Organizations partner together to raise funds for canine cancer research
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog announced today that pet food leader Blue Buffalo awarded $1 million to the Museum of the Dog over the next five years. The donation is being made in remembrance of the Airedale Terrier “Blue” for which the company is named.
As a result of the donation, a gallery in the Museum will be named “The Blue Buffalo Gallery,” with a special plaque to honor Blue. Additionally, a life-sized bronze sculpture of Blue will be commissioned for permanent display in the Blue Buffalo Gallery. Both organizations will work together to raise funds to further canine cancer research through events, gift shop sales, and other activities.
“The AKC Museum of the Dog thanks Blue Buffalo and the Bishop family for their generous donation,” said Alan Fausel, Executive Director, AKC Museum of the Dog. “The donation will facilitate several exhibitions that educate the public, honor Blue, the mission of the Museum and dogs everywhere.”
The AKC Museum of the Dog, founded in 1982, was originally housed in The New York Life Building located at 51 Madison Avenue as part of the AKC Headquarters. In 1987, the Museum was moved to West St. Louis County, MO. The Museum made its return to New York City in a new location in February 2019 and houses one of the largest repositories of canine art in the world, including paintings, porcelains, bronzes, trophies and digital displays. The Museum is dedicated to education and preservation of purebred dogs.
Blue Buffalo is committed to the health and well-being of pets and devoted to cancer research in dogs. Blue Buffalo was founded by the Bishop family after their beloved dog Blue battled three bouts with cancer. Working with animal nutritionists and a leading holistic veterinarian, the Bishops developed BLUE Life Protection Formula® for dogs and cats, the number one selling natural pet food in America.
“Blue was one of the best pals who ever put on a collar and we’re proud to be able to honor him with this legacy,” said Billy Bishop, president of Blue Buffalo. “The unique opportunity to work with the AKC to raise money for canine cancer research is an important step in Blue Buffalo’s mission to help find a cure for the devastating disease that causes 50% of all health-related pet deaths.”