‘Santa Paws’ Offers Photos, Doggy DNA Kits

Every wondered where, exactly, your mutt gets the characteristics that makes him or her your furry best friend? Or do you just want to be able to answer when someone asks, “What kind of dog is that?”

The Romeoville Humane Society can help you solve the mystery this weekend at its third annual holiday fundraiser. For $60, guests can get a doggy DNA kit that will help them determine whether their pet is a purebred or identify the breeds that make their mixed-breed pooch so special.

“The test is very simple to use as it only requires a swab of the inside of their mouth and it takes about four to six weeks to get the results,” Romeoville Humane Society Secretary Megan Ziller said in an email. “These are perfect for your own personal use, but they are even better as gifts for friends and family who are curious about the breed(s) of their dog(s).”

The kits will be on sale at Santa Paws, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the .

Guests can also have their pets’ photos taken with Santa and receive a 4”-by-6” print for $5. For $15 (or $10 for paid humane society members), pet owners can have their dogs outfitted with a microchip implant. Embedded beneath the animal’s skin, microchips contain information identifying the owner to help bring lost pets home. Recently, Gov. Pat Quinn requiring animal control agencies and shelters to check all stray animals for microchips.

The humane society will offer a package deal including one DNA test kit and microchipping for $70 ($65 for members).

The Dec. 10 event will also include a 50/50 raffle, doggy treats for sale and plenty of gift items available for purchase.