Author archives: Lacy Lynn Crowder

Taking a Bite Out of Crime: Paw Print Genetics and K-9 Police

Taking a Bite Out of Crime: Paw Print Genetics and K-9 Police

Early July is one of my favorite times of the year in the great and beautiful United States of America. Seeing our flag and colors displayed in so many different applications during this patriotic season always causes me to pause and reflect on the men, women and four-legged creatures whose hard work and bravery has gotten us to where we are today.

I grew up watching “Rin-Tin-Tin: K-9 Cop” religiously and was fascinated by the relationship that the German shepherd “Rinty” and his handler, Officer Hank Katts, shared as working partners and friends. The thrill of seeing them overtake the bad guys in every pursuit was highly appreciated by a budding animal lover. I’m sure at some point, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I answered, “A K-9 cop!” as I frolicked around with the family standard poodle, pretending he was a police dog.

Fast forward 20-plus years. I did not become a K-9 cop, but I do work for a company whose mission is to help all dogs, including those in uniform, achieve optimal genetic health through our DNA testing process. Paw Print Genetics is currently working on a research study involving police ...

Your Dog’s Collar- A Tragedy Waiting to Happen

Your Dog’s Collar- A Tragedy Waiting to Happen

My parents and I were blessed with two healthy, happy apricot Labradoodle puppies in the last year.  Dixie and Liberty were full sisters, 7 months apart, and loved each other with a fervor that I haven’t seen in any of my other animals.  The “sissies” went hiking, shopping at the local feed store, and to costume parties together.  Despite very different personalities, they looked virtually identical and won over the hearts of strangers as they bounced along next to each other on their coupler lead.  They loved to play, run, wrestle, chase the ball, and dig in buckets of water together.  They were inseparable.

On a chilly night in November, the girls were having a regular play date in my fenced city yard.  They were home alone and having the time of their lives.  Dixie jumped toward her little 6-month old sister with an open mouth and the worst happened; her lower canine teeth hooked through Liberty’s nylon collar and the dogs were stuck.  A heart-wrenching struggle ensued.  I pulled into my driveway and rushed to help them.  I was able to get them untwisted, but it was too late ...