Canine cancer campaign fetches $500,000 from Golden Retriever Foundation

DENVER — The fight against canine cancer received $500,000 over the next five years from the Golden Retriever Foundation (GRF).

The pledge follows Morris Animal Foundation's launch of a national Canine Cancer Campaign.

The organization becomes the first breed foundation or club to pledge a major gift to this project, MAF officials report.

"Cancer is the leading cause of death among Goldens, as it is among many breeds," says David Kinghorn, president of the GRF. "We hope that other breed groups will follow our lead and support this important endeavor."

The Canine Cancer Campaign is billed as an unprecedented $30-million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime – the next 10 to 20 years.

"Lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are two of the cancers that most affect Golden Retrievers," Kinghorn says. "We believe the research funded through this campaign will lead to treatments for these cancers and will help improve the health of Goldens."

Dr. Patricia Olson, MAF president and CEO, adds, "As the proud parent of a Golden named Socrates, I truly appreciate this gift. The MAF Canine Cancer Campaign will make great strides in prevention, treatment and hopefully cures for cancer, which affects half of all dogs over the age of 2."