June

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Wednesday, 6/1

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Cuddle Clones <orders@cuddleclones.com>

Date: Wed, Jun 1, 2016 at 8:53 AM

Subject: Cuddle Clones

To: Cuddle Clones <orders@cuddleclones.com>

Hi,

We would like to let you know that your Cuddle Clone of Brownie is almost done, just a few more hugs and final touches left! Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with the shipping information.

Have a happy day,

Cuddle Clones

Thursday, 6/2

Someone is in my home and enjoying herself AGAIN!

Saturday, 6/4

I'm locked out because daddy forgot to bring his keys.

I waited with daddy in the hallway for 1 hour and 40 minutes. I even went back out and pooed again.

Sundae likes this blanket so Brody wraps her up in it to make her happy.

Ohare airport has a bad Animal Relief Area.

I'm enjoying myself with Everst.

Sunday, 6/5

Daddy trusts Sundae so she gets to go on freedom walks.

We don't need to go because I already know I'm the prettiest and Sundae's the cutest.

I like to come to Brody when I'm scared of the cooking in the kitchen.

Thursday, 6/9

Why can't I sit in Brody's car seat? See I fit!

Brody went to eat his after school snack at Noodles and Company. We couldn't go with him because the restaurant doesn't allow dogs. Sundae is watching him.

My clone arrived today. I'm not amused.

My clone is taking over my home!

You really think that looks like me?

Now there's too many dogs! I hope there's enough food for me.

Friday, 6/10

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Embark <ryan@embarkvet.com>

Date: Fri, Jun 10, 2016 at 3:47 PM

Subject: Embark Update on Sundae’s Test - Getting close!

Hi,

We are getting close to getting Sundae’s results to you! Sundae’s DNA is in the lab undergoing genotyping now, the last step before the data is sent to our genomists. Our genomicists are looking at over 200,000 genetic addresses in Sundae’s genome to discover more about your dog than you ever thought possible. For more details about what we are doing with your dog’s DNA, you can read the paragraphs below. Sundae's results should be ready within two weeks. We will continue to update you as we explore each and every chromosome — and your dog has 78 of them, unlike you and I who have only 46 each!

So, what is going on with your dog’s DNA sample? Read on for the details:

In order to figure out what genetic letter your dog has at over 200,000 different spots in their genome, Embark scientists are analyzing millions of copies of your dog’s DNA using our advanced genetic “chip”. The “chip”, more accurately called a microarray, is Embark’s core proprietary technology. Designed by Embark scientists, it will allow Embark and other researchers all over the world to make exciting new discoveries in dog health. Embark scientists have distilled years of knowledge about the links between genes and breeds, diseases and traits in dogs, and have added many special probes (essentially genetic addresses) to the chip. The chip tells the machine which genetic addresses to look up, and then the machine takes apart your dog’s DNA at those locations to reveal whether your dog inherited an A, T, C, or G at that exact location from each parent. This information is what our genomicists use to understand your dog at the detailed chromosome level.

If you have opted in to contribute to research, Sundae’s genetic data will power new advances in dog health and keep advancing the science of dog wellness. Very cool!

We are excited to be able to give you Sundae’s results soon,

Team Embark

Brody went to New York for the weekend so I'm taking care of my clone, Mickey, and Pluto.

Sunday, 6/12

I hope Brody comes back soon because it's tiring being in charge of these guys.

Thursday, 6/16

This is my new favorite towel.

Why does the clone have to look at me?

Sundae's wasted!

Wednesday, 6/15

Sundae has been licking so she has to go to the doctor. She also needed an anal expression.

After going to the doctor our routine is to go to McDonald's drive thru.

Saturday, 6/18

We have no space!

Sunday, 6/19

Sundae went on a long walk with Brody so they had to make a rest stop to drink some water.

Sundae was still thirsty so when she got home she wanted some tap. She doesn't see anything wrong with that.

Monday, 6/20

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Embark <howdy@embarkvet.com>

Date: Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 12:34 PM

Subject: Brownie’s saliva sample has been received

Hello,

Just a quick note to let you know Brownie’s sample (coded 31001512063092) has just arrived safe and sound. Our scientists are warming up the machines and getting ready to analyze Brownie’s DNA.

We know you’re curious (and so are we!), but we appreciate your patience as your dog’s swab still has many chemical reactions to undergo! We will notify you as soon as the results for Brownie are available for viewing, which should be in about four weeks. In the meantime, we will keep updating you as Brownie’s DNA continues to make its way through this process.

P.S. Did you know that dogsleds were used to deliver the mail in the Alaskan gold rush starting in 1896? Over 100 years later, Embark scientists analyzed sled dogs from diverse Inuit villages that have been raising these dogs for centuries based on their athletic strength and stamina. It turns out that these native dogs are genetically distinct from modern sled dogs like Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Looking at the dogs’ DNA told the story of hundreds of generations of building their unique abilities and adapting to their extreme environments.

What will your dog’s DNA be able to tell Embark’s scientists? Tell us an interesting story about your pup on our Facebook or Twitter, or share your favorite photo with our Instagram account.

Woof!

Team Embark

I told you I like my new towel.

Tuesday, 6/21

We are waiting to pick up Brody on his last day of 1st grade. We are very proud of him.

Saturday, 6/23

We are wasted. This is our bed!

Sunday, 6/24

Sundae's afternoon walk took her to Hudson.

Sundae's probably wondering where I am.

Saturday, 6/25

Sundae's getting bored because this bus is not moving.

Sundae's saying she pulled the line and wants to get off the bus.

Sundae's showing she's interested in cats. I don't know if she wants to rescue them or play with them.

Monday, 6/27

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Embark <ryan@embarkvet.com>

Date: Mon, Jun 27, 2016 at 2:47 PM

Subject: Embark Update on Brownie’s Test - Lab analysis started!

Hello,

Brownie’s swab is at our lab and has started processing! Our geneticists are hard at work extracting Brownie’s DNA from the swab at this moment. Your furry family member’s results should be ready within three weeks. We will continue to update you throughout this process. If you want to hear more nerdy details about what is going on with Brownie’s DNA sample, you can read more below. While you wait, maybe you would like to show off a photo of your pup wearing their Embark dog tag on our Instagram or Facebook?

So, what is going on with your dog's sample? Read on for the details:

First, our team separates Brownie’s DNA from everything else that the sponge soaked up. Our scientists delve into Brownie’s cells with chemicals and awesome machines called centrifuges and pull out all the doggy DNA they can. Then the sample goes through several steps of purification to remove everything else. Next our team pops the DNA in a PCR machine which makes lots of copies of your dog’s DNA — we're talking millions of copies of DNA from a single cell. Without the PCR machine, we might have needed a gallon of saliva from Brownie to get their DNA profile, and nobody wants that. Seriously, this machine is amazing! After that comes the genotyping, which we will tell you about in our next email.

Woof woof!

Team Embark

P.S. You know the saying that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? Well, as it turns out, your dog’s mouth, like yours, is actually home to some bacteria, though it is slightly different bacteria from your own — probably because your mouth is more acidic than your dog’s. Because of this lower level of acidity, over 70% of dogs suffer periodontal disease by age 2, so it is good to clean your dog’s teeth. Also, look out for Embark’s dental research survey that will be coming soon!

This is embarrassing. I have a discoloration in my fur by my butt. The doctor said it's because I'm so stressed out that my fur color is changing.

.

Wednesday, 6/29

Sundae's walk in the morning took her to Hudson. She wants a taste of Brody's breakfast.

Sundae wants more space.

JUNE 2016