Lily’s DNA Results Are In—and Her Breed Mix Might Surprise You!
If you’ve been following our journey at Flip’s Farm, you know this little fighter has already been through a lifetime’s worth of ups and downs. From heartbreaking loss to daily victories, Lily’s story is one of resilience, teamwork, and, yes, a few really good treats.
Lily’s Backstory: Born into Uncertainty, Raised with Love
Let’s rewind a bit. Lily and her sister Katie came to us in rough shape. They were both struggling with serious mobility issues—think scooting instead of walking, trouble holding up their heads, and a total lack of puppy mischief (which, if you know me, is just not right for a young dog).
These two were tight—like, literally leaning on each other for support. When Katie passed, it hit all of us hard. But here’s the thing about dogs: even when life deals them a tough hand, they find ways to keep going. Lily lost her best friend, but she gained a whole new support crew in our family, our other dogs, and all of you who follow her story.
What Is Lily, Anyway? Let’s Talk Breed DNA!
Everyone’s got a guess about Lily’s breed. Is she a Husky? A Corgi? Maybe a little Blue Heeler or Shepherd thrown in for good measure? Drumroll, please… after running her DNA, here’s what we found:
- Siberian Husky: 40.8%
- Australian Cattle Dog: 31.1%
- Pit Bull: 14%
- Alaskan Malamute: 7.7%
- Chow Chow: 6.5%
So yeah, she’s basically a living, breathing plushie—but make no mistake, this mix was not nature’s idea. Most likely, someone tried to breed a “mini Husky” on purpose for profit, and, as happens too often, it didn’t work out. But Lily’s here now, and she’s teaching us what really matters: love, patience, and never giving up.
The Scoop on Lily’s Rehab and Progress
When Lily first arrived, her neck was basically frozen and her back legs just couldn’t get it together. Fast-forward through daily therapy, stretching, and a whole lot of playtime with our pack, and she’s made huge strides. She’s not running any marathons (yet!), but she’s up, she’s walking, and—best of all—she’s living like a dog again.
Training Tip:
If you’re working with a dog who’s got physical challenges, celebrate every win. Sometimes it’s just a better head turn or a few extra steps. And don’t forget—play is therapy, too. Our other dogs, especially Pumpkin and Polly, have been Lily’s unofficial physical therapists. The more she plays, the more mobility she gains.
Learning Opportunity:
Consistency is key. We do daily exercises and stretches recommended by our vet. No skipping days. And treats? Absolutely—high-value snacks like freeze-dried beef liver or soft training treats work wonders for motivation. But the real magic is in patience and lots of positive vibes.
Are There Siblings? The Backyard Breeder Question
One of the big worries was that Lily might be part of a larger backyard breeding operation. We checked her DNA relatives—29!—but no sign of a big family tree that would point to a criminal breeder. Whew! That’s a relief, but also a reminder: Adopt, don’t shop. When you support breeders who cut corners, you support a cycle that leaves dogs like Lily in tough situations.
Next Steps: Lily’s Future, and How You Can Help
So, what’s next for Lily? She’s not quite ready for adoption yet—we’re still figuring out her long-term health, and if it looks like her life will be too short, she’ll stay on the farm as one of our own. As long as she’s happy, has an appetite, and isn’t in pain, she’s got a home here.
But if all goes well, Lily will be looking for a forever family that’s ready for a little extra adventure and a lot of love.
If you’re interested, keep an eye out. And hey, your support (even just by reading this) helps cover her vet bills, rehab, and all the toys and treats a Husky-mix could ever dream of.
Final Thoughts: Why Lily Matters
Lily is proof that even when life starts rough, there’s always a chance for something better. Her story isn’t just about one dog—it’s about what happens when a community comes together, when people don’t give up, and when we believe that every dog deserves a shot.
Thanks for being a part of Lily’s journey. Whether you’re a Flip Coffee fan, a rescue advocate, or just someone who loves a good underdog story—you’re part of our pack. Stay tuned for more “pup-dates,” and if you want to help more dogs like Lily, you know where to find us.
— Rocky Kanaka
P.S. Don’t forget, Pippa, Polly, and Pumpkin are still looking for homes too. Spread the word!
