SacPaws.com

More than 4.5 million dogs will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Cancer is the number one killer of adult dogs.  Despite this fact, many dog owners are unaware of the cancer risk to their beloved companions.  The Canine Cancer Campaign is an unprecedented effort by The Morris Animal Foundation to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years.    

World-renowned scientists and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment, and cures of human cancers - in particular childhood cancers.

MAF has taken the lead to secure financial contributions and manage/administer research grants to many of the world's most prestigious colleges of veterinary medicine, universities, organizations, and scientists.  MAF hopes to raise the $30 million from April 2007 through April 2012. This will include funding for: Clinical trials to test new innovative therapies to help save dogs and alleviate dog suffering now.  Prevention studies related to genetics and canine genome, incorporating lifetime risk assessment studies.  Funding of a tumor tissue bank and the establishment of an endowment to guarantee continued research efforts.

The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF has funded over 100 canine cancer studies so far) is driving the fundraising and helping coordinate the research of many schools of veterinary medicine, cancer centers and scientific organizations around the world. Never has there been more focus on cancer in dogs. Never has there been more hope for dogs – and people. We're so close. All we need is funding for cancer research.  On the part of dogs of every size, shape and breed, Morris Animal Foundation sincerely appreciates a donation of any size. But since their goal of raising $30 million over five years is a big one, they’re offering the following idea on how you can help truly make it happen. Consider this. What if just 1% of the 44 million dog-owning households in the US contribute $50? That would equal $22 million. What if 2% gave, or if the 1% gave each year for five years? All of these scenarios would be very beneficial in the battle to cure canine cancer.

Around the world, we’re asking dog lovers to participate in the Canine Cancer Campaign by giving in the name of your present pet dog, dogs you’ve loved in the past or in the name of a puppy yet to be born. Be a proud pet parent helping cure canine cancer.  To learn more about the Campaign please visit http://www.curecaninecancer....  For information on Canine Cancer Campaign events in Northern California, contact the Sacramento volunteers group at CureCanineCancer@Yahoo.com

Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its. The Foundation has funded nearly 1,400 humane animal health studies. One hundred percent of annual donations go to fund health study programs. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating.   To learn more about MAF, please visit http://www.morrisanimalfoun...