Because of You by Randy Barr | Dog Song Saturday

Randy Barr and his dog, Ernie

Kick off your weekend with a dog song and music video with Dog Song Saturday here at Talking dogs.  I know you'll love singer / musician Randy Barr's new dog song and I've got a demo for you!

I've been collecting dog songs for years now and my favorites are original song composed about dogs.  Randy's song Ernie and Me is one of my all time favorites.  Because of You promises to be another fave.  Listen to the lyrics and you may feel Randy wrote this song especially for you and your dog.

It's pretty obvious that Randy wrote this song for his beloved dog, Ernie, and I'm loving the demo's accompanying video.  

 Randy's music has been described at melodic rock with a kick and is available on cdbaby , Amazon, and iTunes.  Be sure to visit Randy's website and sample some of his other music. 

Randy is a genuine dog lover who believes in making the world a better place for them, too.  In fact, he's been working with his favorite charity, Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc for quite some time.  Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and the available treatment options.  Donations made to CCA are used for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment.  If you make a $10 donation to Canine Cancer Awareness, Randy will make a digital recording for you - personalizing his song Ernie and Me with your own dog's name.  Get your dog song here.

Sit.  Stay.  Grab a dog to snuggle while you listen to Because of You by Randy Barr.  Fetch more dog songs at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected.

Coping with Canine Amputation | Caring for Critters

My dancing dog the morning of his amputation surgery.

Benji was my dancing dog.  

I first saw him when he was 3 months old and on death row.

I was 20, a full-time college student living in an apartment in an old Victorian house (translation: student slums) in Lawrence, Kansas.  Some friends were heading to the local animal shelter to adopt a dog.  They invited me to ride along.  "What fun!" I thought.

I tried to talk Bill and Risa into adopting the German Shepherd / Doberman mix puppy, but they had their eye on another pup. The puppy that had captured my heart was scheduled to be euthanized in less than a week.  He haunted my waking thoughts and my night-time dreams.

The day of his doom, I called the shelter to tell them to hold him for me.  It was one of the best decisions of my life.

I named him Benjamin and called him Benji.  He was my life partner and constant companion.  He attended classes with me.  I moved to a farm for him.  Twice.  He was an extension of me.

Benji, my Doberman / German Shepherd mutt and heart dog.

Benji was 3 years old when his recurring tumors began.  Surgery after surgery, but all benign.

Until they weren't.  He was 9 years old when I heard the verdict: malignant.

Both veterinarians I consulted recommended amputation. The alternative was letting the cancer take him within the year.

Of course I chose amputation.  Although the word was like a dagger to my heart.  No matter what the vets said, I couldn't wrap my mind around Benji having only three legs.  This was before the internet. I couldn't surf the web for information.  This was before the Tripawds community.  I couldn't take advantage of online support.

I was quite sure I would have a handicapped dog after the surgery.   Oh dog!  I was wrong.

Benji came through the surgery just fine and, in fact, got to come home earlier than expected.  Aftercare included wound care, painkillers, and antibiotics.  Seeing him took my breath away and I felt heart broken, even though he was already getting along very well on three legs.
 

Benji post amputation surgery

The true challenge was keeping Benji from bothering the incision.  I had to return to work and he couldn't come with me.  The cone did not deter him and after he ripped his stitches out, I had to add a muzzle. 

The amazing thing to me was how well he adapted.  In fact, as he healed from surgery it became obvious that very little had changed.  No, he no longer could dance with me, but he was so terrific on three legs that people didn't even notice the missing leg.  Amputation bothered me;  it didn't bother Benji at all.
 
Benji was 13 when he was diagnosed with liver cancer.  Because of his age I refused radiation treatment.  I just couldn't put him through invasive and painful treatment.  With a special diet and medication, Benji celebrated his 14th birthday before he passed away in his sleep.  Five of those years were spent as a tripawd.  A very happy tripawd.  

My tripawd dog Benji at age 10

Benji taught me many life lessons.  Here's some of what I learned about tripawd dogs:

•  Make sure you consult with a veterinarian that you trust.  A compassionate "bedside" manner is an essential in my book.
• Amputation bothers humans, not dogs.  As horrific as it sounds and looks immediately post-op, dogs get on with life and certainly don't care how it looks.
• Keep your dog lean and fit.  This was very much in Benji's favor and helped him to very quickly adjust to tripawd life. Check out rehabilitation resources and services to help your dog build muscle in it's other legs.
• Get your own feelings of panic under control in order to make good decisions.  In addition, your dog will definitely pick up on your stress level and how you're dealing (or not dealing) with the situation.
• Take advantage of the support of others who've gone through a similar experience. 
• Be positive.  Be hopeful. 
• Learn from your dog:  live fully in the present moment.

You can read more about Benji's cancer in the post I wrote about my tripawd dog Benji for the Give Cancer the Paw blog hop. 

I'm participating in the Caring for Critters Round Robin, hosted by Jodi at Heart Like A Dog. Each participating blogger writes about their own experience with a medical condition, injury, disease or illness.  The blogger then "passes the baton" to the next, sort of like a relay race in words, online.  Yesterday, Kelsie Merwine from It's Dog or Nothing told us about Canine Parvovirus.   I'll be passing the baton to Mel Freer from No Dog About It. Mel is sharing information about the Rabies Vaccine and potential reactions.

We are participating in the Caring For Critters Round Robin hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Caring for Critters is where you can read about pet parents' experiences with various health concerns to gain insight and hope for issues you may face. - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2014/09/caring-for-super-seniors.html#sthash.0QyR84mL.dpuf

We are participating in the Caring For Critters Round Robin hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Caring for Critters is where you can read about pet parents' experiences with various health concerns to gain insight and hope for issues you may face. - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2014/09/caring-for-super-seniors.html#sthash.0QyR84mL.dpuf

We are participating in the Caring For Critters Round Robin hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Caring for Critters is where you can read about pet parents' experiences with various health concerns to gain insight and hope for issues you may face. - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2014/09/caring-for-super-seniors.html#sthash.0QyR84mL.dpuf

We are participating in the Caring For Critters Round Robin hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Caring for Critters is where you can read about pet parents' experiences with various health concerns to gain insight and hope for issues you may face. - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2014/09/caring-for-super-seniors.html#sthash.0QyR84mL.dpuf

We are participating in the Caring For Critters Round Robin hosted by Heart Like a Dog. Caring for Critters is where you can read about pet parents' experiences with various health concerns to gain insight and hope for issues you may face. - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2014/09/caring-for-super-seniors.html#sthash.0QyR84mL.dpuf

Help Canine Cancer Victims and Get a Personalized Dog Song | Give Cancer the Paw

Randy Barr and Ernie

Too many times I've heard stories about pet owners who cannot afford treatment for their pets with serious illness - often cancer.  Some begin fundraising efforts; some are lucky enough to find a resource that will help them get their dog desperately needed treatment.  

As some of you know, I have a thing for original songs about dogs.  My obsession with my own dog song music playlist led to Dog Song Saturday.  

One day while hunting down some fresh material, I stumbled on a singer songwriter named Randy Barr and his song Ernie and Me.  As I listened to the lyrics they just felt right and I felt my heart crack a bit with their sweet joy.

I shared this wonderful song and the video of Randy and his dog Ernie on a Dog Song Saturday.  I always like to link to the composer and/or performer in those blog posts, so I did a bit of research on Randy.  

That research led to correspondence with Randy himself, plus to this blog post.

At this point you're probably wondering what a dog song has to do with canine cancer.  A lot!

Donate to help people whose dogs have cancer and cannot afford treatment and enjoy your own dog song.

There's a very special organization near and dear to Randy Barr's heart:  Canine Cancer Awareness. 

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and the available treatment options.  

Donations made to CCA are used for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment.  CCA sends those monies directly to the vet involved and the dogs receives treatment.

They also maintain a wealth of information about canine health in general, as well as canine cancer.  Fetch their website for an amazing collection of articles about canine cancer and useful information to guide you if your dog is battling cancer.

Make a tax deductible financial donation to Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc of $10 or more.  Randy will do a digital recording of your very own personalized version of his song Ernie and Me.  Get your dog song here.

Have a listen to my own personalized dog song, Lucy and Me, then head over to CCA and grab a personalized dog song of your very own.  

It's a win - win.  You're helping a worthy dog cancer cause and you'll have a sweet tribute to your own special friend.



You can also listen to Randy's original song, Ernie and Me, and watch his sweet video of him with his dog Ernie.Randy's music has been described as melodic rock with a kick and is available on cdbaby, Amazon and iTunes.  He has a new album out This Thing Called Love which you can preview at RandyBarr.net    You can also find Randy on Twitter or Facebook, too.

Talking Dogs is participating in the Give Cancer the Paw blog hop, hosted by Pooch Smooches and Peggy's Pet Place.  Join us with a  tribute to a lost pet, personal experiences, tips, research - anything related to pet cancer.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Ernie and Me by Randy Barr | Dog Song Saturday

Randy Barr and Ernie

It's Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs and I have a real treat for you.  My favorite dog songs are those written originally about dogs and today's is barking good.

Ernie and Me is a sweet dog song written and composed by singer/songwriter Randy Barr.  
Randy's music has been described at melodic rock with a kick and is available on cdbaby , Amazon, and iTunes.  

Be sure to visit Randy's website.  I especially recommend you have a listen to Sweet Little Eskimo Boy.

Would you like a personalized song for your dog?  

Well, all you have to do is donate to one of Randy's favorite pet causes and you can!

Make a tax deductible financial donation to Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc of $10 or more.  Randy will do a digital recording of your very own personalized song.  Get your dog song here.

Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of canine cancer, its effects and the available treatment options.  Donations made to CCA are used for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment.  Fetch their website for an amazing collection of articles about canine cancer and useful information to guide you if your dog is battling cancer.

Now, grab a dog to cuddle and enjoy Ernie and Me by Randy Barr.  Then head over to CCA and grab a personalized dog song and help a very worthy dog cause.   

Help Keep Golden Retrievers (and Other Dogs) Happy, Healthy and Cancer-Free!

Cancer is something no one wants to talk about, but it is the number one cause of death for dogs older than two years of age.  Morris Animal Foundation has launched the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to find out more about how to stop the cancer epidemic.  

This study will focus on Golden Retrievers, but its findings should apply to other dog breeds.  Additional major diseases will also be looked at through this study.  Questionnaires and annual exams will make up a large part of the discovery process of what causes cancer and other diseases in dogs.   

Morris needs dogs and their owners to sign up to be a part of this initiative.  We would really appreciate any help along the way in this quest to prevent cancer!

Qualifications to Sign up for the Study:

•  Golden Retriever owners must be over 18 years old and reside in the contiguous United States in order to participate.
•  Golden Retrievers must be healthy and less than two years old. 
•  Golden Retrievers also must have a three-generation pedigree.

For more information about this study, visit the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Katie F. on behalf of Morris Animal Foundation. Visit morrisanimalfoundation.org/ to learn more about the animal health research that Morris Animal Foundation participates in.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Dog Birthdays, Holiday Teasers, and Comments: Follow-up Friday

 I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted today by Flea at Jones Natural Chews.

I want to start with a follow-up from the previous week because of a comment JoAnn made on My Tripawd Dog post for Give Cancer the Paw.  JoAnn said:  "... to make it to 14 you were doing something right even when you thought you didn't know what to do."   I should have talked to JoAnn before I published that post because she really nailed the kernel of truth. 

Speaking of good things...  I'm looking forward to a couple of holiday happenings in the blogger community.  The 2nd Annual Christmas Gifts Festival will begin tomorrow on From the Dogs Paw.  Photographer Allen Pearson and his dog, Noah, will be featuring pet themed artists.  For Love of a Dog Jewelry will be included again this year.  It really is not to be missed!  I'm not saying that because For Love of a Dog Jewelry will be included again this year.  I'm saying it because last year I discovered some amazing dog art!

Another super fun holiday event is hosted by Kol's Notes.  Sound trumpets or dog pipers or something for the annual Advent Calendar for Dog Lovers!  Be sure to enter the giveaways.  You could even win a necklace from For Love of a Dog!

For Love of a Dog Jewelry necklace for The Advent Calendar 2013

If you missed My Best Friend by Heidi Winzinger on Dog Song Saturday, fetch it now.  I promise you won't regret having a listen and you'll enjoy the video, too!

Adopt Rosie A Coonhound Dog -  JoAnn said:  What a beautiful girl.  Who wouldn't want her.   Well, unfortunately, plenty of people.  She is still available for adoption.  If you haven't shared her adoption video, please do.

About the Dog Breed Christmas Tree Ornaments - Linda always looks for CBRs ("skunked again" she said) and Holly noted "No FCR's either."  Sorry, ladies.  So many dog breeds, so many color variations, and way too few hours in a day!  In fact, if I do make your favorite dog breed and have it available now, snag it fast.  Many breeds are already sold out and I will not be offering these in the future.  Use this code for a 10% discount and free US shipping:  FLDNEW

About Rosie's birthday party photos - Meghan nailed it:  "It's always great to celebrate a birthday over lots of days!"  Our area is not the most dog friendly and Tractor Supply is the only place in the nearest town that welcomes canine shoppers.  Good thing we agree with Rhythm:  "Tractor Supply is the Best!!" 

Another outtake of my party boy, Rudy

Personally, I love the outtake photos.  I agree with Oz, Rudy and Jeffie couldn't look much cuter and this is now one of my favorite photos of them.   Jeffie is thrilled he made Rita swoon :-)   And Rosie is vastly relieved that I'm not making her wear that hat again!

Rosie thinks birthdays are fun, but exhausting!

Nutro Ultra Dog Treats from Chewy.com - I have to say something I should have said in the review.  Jeffie is my picky eater and really dislikes fruit, but he loves these treats!  And though usually both Jeffie and Rudy defer to (the Queen) Rosie, they could care less if she got her turn at these, Emma!  Brian gave me a chuckle with "fun with the yum."  I'm going to steal that!  And I laughed out loud at Kimberly's comment:  "Totally off topic, but when did Rosie get so big? LOL"  
 

It seems like only yesterday that Rosie was an itty bitty puppy.

Rumpy asked if the Rescue...Pet Products passed the "safe to eat" test.  Yup.  All natural and safe to eat, though surely not in vast quantities.  In fact, Rudy quite enjoyed the peppermint in the paw balm.  

So, what's been happening in your world this past week?  Join the Follow-up Friday bloghop and tell us all about it!

My Tripawd Dog | #GiveCancerthePaw

Not a day goes by that I don't run my hands all over my dogs' bodies.  

I'm not just "petting" them and, though I'm sure they think I'm just massaging them, it's more than that.  

It's a learned habit.  It is being vigilant.  And it is a lesson I learned long ago with my dog, Benji.

This a story without a lot of medical jargon and details.  It's just story about a dog with cancer. It happened before I had internet access and before the explosion of traditional and non-traditional medical advances.

Benji, aka Ben, Bennie, Bennie Ennie Ennie, Benopolis, was my first on-my-own dog.  While in college I accompanied some friends to the local animal shelter.  I was going along because I adored dogs.  My friends went with the intention to adopt one.   

There I encountered a 4 month old puppy who was scheduled for euthanasia.  At the "midnight hour," I raced back to the shelter and adopted him.  I had no business with a pup at that time in my life.  

However, he was now mine and I was his.  We were a team of two.  We were halves that made a whole.  

He was my dancing dog.  He was my first heart dog.

My dancing dog the morning of his amputation surgery.

Benji was 3 years old when I noticed the strange little growth in his "armpit."  

We were living a new city and I thought I'd found a good vet, thanks to co-worker recommendations.  When I found the growth, I made a vet appointment.  After examining Benji, the vet washed his hands and told me that since my dog was not a purebred, it was no big deal.   It could be "something," but probably wasn't and since my dog was a mutt...   He shrugged his shoulders and figuratively washed his hands of me.

I was young.  I was speechless.  And devastated.  In tears I drove away.  

Two days later I had an appointment with another vet, thanks to a friend's recommendation.  This vet, Dr. H, was a dog lover.  He examined Benji and decreed that the growth was, indeed, probably nothing, but should come off.  It was in an awkward place where just by virtue of walking, it would be irritated.  Surgery was scheduled.  Growth removed and biopsied.   Benign.

When Benji was 8 years old he had another strange growth, but this time it was on a back foot.  Back to the vet.  

Same song; second verse.  Surgery, biopsy, benign.

Ben on the morning of his amputation surgery.

Benji was 9 when the growth came back.  Same location.  Dr. H warned me that the recurrence was probably not good news. 

Third verse:  Surgery, biopsy, malignant Mast cell tumor.

I was overwhelmed with fear and felt helpless.  

Options were discussed and the case for amputation was made to me by both Dr. H and his partner, Dr. C.   Just the thought of amputation horrified me and that horror hung around me like a dark cloud until Benji taught me different.

Benji, my Doberman / Shepherd Mutt

Benji came through the surgery with flying colors.  In fact, the vet clinic staff just couldn't keep him down.  He was up and hopping around right away.  While they marveled, Dr. H told me he'd never seen a dog with such life force and will to live.

Post surgery

Dr. H repeated that to me many times over the next few years.  Because the odds were that we'd only bought "a little" extra time.  Both vets warned me of the signs to watch out for that the cancer had spread.  Vigilant became my middle name.

Before he wore the muzzle (only while I was at work), we made 3 trips back to the vet to repair stitches. Unfortunately, nothing short of this "get up" worked.

Benji came home early and got right back to teaching me life lessons.  He couldn't dance anymore, but otherwise nothing had changed.  Life was good.

In fact, he was so good on 3 legs that people didn't realize he was missing a leg.  People would play with him and after a few hours exclaim:  where's his leg?! 
 
Benji was 11 when we moved from the city to what we call "the big farm."   He roamed 150 acres with me and enjoyed his new incarnation as farm dog.  Good times.

Benji and Sherman on the farm.

He was 13 when he had his first seizure.  Tests revealed cancer of the liver.  Our vet prescribed a special diet, medication, and offered radiation treatment.  However, that was only available at the Vet School 5 hours away.  

He would have to stay at the Vet school to be treated and I would not be allowed to be with him.  His odds were not good.  He was 13 years old.

Benji, 14 years old

I chose to keep him at home and live with joy on the farm.  As long as he was not in pain, he would be with me.    Benji was 14 years old when he passed away in his sleep.

Benji taught me a lot.  Too much to tell here, but he would want me to tell you this:

• Be vigilant.  Check for lumps and bumps often.  Do not procrastinate if you find something.  Time is of the essence.
• Make sure you have a vet you trust who also has a compassionate "bedside" manner. 
• Amputation bothers humans, not dogs.  As horrific as it sounds (and looks immediately post-op), Dogs get on with life and don't care how it looks.  
• Keep your dog lean and fit.  This was very much in Benji's favor and helped him quickly adjust to tripawd life.
• If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you need to get your own feelings of panic under control first in order to make good decisions.  Then trust your gut and forget about being perfect - there is no such thing.
• Be positive.  Be hopeful. 
• Live fully in the present moment.

Benji beat the odds and lived a long, joy filled 5 years as a tripawd.

My heart dog, Benji.

Talking Dogs is participating in the Give Cancer the Paw blog hop, hosted by Pooch Smooches and Peggy's Pet Place.  Join us with a  tribute to a lost pet, personal experiences, tips, research - anything related to pet cancer.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Follow-up Friday: Rain, Give Cancer the Paw, and Rosie's Birthday

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog 
and co-hosted by JoAnn at Sandspring Chesapeakes this week.


As I write this we're on our 4th straight day of rain.  The good thing is that the ponds are finally filling up.  They've been low the past few years from the drought.  The other good news is that we're on relatively high ground.  Otherwise we'd be scurrying around trying to build an ark!  None of the dogs likes getting wet.  We joke that they're so sweet they think they'll melt.  At any rate, they're very depressed.   One rainy day is a bummer;  four rainy days in a row is...  no fun!  The truly good news is that tomorrow the sunshine is supposed to return.  I just hope we'll recognize it!

Later today I'll be scanning some old photos of my dog, Benji, for a very special blog hop coming up this next week.  Benji was my tripawd and lost a leg to the big C.  I'll be blogging about our experience in the brand new Give Cancer the Paw blog hop, hosted by Jackie at Pooch Smooches and Peggy at Peggy's Pet Place.

This week also marks a very special time...  Rosie's birthday!  Yup, our girl will be one year old.  Where does the time go?  It seems like just yesterday that we brought her home from the animal shelter.  I love that her birthday coincides with National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

Our puppy girl, Rosie

Pit Bull Songs - Dog Song Saturday
If you missed this post, you really should fetch it.  More than one barking good original song about Pit Bull dogs!

National Mule Day - Monday Mischief
I actually tried to respond to most of the comments on this post.  JoAnn mentioned a mule she used for packing on their elk hunts and his nasty disposition.  I'm a firm believer that "evil" mules or donkeys are made not born.

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins - Tasty Tuesday
Sometimes, when I'm sharing people food recipes, I think I should share healthy food.  Then I decide that's no fun!  We actually put some of these in the freezer to pull out later in November.  I'll let you know how well they freeze.

Autumn Reflections Mule Style
Thanks so much for all the comments!  It's one of my favorite fall photos.   Jen,  the pond reflection was actually a happy accident.  Nope, Jodi, not framed and hung somewhere in the house, but that's a very good idea.  I don't think it is weird at all that you want to hug a mule, Jackie.  They're pretty cute and with their winter coats growing in, they're very soft and "plush."  Definitely hugable and I've been known to do a lot of that.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Fighting Canine Cancer: Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an effort to learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases.  Conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation, it is the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of dogs.  

The study will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retriever dogs and will last 10 - 14 years.

The study is based out of Colorado with the assistance of the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University.  

They're looking for Golden Retriever dogs under two years of age.  So far approximately 500 dogs are participating in the study.  The goal is 3,000.

The Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invest in science that advances veterinary care for companion animals, horses, and wildlife.  

 Here's what the Morris Animal Foundation says about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study:

Why Should Your Dog Participate?

More than half of Golden Retrievers die from cancer, and it is the leading cause of death in all dogs over the age of 2. By participating, you will help scientists:

• Identify ways in which genetics, environment and diet may affect a dog's risk for cancer
• Determine risk factors for other major health disorders in Golden Retrievers
• Learn how to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases
• Improve the health of future generations of Golden Retrievers and help create a healthier tomorrow for all dogs

Who Can Participate?

• Golden Retriever owners over 18 years of age and living in the contiguous United States.
• Dogs that are healthy and under 2 years of age at the time of application.
• Dogs that have a three-generation pedigree.

What Is Expected of You?

• Agree to participate for the life of your dog
• Select a veterinarian who agrees to participate with you
• Complete online questionnaires regarding your dog's food type and feeding habits, environmental exposures, behavior/temperament, disease events, etc.
• Visit your dog's veterinarian for annual exams and sample collection (blood, urine, feces, hair, and toenail clippings)
• When applicable, allow collection of tumor samples for evaluation
• Be willing to consider a necropsy (post mortem examination) when your dog's life ends

Study Participants are responsible for all costs associated with the annual exam, sample collection and laboratory test results. Morris Animal Foundation will reimburse up to $75 of these costs per year after verification that the exam and sample collection has been completed.

For more information about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, click here to fetch the fine print on participation.