One of the goals of the New England Golden Jubilee is to raise awareness and funds for the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. This groundbreaking study is the largest and most comprehensive prospective canine health study ever undertaken in veterinary medicine in the United States. It’s purpose is to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Each year, with the help of veterinarians and dog owners, the Foundation collects health, environmental and behavioral data on 3,000+ enrolled Golden Retrievers, known as “Heroes.”
Golden Retrievers were chosen for the study for several reasons, including a suspected higher risk for cancer development, genetics, and the popularity of the breed, which led to easier enrollment across the country. Specifically the goal of this study is find the potential risk factors for four types of cancers common in Golden Retrievers: lymphoma and osteosarcoma, which are dramatically similar to the same cancers in humans, as well as hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumors. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will also help scientists and veterinarians learn valuable information on other ways to improve the health of our dogs.
Enrollment for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study began in 2012, and reached capacity in 2015. As of August 2018, of the 3,044 Golden Retrievers enrolled, an incredible 95 percent remain in the study and 85 percent are compliant with all study requirements. Those statistics would be unheard of in human studies and speak to the dedication of each owner. Each year, these dogs undergo a comprehensive veterinary exam, and biological samples such as blood, fur and nails are collected. In addition, the owners of Heroes are required to complete an annual questionnaire detailing the dog’s life, including diet, sleep, exercise and environmental exposure. Following the exams, their vets also must complete an in-depth questionnaire and report. All with the hope of someday identifying the health risk factors for dogs.
The final tally from the 5th Annual New England Golden Jubilee isn’t available yet for how much money was raised for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. However, there is still time for YOU to donate directly to the Morris Animal Foundation to support this potentially lifesaving research for dogs.
In fact, from now through June 30, 2019 your gift can go TWICE as far thanks to the generosity of the Petco Foundation and the Blue Buffalo Company who are matching all gifts, up to $200,000. So please consider making your donation today to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. To learn more about this groundbreaking study and it’s findings so far, please visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
