Golden retriever dogs needed for lifetime cancer study

Last month I was at the American Humane Association's BeHumane Summit, where I learned about a pretty amazing cancer study involving golden retrievers.

But before my beagle readers go back to Google, hear me out, because this is important to you too.

A golden retriever at an AKC dog show in June.

In the U.S., golden retrievers are the number one breed to get cancer. In particular, they get hemangiosarcoma. Sixty percent die of the cancer.

But in the United Kingdom, golden retrievers don't get the cancer. Also -- they don't have the same color coats!

Photo courtesy of American humane Association.

So the Morris Animal Foundation is trying to follow 3,000 purebred goldens for their lifetime.

To get involved, you have to:

• Have a young dog
• You have to prove it's purebred
• You have to take the dog to the vet every year.
• Take an annual sample collection
• Take part in an annual survey on the dog, which includes a number of factors

Research for this study could lead to cancer treatments for dogs from all breeds.

So if you have a golden, learn more on the Morris Animal Foundation website.