Hopalong Harley – I'm not sure what the difference is.  We, too, gave a blood sample, but we did ours very early on.  I have a friend who works with the research team, I'll shoot her a note and see what her explanation is.  I'm sure DNA is DNA, maybe as the research progressed they discovered they could get the same results from a mouth swab and it appears to be a much simpler process.

Here is the note I sent Allie and her response about the difference in the two sampling methods. - Shanna

My note:

Allie,

The question has come up in the Tripawds forum about the difference
between the blood test for DNA and the mouth swab they are collecting
now.  I thought maybe you could shed some light on the transition or
comment on when they do one over the other.

Thanks,

Allie's response:

Sure, no problem.
Blood samples are considered the "gold standard".  They provide the highest amount of high quality DNA.  We prefer to get blood samples, especially from cancer dogs.Saliva samples can provide a sufficient amount of good research DNA as well, but the kits cost us more money and do not give the high yield we get from blood.However, when owners are unable to get to the vet for a blood draw quickly, a saliva sample kit is easy for us to send to them for home collection in order to facilitate quick return time.  This is a good option in order to get a sample where we might not be able to obtain a blood sample, or obtain one quickly.Does that make sense?

Elissa

My correspondence with the group has been very positive.  Elissa belongs to the PitBullTalk forum I frequent.  A mutual friend there asked me to donate the sample.  Elissa has been great about answering questions, and has really become a 'Trouble' fan.  She is the one who placed Trouble's name on the memorial in Boston during the Puppy Up! finale.  She also is planning to introduce Trouble to their group in an effort to keep in the forefront that these samples belong to pets who are family members to the homes where they live.