Could new genetic technology being used by veterinarians help dogs in the pound find a home? One woman is hoping it will help find one stray dog a permanent family.

It's August 8, a big day for Charlie the mix breed. A homeless pound puppy around 16-months-old found somewhere around Lafayette. His foster mother Elisabeth Roberts has taken him in to her Pearl River home. He's one of 9 dogs. She is trying to find homes for Charlie, two Catahoula mixes and another foster dog.

"Most dogs when you look at them you can tell they have dog eyes but for some reason with him when you look at him you actually feel like you're looking at a person he looks at you he's real attentive," says Elisabeth Roberts, Charlie's foster mother.

 Elisabeth says he's affectionate and likes to curl up in bed with her.

"He's very sweet, he's very kind, he's curious, he's very athletic,” she adds. 

But sometimes people are worried about adopting a stray mix. What personality will the animal have? What behavior or physical traits or problems will come out? Will it be good with children or other pets? With a pure bred dog you have somewhat of an idea. So Elisabeth is turning to new technology in hopes of finding Charlie a home.

"It does matter because different breeds are more appropriate for different home situations and home environments, says Dr. Liz Saylor.

Veterinarian Dr. Liz Saylor of the Banfield Pet Hospital in Slidell says this newer DNA test doesn't rely on a cheek swab, those find the genes of a few dozen breeds. This one takes a small vile of blood from the neck and can tell a lot more.

"This DNA test can go back to the great grandparents of the patient and it actually will pick up the DNA from 134 AKC recognized breeds.

The sample is mailed off and a few weeks later the results will come back telling us not only the genetic make up of Charlie but what his personality and physical traits could be.

Fast forward to today. The envelope please.

After the suspense, the test finds a medium amount of one kind of Terrier.

Charlie has no strong traits meaning his mom, dad and grandparents were probably mixes too, but he has medium traits of a Miniature Schnauzer. And some trace amount, meaning from way back, a pinch of bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier -- that's pit bull -- and where the bridle stripes come from.

And his personality?  "Intelligent, active, strong, and usually friendly with dogs," Elisabeth reads from the test results.

Charlie has no clue what all the fuss is about nor does he care about his roots. All he cares about is who will feed and love him for years to come.

"Whoever gets him will be very lucky," says Elisabeth.  

The test cost $170.

To adopt Charlie or the other foster dogs call 1-985-863-1422.  And also go to "Links on 4" for more details.