Gavin

Missy

The non-profit Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) in Ventura County is launching the “Who’s Your Momma Contest” on the SPARC Facebook page through mid-June.

Two unusual-looking dogs at SPARC were chosen to have their DNA tested to determine their breed ancestry. Anyone who would like to guess their breed by looking at the dogs’ photos can enter the contest on SPARC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/santapaulaarc. A $5 donation is encouraged, but not required. Donations go toward the cost of medical care for the shelter animals. The contest also is being held to bring attention to the two dogs, which are seeking a foster or forever home.

Rene Ruston, a director on the SPARC Board, says, “For many dogs, a DNA test may mean a dog gets adopted faster if it looks like a mutt but has a specific breed in its background DNA. Some breeds experience stereotyping and this could also help them be more easily adopted.”

The two SPARC dogs, Gavin and Missy, were DNA tested. Even professionals who work with dogs had a hard time assessing their breed when they arrived at the shelter.

Gavin is a hefty but gentle dog with severe ear infections that were left untreated by previous owners for months, if not years. Gavin recently had surgery to repair the damage to his ears. Not only is the aftermath of the surgery painful but it requires a long recovery period, which means Gavin needs to find a foster or forever home where he can recover.

Missy is a healthy, sparkling white and tan, almost one-year old puppy with gigantic “bunny” ears. She needs an active owner who can take her for long daily walks and give her the affection she craves. She’s quick to learn and wants to please everyone.

To enter the SPARC “Who’s Your Momma Contest,” go to the SPARC website at www.santapaulaarc.org or on www.facebook/santapaulaarc. Correct answers will be entered into a drawing and the first three entries drawn will win a prize. No purchase is necessary to enter.

SPARC is a private, non-profit organization and is the first open admission, no-kill animal shelter in Ventura County. SPARC is a place where homeless animals are brought for humane care without risk of being killed due to lack of space, illness or injury. SPARC rehabilitates and rehomes animals while partnering with the community to provide spay/neuter resources and vaccination programs as well as educational outreach. SPARC relies solely on private donations.