15 Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Your *Pets* to Wear This Holiday

We named him Diego after Dan’s hometown San Diego. He also has the personality of a chill surfer dog compared to my slightly neurotic Lucy (above left, wishing she had her giant dog bed all to herself). His genetic origins, however, were somewhat vague. The adoption shelter suspected he was a German shepherd mix with maybe a smidge Boxer. We were certain of the shepherd part as he was always trying to herd Lucy into a corner — an action often met with fierce objection, but they've since grown to tolerate (and even sort of like) each other. Side note: Diego broke his leg falling down the stairs soon after we brought him home. Highly recommend pet insurance right after adoption!

Over the weeks and months, as he started to grow into his actual size (50 lbs-ish), we guessed maybe he had some pitbull in his heritage. When strangers inevitably asked what he was, Dan would jokingly reply, “American Fence Jumper.”

Meanwhile, my daughter was in dog heaven and kept declaring that when she gets old enough to have her own dog she is getting a Siberian Husky (she’s in the wolf phase of kid animal obsessions).

We used the at-home dog DNA kit, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, to crack Diego's DNA code. The test was pretty simple – easier than a Covid test – and required that we just swab his inner cheek for a saliva sample and mail it off.

We anxiously awaited the results and joked about having a breed reveal party (any excuse to gather, right?). We also wanted to know what we were in for in terms of health and behavior issues. Four weeks later, we received the email that would unlock the mystery.

The test revealed his behavioral traits like willingness to share (yes), separation anxiety (nope), possessiveness (not at all), noise sensitivities (calm), and more, helping us understand him a little better or just confirming what we already knew about him. We even met some of his genetic relatives!

Then of course was the biggest surprise: His breed. Any guesses?

Turns out, Diego is 49 percent Siberian Husky! My daughter was thrilled. His breed mix also included American Pitbull Terrier (26%), American Staffordshire Terrier (19%), and Australian Cattle Dog (6%). He's super social and loves everyone and every dog and is pretty much house-trained...except for the occasional shoe and rug casualty. We're working on it. 😉

You Can Buy The Test Here:

Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry

1. Lean Meats

Cooked chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork can be given to dogs, but they should be boneless, skinless, and free from seasonings, butters, oils, or spices.

2. Fruits

Many fruits are safe for dogs, such as apples (without seeds or core), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind). Remember to remove any seeds or pits of fruits, as they can be harmful to your pup.

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupes
• Cranberries
• Mangoes
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Watermelon

3. Vegetables

Dogs can enjoy a variety of vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to cook or steam them before feeding to aid in digestion.

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Green beans
• Peas
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes

4. Rice and Pasta

Plain, cooked rice or pasta can be given to dogs, but only occasionally. Plain white or brown rice is suitable for dogs, but you should avoid flavored rice mixes or dishes with added spices that can cause harm. It's important to note that rice and pasta is not really nutritionally *necessary* for dogs, as pups primarily require a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that they can get from their regular dog food.

5. Plain Yogurt

Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors, sugars, or artificial sweeteners can provide probiotics and be beneficial for dogs' digestive systems, supporting digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Yogurt also comes in handy for your fur baby when they’re experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Furthermore, yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs, while protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair.

6. Eggs

Cooked eggs are considered a good source of protein for dogs, helping build and repair tissues, supporting muscle growth, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Cooked eggs also have a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium, which all play important roles in supporting overall health and growth of your doggo. When giving your dog eggs, ensure they are fully cooked and avoid using any oils, seasonings, or additives.

If you have any concerns or questions about incorporating these human foods into your dog's diet, do consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs. Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and in small portions to monitor your dog's reaction.

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.