DNA testing has become increasingly popular, offering insights into your health, unique genetic traits, and even tracing your ancestry over generations. It can also help connect you with distant relatives. While some stories can be surprising, they might not apply to Wilee, a rescue mutt who recently uncovered that he has a surprisingly extensive family.
Cathy decided to have a DNA test done on her rescue mutt to learn more about his breed and health.
Owning a dog is a significant responsibility, and there are moments when it can feel overwhelming—like early morning walks in the middle of winter. However, those feelings quickly fade when you see your dog’s loving eyes, making all the effort seem worthwhile.
Rescue dogs often take this bond even further. They are especially grateful and tend to stick closely to their new owners, cherishing every moment with them. This deep connection can be incredibly rewarding for both the dog and their human.
Cathy, from New York, has experienced this firsthand with her rescue dog, Wilee. Since adopting him in 2019, Cathy and Wilee have shared countless adventures and built a large following on social media. Recently, Cathy decided to have a DNA test done on Wilee to learn more about his lineage. Both Cathy and Wilee were delighted to discover new details about his family.
Wilee was adopted from a shelter as a puppy. With the help of a DNA test, his owner was able to trace his lineage and find information about his mother and siblings. 
Cathy had Wilee’s DNA tested using the Embark platform to check for any genetic predispositions to health issues and to ensure she could provide the best care for him. She also hoped to find any of his relatives. The results revealed Wilee’s diverse breed mix, including chow chow, Pomeranian, and American Staffordshire terrier, among others.
Cathy excitedly shared in an interview, “He’s a super mutt!”
Several months later, Embark notified Cathy that they had found some of Wilee’s family members. Initially, she discovered Wilee’s mother, Miss Rita, who looked quite different from Wilee. However, his two sisters resembled their mother closely. Cathy (and possibly Wilee) wondered if any of his relatives might share his appearance—like how some cousins can look strikingly similar to each other.
Cathy’s touching reaction to the DNA test results has garnered over 1.5 million views, with many people expressing their admiration and excitement about the reunion.
Cathy was thrilled to discover Wilee’s brother, Nic, who looks just like him. She shared a video of their reunion on TikTok, which has since received over 1.5 million views and thousands of comments. Cathy was overjoyed to see Nic, saying, “I was hoping a boy might look like Wilee, since all the girls in the family have solid colors and don’t resemble him.”
Cathy couldn’t contain her excitement, exclaiming, “This is Nic. Look at him—he’s basically Wilee’s twin! I need more pictures of Nic.”
After the initial excitement, Cathy reached out to Nic’s owner and found that not only do Nic and Wilee share a similar appearance, but they also have matching energetic personalities.
However, many people have raised concerns about the safety and privacy of DNA testing. 
Despite the adorable video, many people have raised concerns about DNA testing technology. While it’s praised for offering insights into health and ancestry, some critics point out that the results can sometimes be inconclusive. Additionally, these tests can be expensive, with Embark’s starting at $109 and the basic 23andMe pack for humans priced at $79.
Beyond issues of reliability, concerns about data security are a significant worry. Commenters have highlighted several risks:
- Hacking: Although companies do not actively sell user data, they cannot guarantee complete protection against data breaches.
- Policy Changes and Business Failures: Companies can alter their policies or go out of business, potentially leaving users’ data unprotected.
- Insufficient Regulation: There are limited laws governing DNA data security, as this field is still evolving.
While some concerns may seem extreme, they represent real risks that should be considered before taking a DNA test.
Have you ever used a DNA test for yourself or your pet?
