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GRF PLEDGES $500,000 TO MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION FOR CANINE
CANCER RESEARCH
Denver/May 1, 2007 – The Golden Retriever Foundation (GRF) has responded to the launch of Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign with a pledge of $500,000 over a five-year period. The organization becomes the first breed foundation or club to pledge a major gift to this project. “Cancer is the leading cause of death among Goldens, as it is among many breeds,” said David Kinghorn, GRF president. “We hope that other breed groups will follow our lead and support this important endeavor.” The Canine Cancer Campaign is an unprecedented $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog’s lifetime – the next 10 to 20 years. With this gift, the Golden Retriever Foundation will become the first MAF Hero (those who give $500,000 to $999,999 to the campaign.) “We are very excited to become involved in this cancer campaign on the ground level,” Kinghorn said. “Lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are two of the cancers that most affect Golden Retrievers. We believe the research funded through this campaign will lead to treatments for these cancers and will help to improve the health of Goldens.” “The Golden Retriever Foundation has been an excellent partner in Morris Animal Foundation’s mission to improve canine health,” said Dr. Patricia Olson, president/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. “As the proud parent of a Golden named Socrates, I truly appreciate this gift. The MAF Canine Cancer Campaign will make great strides in prevention, treatment and hopefully cures for cancer, which affects half of all dogs over the age of 2.”
After careful analysis of the requests for April Fund grants
over the past five years and GRF's ability to generate donations
to that fund, the directors have changed the policy governing April
Fund grants.
As
of July 1, 2006, there will be a $5,000 cap on
the amount which any one rescue group may receive annually from
the April Fund.
This cap may be waived in
emergency situations.
This figure is set comfortably above the average annual request to accommodate groups that accept a higher number of needy dogs. It allows for expanded use of the fund by more groups and ensures an equitable distribution of the available funds among all groups. It is consistent with GRF’s ability to raise the necessary money on a continuing basis. The unexpected will always occur and this policy takes into account natural disasters, puppy mill closings, and similar emergencies. The GRF is committed to remaining flexible and responsive to the needs of rescue, and the Directors feel that this policy change will ensure that ability in the future.
For complete guidelines for April Fund grants, click here.
The Golden Retriever Foundation has a new address for donations only. Now your checks will be deposited immediately by the bank, giving you faster service, better accounting, and more security. So, the next time you make a gift to the GRF, please mail it to the following address:
Golden Retriever Foundation
All other correspondence, including grant requests, should continue to be sent to the official mailing address at PO Box 628, Elkhorn, NE 68022. GRF AWARDS THREE GRANTS TO MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION
The studies and their principal investigators are as follows:
Genome
Scanning for Aberrant DNA Methylation in Canine Lymphoma Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Scientists already have documented that genetic alterations contribute to cancer development, including lymphoma. One such alteration, DNA promoter methylation, occurs frequently in human cancers, and investigators believe this change may also play a key role in canine lymphoma. Investigators will determine the prevalence of promoter methylation in canine lymphoma samples to help them uncover key cancer genes that regulate lymphocyte transformation and the progression of this disease in dogs. These genes may serve as diagnostic tumor markers and targets for future molecular therapy in dogs.
Canine
Lymphoma – the Prognostic Significance of Cytogenic Changes Lymphoma accounts for nearly 25 percent of all cancers in dogs, with some breeds particularly susceptible. Untreated cases rarely survive beyond three months after diagnosis. Some dogs respond to chemotherapy, but overall response and survival time vary widely, indicating a need to develop more refined modes of classification. Studies have shown that the presence of certain chromosome changes in humans with lymphoma has both diagnostic and prognostic significance. Investigators in this study have identified recurrent chromosome changes in canine lymphoma and will determine whether these changes show prognostic significance for dogs with this cancer. They also may be able to determine whether these changes are associated with specific breeds at higher risk for lymphoma.
Candidate
Gene Analysis in Dogs Affected with Hereditary Cataracts Cataracts are one of the top 10 diseases of concern for dogs, and hereditary cataracts are the most common hereditary eye disorder in purebreds, affecting nearly 125 breeds. Mutations in at least 26 genes in humans and mice have already been shown to be associated with the development of hereditary cataracts, but no such mutations have been identified in canine genes. The investigators hypothesize that the mutations that cause cataracts in humans and mice are also responsible for causing hereditary cataracts in dogs. In this study they hope to identify the mutations responsible for causing hereditary cataracts in dogs. Such findings would allow scientists to develop a blood-based DNA test that could predict at a young age whether a dog is normal, a carrier or will be affected with cataracts. Through selective breeding, the mutant gene could be ultimately eliminated from dog breeds. Prior to their review and approval by the GRF Board of Directors, the proposed studies were reviewed for their science and methodology by the Golden Retriever Club of America Health and Genetics Committee. Since it’s inception in 1948, the Morris Animal Foundation has sponsored 1200 animal health studies covering dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, llamas and even gorillas. Each year, the MAF awards $4 million to research scientists around the world. In 2006, the Morris Foundation will be sponsoring 34 dog studies totaling $1.5 million. POLICY CONCERNING HUMANE TESTING CONDITIONS In the wide range of research projects involving the health of animals and the progress and treatment of disease, certain research protocols involve the production of disease in an animal under laboratory conditions, subsequent observation of the progress of the disease and, sometimes, the reaction of the animal subject to various treatments. This process may also involve the euthanasia of the subject so that its body may be studied post mortem. While the directors of the Golden Retriever Foundation recognize that this type of live testing is an efficient method of study, we are also aware that many people consider the use of animals in this fashion to be morally repugnant. The participation of already diseased animals, under the protection of their owners, is far preferable. Therefore, the Golden Retriever Foundation will reject funding of any research studies which involve the intentional production of disease in dogs, including those which involve killing dogs solely for the purpose of studying the cadavers. In order to encourage more humane research, the GRF will endeavor to assist in the recruitment of suitable, unintentionally afflicted test subjects, and to support the procurement of viable samples for study from affected dogs which have died or been euthanized in the normal course of events. Approved by the Board of Directors June 7, 2006 RACHEL PAGE ELLIOTT EDUCATIONAL FUND SUPPORTS PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Research Contact Information for Goldens Diagnosed with Cancer If you are interested in learning more about on-going cancer studies, or wish to locate research contact information when a dog is diagnosed with cancer, please review the convenient summary chart provided by the GRCA Health & Genetics committee for Cancer Contacts. Donations in support of the Foundation’s endeavors are critically needed so that the GRF can continue its mission of funding programs that further the welfare of the Golden Retriever. All Golden owners are urged to visit these website sections: How you can help, Directing your donation, Donations, and Wills/Bequests when planning their end-of-year charitable gifts. Please sign our Guest Book to receive notices of updates. Please see Golden Retriever Research: A Legacy of Hope. |
