Golden Retriever dogs are one of the top favored breeds by American dog owners, and for a good reason. They are loyal, affectionate and their personalities make them the perfect addition to any family, especially if children are around. They are also the breed most chosen to be a critical helper to those with vision or hearing disabilities.
However, one problem that plagues the Golden Retriever population is how prevalent cancer is and how often these lovely dogs die from it every year. It’s estimated that over 60% of Retrievers in the US died from cancer in 1998. This disease is one that is the utmost importance to the Morris Animal Foundation, the group behind the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
What’s Involved in the Golden Retriever Cancer Study
First, let us be clear. This is not a study where you send you’re pup off to live in a sterile wire cage. These dog participants are beloved pets. They stay in your home with their normal routine. Data is collected thoughout the life of the dog and the information will be reviewed and studied by epidemiologists and oncologists.
Golden Retriever puppy parents are encouraged to go to the official site of the study to enroll their puppy into the program. Requirements are that your puppy should be under the age of two at the time of enrollment and be a purebred Retriever that can show a three-generation pedigree lineage. When you decide to participate in this study, you are committing to do this for the lifetime of your dog.
After a questionnaire is filled out online, you will be required to take your dog to its veterinarian for annual check-ups that include a collection of samples that will be used in the research. Also, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll be required to have your dog microchipped. If your dog is later diagnosed with cancer, the program will want to collect samples of tumors for evaluation. While you are helping to find better ways to prevent and treat cancers that affect Golden Retrievers, the Morris Animal Foundation will pay you $75 per year to help offset the cost of your dog’s health visits.
How You Can Help With the Study
The Morris Animal Foundation is interested in studying multiple puppies in the same lineage. You’re asked to enroll one or two of your own dogs, as well as educate new puppy owners that you encounter about the study, and encourage them to enroll their puppy, as well.
The Morris Animal Foundation are encourage people with Golden Retrievers to speak to their veterinarians and help inform them of this important research being conducted. Vets may also register to be official providers for the study, allowing them to partner effectively with puppy owners for an easier time collecting samples. This is a fantastic way for everyone to help this noble breed of dogs.
At the time of this writing, there are over 1500 puppies registered for the research study. The goal of the Morris Animal Foundation is to reach a total of 3000 participating puppies. If you still wish to participate in this important study, but you don’t have a Golden Retriever or your dog is too old to enroll, they are accepting donations of many amounts on their site to help support their research efforts.
