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Based upon scientific evidence, physical appearance, and some "misbehavior"...we believe we have a father!!

11/22/06  "We tried another experiment which verified the earlier conclusion but which didn't help in eliminating either Shad or Nat. "--From Dr. Ballantyne.  We'll I've taken "visual evidence into consideration and have concluded that NAT MUST be the FATHER!  Take a look for yourself!  I know that Shad has similar markings as well, but Oz has the fuzzy coat and bushy tail that Nat has, he has the perky ears, and the same smile.  He also acts more like Nat; he plays tricks on us in the yard by hiding around the house and "forgetting" to come when called.  Shad has always been more serious and a better listener!  Now, I know that this may not truly be enough information to begin collecting child support, but it certainly should make Nat nervous! 

Oz         Nat

For more information on the DNA testing procedures, check out some of Dr. Ballantyne's students web pages:

http://www.uwrf.edu/~danielle.kreye/

http://www.uwrf.edu/~angie.barsness/

http://www.uwrf.edu/~neil.bland/welcomelabresearchnew.htm

11/3/06  DNA Test Update:  We have some preliminary results back from Dr. Ballantyne's students.  It appears that Skip and Bert are NOT the fathers...here's why:  Momo has heterozygous genes 125 and 127 in her DNA sequence.  Oz is homozygous 125, 125 and Fiz is heterozygous 125, 127.  Neither Skip nor Bert have either of those genes, so that eliminates both of them.  Nat is homozygous 125, 125 and and Shad is 123, 125.  So, they are both still possibilities.  There is going to be some further testing done to see if either Shad or Nat can be eliminated...but at least we still know that Bert is Mr. Nice Guy afterall! 

On June 8th, 2006, our wonderful dog Momo gave birth to two adorable puppies, Oz (left) and Fiz (right).  The pregnancy came as a surprise, the labor and delivery was extremely difficult, and thanks to Dr. Hunt and the girls at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital, we had two bouncing boys delivered by c-section.   The only problem is that we are bewildered as to who the father is.  I posted this dilemma on our Adventure Journal, and was soon thereafter contacted by  Scott Ballantyne, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin in River Falls.  Dr. Ballantyne's specialty is molecular biology and genetics (yeah!). Being a musher himself, he has previously used sled dogs as part of his lab courses to make things more interesting for himself and the students.  Dr. Ballantyne has offered to help out with our "problem" and by recruiting his genetics students to perform DNA testing on any of the prospective fathers.  The students will check specific places in each dog's DNA and can tell whether or not the candidate could have been the father. If male's DNA doesn't match the pups we can immediately eliminate. If they do match it becomes statistical; with each match making it more and more likely that the dog is the culprit.  Each candidate father will each have their cheeks swabbed, along with Momo, Oz, and Fiz. The swabs will be sent to Dr. Ballantyne's students, and hopefully, within a few months, we will have the results...and can begin collecting child support.

Below are the dogs we have identified as the most likely "candidate fathers".  Scroll down to read each dog's description.  Make your choice, and email your vote to info@natureskennel.com.  We will keep a running tally of votes, and will (hopefully) be able to find a culprit!

NAT

The fact that Nat left town about the time it was discovered that Momo was pregnant makes him suspicious candidate #1. He is now living in Goodrich, Michigan, where he spends his days running free in a yard and rolling in the grass. He has been subpoenaed for DNA testing and his sample will be submitted with the rest of the suspects. If convicted, he will need to send monthly child support payments since he is no longer home to care for his children.   Current Votes: 7

SHAD

Based upon the look of child A (Oz) we have chosen to question Shad. Often referred to as "Shaddy-pants" by kennel owners, it appears he should have kept his pants ON. Shad does not have any prior convictions, but he is known for, shall we say, "strutting his manhood". When running free he has a habit of marking absolutely everything in the kennel with his scent, and yes, that means marking the humans as well. It would not surprise us if he "owns" not only all the trees in the kennel, but these puppies as well.  Current Votes: 13

SKIP

Momo has been seen in the past on dates with Skip. She often instigates a game of "flirt with me and I'll sniff you". Skip has been known to be the "life of the party", always looking for beautiful women to chase after. He has previously been arrested for disorderly conduct and has had his ear bitten during a fight. The human biting the ear was not reprimanded, but Skip's pride was hurt. We think this may be his latest attempt to boost his self-esteem. Current Votes: 3

BERT

Final candidate, Bert, has always appeared to be Mr. Nice Guy. Well Mr. Nice Guy, you are under investigation. Momo delivered one stillborn puppy that was white with black spots...looking suspiciously similar to this candidate. Bert is often seen covering for Skip when Skip is out on a date, but maybe it's not Skip who we need to worry about after all. Note: No prior convictions or felonies.  Current Votes: 7

DNA Test Photos!

Fiz gets swabbed, then it's mother Momo's turn! Shad looks on as Momo get tested!  Open wide, Oz!!

  September 20, 2006  Dr. Ballantyne's students begin testing! 

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