The Reveal

Time to come clean. Here is a portion of the letter I received in the Top Secret packet from the MMI Genomics laboratory that was delivered to me by Secret Agent Claire. After you review the letter and Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis, I think you'll agree that I am a riddle tucked inside a mystery that's wrapped in an enigma all packaged neatly inside an adorable little dog.

[the Top Secret letter]

Dear Bogart,

We have completed our analysis of your DNA sample recently submitted to MMI Genomics for Canine Heritage Breed Testing. Please note the following:

Based on the DNA results, we believe the breeds that are most prevalent in your heritage are probably not represented in our 38 validated breeds. We are currently working on adding breeds to future versions of the test in order to represent a wider range of canine breeds. Although your results provide some insight into your heritage, for further information we recommend that you re-test your DNA when those versions become available.

Below you will find a brief explanation of how your DNA results can be interpreted. The enclosed Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis reports the results for your individual test.

Primary - This category means your DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (i.e., 50% or greater). Rarely will a mixed breed dog have a breed listed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.

Secondary - This category represents the DNA of breeds detected at significant levels. While these breeds may have a strong influence on your heritage, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your DNA.

In the Mix - This category identifies breeds that appear in your DNA, but only in small amounts. Sometimes, this represents breeds earlier in your ancestry. If your results only identify breeds in this category, there is a good chance your heritage is composed of one or more additional breeds that are not yet part of our 38 validated breeds. Or, you are composed of so many different breeds that only low amounts of identifiable breeds can be detected.

NOTE: I'm adding a close-up shot for cats with poor eyesight...