|
|
|
|
 |
|
AKC Canine Health Foundation:
A Decade of Research and Helping Dogs
By Jeff Sossamon, AKC Canine Health Foundation director of development
 |
The
AKC Canine Health Foundation has awarded more
than $13 million to fund canine genetic research.
|
The AKC Canine Health Foundation was born out of the
desire to help dogs. Since its formation in 1995,
the AKC Canine Health Foundation has become the world’s largest funder of canine genetic
research and a principal force in the advancement
of health in our canine companions.
Founded by an initial American Kennel Club contribution
of $1.6 million, the AKC Canine Health Foundation
set out to “develop significant resources for
basic and applied health programs with emphasis on
canine genetics to improve the quality of life for
dogs and their owners,” according to the Foundation’s
mission statement.
In little more than 10 years, the AKC Canine Health
Foundation has awarded more than $13 million to fund
non-invasive, canine genetic research. More than 275
studies in locations across the nation and world are
helping breeders identify carriers of breed-specific
ailments.
“Because of our findings and well-deserved high
profile in the dog world, the AKC Canine Health Foundation
can collaborate with researchers, breeders, individual
donors and members of the corporate world who are
equally passionate about the health of dogs,”
said AKC Canine Health Foundation President Wayne
Ferguson.“The founders had the vision and foresight
to know that eventually, the genetic research leading
to tests and cures for disease in purebred dogs would
ultimately identify links and correlations to human
research as well,” Ferguson said. “Because
humans and dogs share much of the same genetic makeup,
it was inevitable that parallels and subsequent human
studies would occur. For instance, funding by the
AKC Canine Health Foundation led to a landmark $50
million genome sequencing project at the National
Institutes of Health.”
Double
the Dollars for Dogs
The AKC Canine Health Foundation is accepting
endowment contributions from our canine companions.
You read right, CHF is now acknowledging donations
from our dogs who will be listed on our “Honor Roll of Donors” in magazines dedicated to
the fancy such as the AKC Gazette and on the
Foundation’s website.
The “Double the Dollars for Dogs” endowment campaign is well
on its way to raising funds toward the challenge
issued by the American Kennel Club late last
year. The AKC kicked the campaign off with a
generous $500,000 donation. As the Foundation
raises money marked for the Endowment this year,
the AKC will match those funds dollar-for-dollar
up to $500,000. In all, that adds up to $1.5
million to support the Foundation in perpetuity.
“The Honor Roll of Donors is
one small way we can recognize the hard work
and dedication of our donors and the financial
leadership they show toward eradicating canine
disease,” says Nina Schaefer, director,
AKC and CHF boards. “What a great way to showcase
the contributions our dogs make in our daily
lives as well.”
Contributions to the “Double the Dollars for Dogs” campaign can be sent to AKC
Canine Health Foundation, PO Box 37941, Raleigh,
NC 27627, or you may contribute online at www.akcchf.org.
|
 |
Foundation-funded researchers are directing the charge
against canine cancer. For instance, researchers in
California are developing drug therapies and a DNA
test that identifies dogs that are more susceptible
to contracting cancer. Studies of a bleeding disorder
called von Willebrand’s disease led to tests
for many breeds that identify dogs that will develop
the disease. Also, Foundation-funded researchers have
identified genes causing progressive retinal atrophy
in Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds as well as genes
causing narcolepsy in Doberman Pinschers.
These and other studies have led to faster, quicker
tests that give breeders the tools needed to identify
affected or carrier dogs and possibly remove them
from their breeding stock. For instance, in 1998,
Paula Henthorn, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania
developed the test for cystinuria in Newfoundlands.
Through CHF funded research, breeders are now able
to perform a simple genetic test that will identify
whether or not their breeding stock carries the gene
for this debilitating kidney disorder.
“In
addition to funding research, the AKC Canine Health
Foundation distributes published information and educates
the public about the initiatives we sponsor and the
genetic tools that can help them as breeders,”
Ferguson added. “The Foundation shares this
news at various Breeders Symposia co-sponsored by
the AKC throughout the country. In addition, CHF representatives
and our ambassadors (members of the President’s
Council) help us communicate with other dog owners
and breeders at local shows and during national events
such as the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.”
Foundation affiliates also distribute a wealth of
canine health information on the Internet. The Canine
Health Information Center (CHIC) provides a source
of health information for owners, breeders and scientists
that assists in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC provides
a reliable source of information regarding dogs that
breeders may use in their breeding programs. In the
future, breeders can begin to analyze the pedigrees
of a proposed breeding for health strengths and weaknesses
as well the traditional analysis of conformation,
type, and performance strengths and weaknesses. Breeders
may access CHIC here.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is another
source geared toward helping educate breeders about
health concerns in dogs. OFA’s main objective
is to collect and disseminate information concerning
orthopedic and genetic diseases of animals.
But, this research and education comes with a price.
For this reason, creative and traditional fundraising
efforts are employed to help support the Foundation’s
invaluable work. The Foundation has a strong alliance
with Nestle Purina PetCare Company, where, throughout
the year, Purina Pro Club members who have declared
their participation in the Purina Parent Club Partnership
(PPCP) program submit weight circles from the Purina
products they use. Pro Club tracks the value of submitted
weight circles and, at the end of the year, awards
10 percent of that value to each of the participating
AKC Parent Clubs (national breed clubs). The PPCP
program requires 50 percent of each of the Parent
Clubs’ earnings be donated to the AKC Canine
Health Foundation through the CHF donor advised fund.
The remaining 50 percent is used by the club for education,
rescue or additional canine health research. Last
year alone, weight circles accounted for a check in
the amount of $189,000 to the Foundation with an equal
amount going back to the clubs! This is a pain-free
way for breeders to contribute to canine good health.
(For more information on the PPCP program, call toll-free
(877) PRO-CLUB or visit www.purinaproclub.com).
“In this, our 10th year, we have the opportunity
to look back on our success while envisioning what
the future holds,” Ferguson says. “We
will continue to
strive for the identification of only the
top researchers dedicated and committed
to helping our breeders identify genetic
tests and therapies that will improve
the overall health of our canine friends.”
|
|
| |
Ronald N. Rella, director,
Breeder Services
Theresa Shea, editor | Email: AKCbreeder@akc.org
Customer Service | Phone: 919-233-9767 | Email: info@akc.org
© The American Kennel Club 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
