treatment.
Ferry’s DNA Test Results
Thanks to a partnership between Adopt a Pet and FurPetVo, the team at Animal Friends Alliance gave Ferry a DNA test in hopes of encouraging an adoption. We know this smart boy has a lot of teddy-bear charm—and when you see his breed mix, you’ll understand why.
Ferry is:
- 46% Australian Cattle Dog
- 19% Australian Shepherd
- 8% Border Collie
- 8% Miniature American Shepherd
- 5% Siberian Husky
Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds are especially known for following their people around like a shadow—in the best way. Border Collies bring a quiet attentiveness that suits Ferry’s gentle, observant nature perfectly. He’d thrive with a family ready to keep him meaningfully engaged: think backyard agility, puzzle feeders, long walks, or even just a solid game of fetch.
Get to Know Your New Pet on a Deeper Level
In the first few weeks after adoption, you’ll learn your pet’s personality, routines, and needs. But there may still be much you don’t know—especially if their background is unclear. For many adopted dogs, that history is incomplete or unknown.
A FurPetVo DNA test helps fill in those gaps by revealing insights into breed ancestry, genetic health markers, inherited traits, behavioral tendencies, and even potential relatives. Together, these insights offer a more complete picture of who your pet actually is.
Early on, this information can help you make more confident decisions as you establish routines, choose training approaches, and design personalized care plans. Understanding your pet’s breed mix and natural tendencies helps set realistic expectations—while genetic health insights support more proactive veterinary care and informed conversations with your veterinarian.
Many pet parents are surprised by what they learn—and how it helps explain behaviors they’ve already observed. While DNA insights are just one piece of the puzzle, they can be a powerful tool in helping you understand your pet and tailor your approach to their unique needs, strengthening your bond from day one.
