Couple Wanted To Give Rescue Dog a DNA Test—But He Had Other Plans

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A couple who were eager to have their rescue dog undergo a DNA test to find out what breed he is soon found out he was ready to play ball.
Deanna knew from early on in her relationship that her girlfriend Savannah would love to get a dog, but finding the right one proved harder than anticipated.
Then, one night, the perfect opportunity presented itself.
"The local shelter had a 'clear the shelters month' where adoption fees were $25—that was our chance," Deanna told Newsweek. The search was far from straightforward, though.
"We were looking online and looking, and we found some very cute pups, but none appeared to be 'Savannah's' dog," Deanna said. "We didn't have an idea at all; we just knew that we would know."
From left: Ravioli stands at home; and sleeps on a couch.
From left: Ravioli stands at home; and sleeps on a couch.
Deanna Hennelly
Then, one day, a dog by the name of "Winston" appeared on the website.
"He was listed as a 8 week old, 2-pound Labrador mix. Yes, 2 pounds. But I thought he'd be tiny," Deanna said. After a protracted adoption process, the sweet puppy came home where he was quickly renamed Ravioli.
"Savannah had lived in Italy for a bit, and this was meant to be her dog, so we wanted a silly food name," Deanna said. "Ravioli just seemed perfect for this goofy-eared man."
Deanna and Savannah got creative, giving Ravioli a person modeled on Jersey Shore reality TV star DJ Paul D. "That's his dad, we joke," Deanna said. "He wears an Ed Hardy collar, eats out of a DJ table slow feeder, has his own crocadilly—it's his whole thing."
Though they both joke Ravioli is a ladies man, the reality is he's much more likely to be a momma's boy than anything else. "He loves a cuddle and is sweeter and mushier than anything," Deanna said.
But, while the couple were happy to create a distinct personality for Ravioli, they were eager to find out more about where he came from. Some of that comes down to Ravioli's unique attributes.
"He's super lean and energetic, long limbed (a noodle), a sweet cuddly boy who sleeps curled into a ball, and hilariously expressive," Deanna said. "He will also throw his hands like a boxer. Apple photos identifies him as a greyhound, he was listed as a lab mix at the rescue."
They decided to turn to a dog DNA test for answers. Pet DNA testing is a popular practice among pet owners eager to learn more about their animal companion.
A 2023 report put together by the business consulting firm Grand View Research estimates the global pet DNA testing market is around $365.34 million. That figure is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.45 percent from 2024 to 2030.
Given the wide availability of testing kits, it didn't take much for Deanna to get one for Ravioli.
However, any plans she may have had for administering soon went out the window. "I was making pasta and realized we didn't have basil," Deanna said. "Luckily, I had a small grocery shop downstairs."
In her haste to get dinner fixed, however, Deanna made a fateful mistake: Ravioli's crate was left open and, while she headed to the store, he set to work.
"We come home, he walks up and greets us and we go, 'what?'" Deanna said. "Well, the apartment is a disaster; he has destroyed 3 stuffed animals, eaten a block of Parmesan, and completely ripped apart his DNA test kit."
Ravioli the rescue dog playing dress-up.
Ravioli the rescue dog playing dress-up.
Deanna Hennelly
That was two years ago, but it's a memory that has stayed with Deanna and Savannah. So much so that Deanna recently took to Reddit, posting under the handle u/ParsnipNo9680, to share the story of what happened when they tried to get Ravioli tested.
The original plan had been to get a replacement test. Deanna said the company she purchased it from "said they sent me a new one" but it never arrived. "So honestly, I've kinda accepted it wasn't meant to be."
Though she is resigned to never fully knowing the truth. Deanna posted Ravioli's story online, partly in the hope someone might help. "He doesn't want us to find out, but please secretly help us," she said.
Anyone willing to assist, is urged to contact her via the Reddit post.