4 days ago
Owner Rescues a 'Golden Retriever'—Then She Receives DNA Result
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A woman who thought she was rescuing a golden retriever puppy was floored when she saw the results of his DNA test and realized that was far from the reality.
Earlier this year, Kaylee Leslie, of Virginia, rescued Goose from Lone Star Pawz when he was around 8 weeks old. Since he didn't come from a certified breeder, it was evident to Leslie that his genetic makeup could be a mixed bag.
But, as he looked so much like a golden retriever, Leslie told Newsweek that she was "pretty sure he'd at least have a good percentage" of that in his DNA. To test her theory, she recently did a DNA test on Goose, who is now 5 months old, and the results were not what she expected.
To look at Goose, you would expect him to be mostly, if not all, golden, but his DNA shows that he is 20 percent German shepherd; 19 percent beagle; and 15 percent chow chow. The adorable pup also has a mixture of 11 percent pit bull and 6 percent Labrador retriever thrown into the mix.
From left: Goose the rescue dog sits in his home; and lays on his bed.
From left: Goose the rescue dog sits in his home; and lays on his bed.
Kaylee Leslie / Reddit
Leslie said: "We figured he could likely have a little something else in him being a rescue, but it was definitely a shock that there was no golden at all. He just looks so golden, so I think we convinced ourselves that's what a high percentage of him was."
The DNA test was a stunning revelation for Leslie, especially as even Goose's vet predicted that he would be about 98 percent golden retriever.
Of course, it doesn't change Leslie's feelings toward Goose, and he is still the adorable mischief maker he has always been. It doesn't matter whether he is a golden retriever or not; he is still her lovable rescue pup.
"He's an awesome dog, so we didn't care what the results were. But it definitely was a fun surprise and satisfied our curiosity. I think the most-shocking breed was beagle because I just don't see that in him, but the DNA says it's there. All of it is a bit surprising, though, because he just acts like a golden retriever," she continued.
Perhaps the one that surprised her the least was chow chow, as Goose has "a mostly dark tongue," which is synonymous with that breed.
After learning that her rescue puppy is in fact a "golden deceiver," Leslie shared the results of his DNA test on Reddit (posting as u/Delinquentpigeon). In just a matter of days, the post has gone viral with over 30,000 views and more than 1,000 votes at the time of writing.
From left: Goose looks at the camera; and a list of the breeds in his DNA is seen.
From left: Goose looks at the camera; and a list of the breeds in his DNA is seen.
Kaylee Leslie / Reddit
It has been fascinating for Leslie to see the online reaction, especially as so many of the commenters were equally as stunned by Goose's unexpected DNA makeup.
Leslie said: "Most of the commentators were absolutely floored that he was not a golden retriever. Some even stating that most golden deceivers don't fool them, but he did."
Goose has even got his own online account now (@goosethegoldendeceiver on Instagram) as he has become such a social-media sensation. Regardless of his breed, Leslie is delighted that she could give Goose a loving forever home.
"Adopting a rescue dog has been such a wonderful experience," Leslie continued. "His amazing rescue, Lone Star Pawz, is a nonprofit in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding counties. Goose made a long journey to us in their transport van, and their team and fosters are absolute angels. We are so happy and thankful we got Goose; he is such a special boy."
Among the responses on the viral Reddit post, one commenter wrote: "DIY golden! What a cutie!"
Another Reddit user replied: "That's the most golden retriever looking non golden retriever i have EVER seen what in the hell."
A third person added: "Oh my goodness. Goose is beautiful and such a little golden catfish."
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