Meet Dahlia! She is one of over 40 dogs from Furgiven Animal Sanctuary in West Memphis, Arkansas who have tested with Embark. The sanctuary specializes in dogs who need “second, second chances.” For Dahlia, and many dogs like her, that means identifying their underlying disability and providing rehabilitation equipment and lots of love.
With the help of an Embark Dog DNA Test, Dahlia uncovered her breed mix and an important health risk that helped the staff care for her and make sure she’s living her best life.
Dahlia’s Embark results
As vibrant as her namesake, the colorful flower, Dahlia inspires joy wherever she goes. “She brings us joy daily with her carefree zest for life,” the staff at Furgiven Animal Sanctuary tell us.
“It has become standard practice for us to Embark every dog who comes into our care,” the team says.
Dahlia’s Embark results revealed that she is 38.5% American Staffordshire Terrier, 37.6% American Pit Bull Terrier, 20% American Bully, and 3.9% American Bulldog.
Dahlia’s results also revealed that she is at increased risk for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Cerebellar Ataxia, NCL4A (also called NCL). She has two copies of a variant in the ARSG gene.
“When Dahlia came into our care, we were told that she had cerebellar hypoplasia. Dahlia’s Embark health screening alerted us to NCL4A, a progressive neurological condition that we likely never would have tested her for otherwise. This was incredibly important information for us. We were able to offer Dahlia sanctuary status as a result, so that we can ensure she will be completely supported through the remainder of her life. The information and the doors of education that it opened for us have been integral in maximizing every accommodation for Dahlia so that she can live her absolute best life as a sanctuary dog with us.”
Due to her condition, Dahlia uses a wheelchair to get around. She can usually be found on a cozy bed wagging her tail. She adores spending afternoons outside with her friends, going on short “sniffaris” in her wheelchair, and eating lots of tasty treats.
“She’s breaking down barriers surrounding canine disability,” Furgiven Animal Sanctuary says. “We adore her, and couldn’t be happier to have her with us every day.”
Join Dahlia and millions of dogs like her by testing with Embark, the dog DNA test trusted by pet lovers everywhere.
Embark Breed + Health Test
$199
Embark Breed ID Test
$129
