Arthritis, allergies, and cancer are top health concerns and reasons for early retirement

USA (SANEPR.com) February 2, 2009 -- Denver, CO (Jan. 13, 2009) – A recent survey of more than 1,000 guide dog users found that arthritis, allergies, and cancer are top health concerns and reasons for early retirement. The survey, conducted by Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), was the nonprofit organization’s first attempt to collect information on the overall population of working guides over age two.

Thanks to a matching grant from the Laura J. Niles Foundation, MAF committed up to $100,000 per year for three years to fund canine health research that addresses reasons for premature retirement of working guide dogs. Read the survey summary at MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Although guide dog schools in the United States have considerable information on health issues that affect dogs under the age of two, less information is available on issues that affect working guide dogs later in life. MAF surveyed U.S. guide dog handlers (an individual who is blind or visually impaired, partnered with a dog specially trained to safely guide), asking for information on diseases and injuries, reasons for retirement and other issues of concern.

“Guide dog teams have been referred to as the gold standard for a bond between a person and his or her dog. Handlers provide love and care to their dogs; the dogs provide independence and loyalty to their handler,” said Patricia N. Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president/CEO of MAF. “The overwhelming response to the survey made it abundantly clear just how much guide dog handlers appreciate and love their dogs.”

Many guide dog schools have worked hard to improve the health of their dogs and have demonstrated success throughout the years through breeding and training programs. Funding for additional research will further help the schools advance their mission.

MAF has a 60-year history of addressing dog heath issues, including those that affect guide dogs. The organization was initially called the Buddy Foundation, named for a guide dog owned by Morris Frank, who was the first guide dog user in the United States. MAF’s founder, Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr., researched and developed a nutritional diet to control the kidney disease that was affecting Buddy. Thus began a partnership between a veterinarian and a client that resulted in better health for a guide dog.

“Any work that allows these wonderful guide dog teams to enjoy better health and wellness is very important to MAF,” Olson said. “After all, it was important in our past to help Buddy and remains important in our future to give all guide dogs better health.”

Obtaining information from constituents who live and work with guide dogs was a critical step toward developing future health research priorities. Researchers receiving MAF funding will work closely with one or more guide dog schools to address issues of high importance and develop interventional strategies.

About MAF: Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures dogs, cats, other companion animals, horses, and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. MAF is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal Holder. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

About Laura J. Niles Foundation: The Laura J. Niles Foundation is a Connecticut- based foundation that encourages and supports efforts to improve the lives of both people and animals through research, training, and adoption, especially where people and animals benefit simultaneously.