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Study brings hope to cats with heart disease B Y K E L LY D I E H L , D V M , M S , D A C V I M (Small Animal Medicine)
When Kathy adopted Luke at 9 months of age from a cat rescue society, he seemed to be a happy, healthy cat with a mischievous spirit and an exuberant personality. It wasn’t until Kathy took him to her family veterinarian for a routine checkup that she learned something was wrong. Luke had a heart murmur, and the veterinarian thought it could become a problem. Heart murmurs in cats can be linked to heart disease and congestive heart failure. “Quality of life is huge, it’s everything. When you get the news your cat’s got a progressive disease, you think you’re starting out on a series of bad things,” relates Kathy as she discusses Luke. “We didn’t even know cats could get heart disease.” Sharon could relate to Karen’s story. Her cat, Bing, also developed a murmur. Sharon had adopted Bing from a local shelter at 4 months of age, and his murmur was detected two years later during a routine veterinary visit. “He seemed perfectly fine, perhaps a little quiet, but otherwise we had no idea he could have a problem,” Sharon says. As was the case with Luke, the veterinarian was concerned even though Bing didn’t appear to be ill. Both Bing and Luke were referred to the veterinary teaching hospital at North Carolina State University. It was there that they were enrolled in a Morris Animal Foundation–funded study led by Dr. Teresa DeFrancesco. Dr. DeFrancesco was studying the drug atenolol, a commonly prescribed human heart medication, to see if the drug could improve the activity level and longevity of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common feline heart disease. As part of the study, enrolled cats were provided examinations, cardiac ultrasounds (echocardiograms), bloodwork and medication, all at no charge to the owner. Owners also received a free accelerometer to monitor their cat’s activity! For many pet owners, becoming part of a clinical trial study group provides their pet with care they couldn’t otherwise afford, and it gives them the satisfaction of participating in something that could make a difference for thousands of cats.
“Bing (at left) and Luke (above) never met, but they had one thing in common that led them both to participate in one of the Foundation’s studies: heart disease.
“My husband is a retired minister and I am a retired teacher,” Sharon says. “We are living on a fixed income, so participating in the study helped us get the care Bing needed. We would never have been able to pay for the workup he received.” For Bing, the study proved to be a lifesaver. “I couldn’t believe the change in Bing after we started the medication,” Sharon says. “It was amazing how much more active he was.” For Karen and Luke, the story is a bit sadder. Luke was doing well but died suddenly last January. Despite the outcome, Karen emphasizes how glad she was to have Luke in the study and says her cat’s quality of life was excellent up to his final days. She adds that it was comforting to know they weren’t alone with the disease. “Participating in the study was a lifeline for Luke and me,” Karen says. “Honestly, becoming part of the study completely changed my reaction to the diagnosis from one of sadness and fear to a more confident and in-control outlook. I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew we would get the best medical support possible and that others would care what happened to my cat.” By participating in the study, both Luke and Bing brought hope to other cats that may be able to enjoy longer, better lives in spite of having heart disease. ✢
14.4
volume
IN THIS ISSUE 2 Your gifts at work 3 It takes a village: Working together to save the Javan rhinoceros
4 Double your impact with the Season of Hope Gift Match
Your gifts at work Over the past 66 years, Morris Animal Foundation has been a global leader in funding studies to advance animal health. Without the help of generous supporters like you, we could not fulfill our mission to improve the health of cats, dogs, horses and wildlife worldwide.
6 Cami: Every day was the happiest day of her life
7 Veterinary students make the most of the summer months
8 Upcoming events 8 Working together to understand and beat K9 cancer
Genetic Mutations Trigger Fatal Virus in Cats Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive, fatal disease that is particularly dangerous to young cats housed with large numbers of other cats, such as in shelters or rescue groups. Caused by a mutation in the benign feline coronavirus (FCoV), FIP is transmitted through cat-to-cat contact and exposure to feces of infected cats. Currently, there is no consistently reliable diagnostic test to distinguish the relatively harmless form of FCoV from the deadly mutated FIP form. Researchers from Cornell University have identified a set of mutations that are highly correlated with FIP and its progression. As a result of this research breakthrough, scientists now have more information needed to explore the development of effective diagnostics, preventives and therapies for FIP in cats. ✢
New Tool Makes Eye Imaging More Affordable
OUR MISSION
Morris Animal Foundation improves the health and well-being of companion animals and wildlife by funding humane health studies and disseminating information about these studies. AnimalNEWS
Volume 14 Issue 4 Winter 2014
AnimalNEWS is published four times a year by Morris Animal Foundation. 720 South Colorado Boulevard Suite 174A Denver, Colorado 80246 T OL L- F R EE
800.243.2345
P
303.790.2345
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Physicians use an eye-imaging procedure, called indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA), to evaluate the blood vessels of the eye and help them detect and manage conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes-related eye disorders and macular degeneration. Although companion animals suffer from similar diseases, high equipment costs make this type of eye imaging unaffordable for most veterinary clinics. Researchers from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine determined that a compact, inexpensive camera adapter could be substituted for more expensive equipment to image the blood vessels of the eye in dogs. This compact camera adapter makes ICGFA imaging more affordable for veterinary clinics and holds promise for detecting disease and improving eye health in dogs. ✢
Moving While Feeding Promotes Weight Loss in Horses Obesity in horses can result in debilitating and often fatal problems in the legs and hooves. Just as it is in people, one of the culprits is lack of exercise. To address obesity due to lack of exercise, Australian researchers from the Queensland University of Technology devised a novel feeding system for horses housed in small paddocks or stables. The feeding system requires horses to walk back and forth a short distance in order to access food, thereby providing them with unsupervised, non strenuous, prolonged exercise. Researchers are optimistic that the unique feeding system will result in improved health for obese horses and will help reduce the incidence of obesity-related diseases, such as laminitis and osteoarthritis. ✢
Researchers Shed Light on Seizures in Marine Mammals Domoic acid is a toxin produced during algal blooms, known as red tides. When eaten by marine mammals, domoic acid can lead to tremors and seizures. Researchers from Colorado State University examined archived brain samples from stranded California sea lions and discovered that the supportive cells of the brain, known as glia, are likely to be important players in domoic acid–induced seizures. This suggests that therapies targeting glial cells may be effective in treating animals exposed to red tides. Because the California sea lion acts as a sentinel for other species affected by this toxin, findings pertinent to sea lion health could also benefit other marine species, such as dolphins, grey whales and northern seals. ✢
©2014 Morris Animal Foundation. All rights reserved.
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It takes a village: Working together to save the Javan rhinoceros BY JEAN VORE
We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Did you know it also takes a village to save a species from extinction? Groups of skilled researchers, wildlife managers and government officials working together with funding organizations, such as Morris Animal Foundation, are all needed to ensure a species’ survival. The Javan rhinoceros is one such species that needs help from the research village. The Javan rhinoceros is perhaps the most critically endangered large mammal on earth; only 35–50 animals are left in the wild. The species lives only in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) on the island of Java, Indonesia. Their rarity is a result of extensive habitat loss, low birth rates and poaching for their horns. Although this population is now protected in UKNP, the small population size means that they are extremely vulnerable to disease outbreaks. With the UKNP population showing further evidence of decline, the Indonesian government recently endorsed a conservation strategy to extend the Javan rhinoceros habitat into a new site in the mountains on the eastern side of the park. This region would provide a vital new habitat for the Javan rhino; however, it is surrounded by 19 villages that rely entirely on agriculture and the use of domesticated water buffalo to work the rice paddies. The water buffalo often suffer from diseases that could cause a significant health risk for the Javan rhinoceros, and because the livestock are loosely managed, they regularly infiltrate the park’s boundaries.
Dr. Khairani with a forest guard and one of the rare rhinoceroses of Indonesia
With Morris Animal Foundation funding, researchers from Cornell University recently completed a disease survey on hemorrhagic septicemia, an often fatal, endemic disease affecting the region’s water buffalo. The disease is suspected to be pathogenic to the Javan rhinoceros. Researchers discovered that several water buffalo living near the proposed Javan rhinoceros relocation site were infected with hemorrhagic septicemia. Based on these findings, local government officials are implementing an annual free vaccination program for livestock to help reduce the risk of disease transmission from livestock to the rare Javan rhinoceros and other endangered animals living in and around the new conservation site. Local villagers have been taught to recognize the disease and to prevent it by using basic quarantine principles. They have also been provided contacts in the event of a disease outbreak. Together, these measures will help safeguard the remaining Javan rhinoceros population in UKNP, the last habitat for these majestic animals. ✢
Above: Dr. Khairani and a water buffalo herd
Dr. Khairani shares health information with water buffalo owners. www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
This study has provided valuable training for a promising wildlife veterinary researcher, Dr. Kurnia Khairani. Thanks to the study team’s ongoing disease surveillance and education efforts, Dr. Khairani has been asked to help park management officials create the first-ever Javan Rhino Health Unit and to serve as the point of contact for future wildlife health needs in the park.
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The greatest gift to animals is a lifetime of good health. Double your impact through the Season of Hope Gift Match As a generous supporter of Morris Animal Foundation, you know all too well that not all animals experience a lifetime of good health. Improving animals’ lives through science is at the core of what we are committed to doing together. This holiday season, you can double the impact on animal health. Three anonymous donors have stepped forward to jumpstart the Season of Hope with a $100,000 matching gift opportunity. Donations received through December 31, 2014 are eligible to be matched up to $100,000! The end of the year marks a special time for many of us, and provides time for reflection and the hope for a better tomorrow. When you give before December 31, you are helping to address critical animal health issues, such as infectious diseases and cancer.
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Animal health advances have moved quickly in the past decade as new technologies emerge, and Morris Animal Foundation is proud to remain a leader in filling knowledge gaps, training scientists and supporting the most cutting-edge research to benefit animals. We will continue to be the leader in solving emerging health issues as they arise. Help us seize this amazing opportunity by making your year-end gift during the Season of Hope Gift Match. Your tax-deductible donation of $75 can become $150 or a gift of $250 will become $500. Any amount you can give will have twice the impact. âœ˘
2014 TOP 5 AREAS OF INVESTMENT Cancer Infectious Disease Genetics General Health Endocrine/Metabolic Disease
46 studies 62 studies 22 studies 13 studies 14 studies
$7,177,937 $6,232,317 $1,590,927 $1,081,007 $863,710
Popular ways to give at year-end.
DID YOU KNOW? More than half of us will do holiday shopping online this year? Did you know that Amazon.com will donate 0.5 percent of your purchases to Morris Animal Foundation? Here’s how it works:
Tribute Gift: A memorial or honor gift to Morris Animal
Foundation is a meaningful way to pay tribute to the special animals, people and events in your life. For holiday gift giving, please make your donation online at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/ways-to-donate or call Liz Nahon, DVM, donor relations specialist at 303.708.3428.
Workplace Giving: Many employers will match
tax-deductible charitable contributions made by their employees. Ask your HR department for a giving form and be sure to include Morris Animal Foundation’s EIN #84-6032307.
Planned Gift: We are happy to assist you with
structuring gifts of stock, securities, life insurance, or distributions from your IRA or retirement plan. It’s also a perfect time to add to an existing gift annuity or start a new one. Contact Scott Koskoski, director of major & planned giving at skoskoski@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org or 303.708.3411.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
•V isit smile.amazon.com (AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service). • Select Morris Animal Foundation as your charity of choice. • Shop!
As you contemplate your financial and tax planning for the remainder of the year, you may also want to give special thought to your philanthropic goals. Time spent planning your charitable gifts for the remainder of this year can result in maximum giving benefits. The development staff at Morris Animal Foundation would be pleased to provide more information to you and your advisers as you consider making a year-end impact on animal health. All planned gifts to the Foundation make you eligible for membership in our Lamplighter Society, reserved exclusively for the Foundation’s most generous donors. ✢ Remember that, as always, tax savings depend on completing your gifts by December 31.
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Cami: Every day was the happiest day of her life Cami meets her little brother, Colton.
BY LIZ NAHON, DVM
To Tracy and Andy Dauterman, Cami was no ordinary dog. The adorable, rambunctious puppy loved nothing more than to chase lizards and splash in the pool. Wherever she went, Cami always seemed to attract the attention of perfect strangers who would admire her pretty and happy face.
The few short weeks after Cami’s diagnosis were spent living life to the fullest—days at the beach, lots of lizard chasing and playtime with her best dog friends. Sadly, Cami’s health declined quickly, and Tracy and Andy were devastated to see their spry pup losing her zest for life.
“I used to tell everyone that every day is the best day of her life, because it was. She was such a happy dog!” Tracy exclaims.
As Tracy’s due date approached, Tracy and Andy hoped that Cami could hold on just long enough to meet her little brother. Cami seemed to know she needed to stick around for just a little longer.
Then last July, Tracy and Andy noticed that their normally playful pup wasn’t acting quite like herself. Even more disconcerting, the lymph nodes under her neck seemed to be swollen. After promptly taking Cami to their veterinarian, Tracy and Andy learned that Cami had lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. “Cami was only three years old. How was this even possible?” Tracy wondered. Tracy and Andy were beside themselves and to complicate matters, at the time of Cami’s unexpected diagnosis, Tracy was eight months pregnant with their first child. “We were so excited to be bringing home our baby boy to meet his ‘big sister’ Cami. She was going to be his protector, his playmate, his companion, his first pet,” Tracy recalls.
“Our sweet Cami Bear held on just long enough to meet her little brother. We brought him home from the hospital on Sunday and we made the decision to say goodbye to her on Labor Day,” Tracy explains. “We always knew that saying goodbye to her would be tough, but we never imagined it would be so early in her life or that it would coincide with the birth of our first child.” Heartbroken from their loss, Tracy decided to commemorate all of the happy memories they shared with Cami by starting a Morris Animal Foundation fundraising page in her memory. “I wanted to do something to turn this terrible situation into something positive,” she says. “After hearing about the good things Morris Animal Foundation is doing to study canine cancer, including the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, I decided to start a fundraising page in Cami’s honor.” Although Cami’s life was cut too short, she truly made the best of every day and even her last day, when she met her little brother, was one of the happiest of her life. ✢
Every day was a happy day for Cami, pictured above playing with pinecones.
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a groundbreaking, long-term study that is enrolling 3,000 young and healthy purebred Golden Retrievers from the contiguous United States and observing them throughout their lives. The goal of this study is to discover better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat canine cancer in not only Goldens, but all breeds of dogs. To learn more, visit www.CanineLifetimeHealth.org.
Help us become 3,000 Golden strong. Register your dog today at
www.CanineLifetimeHealth.org
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Veterinary students make the most of the summer months BY ALLEN BYRNE
Beginning in 2005, Morris Animal Foundation launched the Veterinary Student Scholars Program, which encourages veterinary students to pursue research careers. The program provides students with summer stipends so they can focus entirely on a project of their own design, while working with a mentor at their respective veterinary colleges. Over the past nine years, Morris Animal Foundation has awarded 385 highly competitive grants, totaling more than $1.4 million, to veterinary students from more than 50 different colleges and universities in 15 countries. Last summer, 25 veterinary student projects took place across the country, covering a wide range of species and animal health issues. Veterinary student scholars wrapped up their summer work and submitted final reports in late September and early October. Although the summer is relatively short, this experience provides a hands-on, deep immersion into animal health research—one that significantly affects the lives and careers of these aspiring veterinarians, and the animals they will ultimately serve. “Engaging students in a summer research program, such as the Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholars Program, gives the students an opportunity to experience research firsthand, to work closely with a faculty mentor and to learn from graduate students and postdocs what it is like to be in a graduate program,” says Harm Hogenesch, associate dean for research at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. “This experience is invaluable in attracting veterinarians into biomedical and clinical research careers.” Many former veterinary student scholars continue research careers and go on to receive funding through other grant programs from Morris Animal Foundation or other organizations and entities. Even when participating students decide not to pursue research as a career, they walk away with a profound understanding of why animal health research is important to advancing veterinary medicine.
With her Veterinary Student Scholar Grant, Katy Mayhew is studying the use of stem cells to treat horses with osteoarthritis.
“Morris Animal Foundation, through its Veterinary Student Scholars Program, gives veterinary students the ability to put together a proposal in an area that they are passionate about with guidance from experts in any research institution. These are experiences we could not provide without Morris Animal Foundation,” says Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, associate dean for research and graduate studies at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. ✢
Scholars Program by the Numbers 385 Grants Awarded $1.4 Million Invested 50+ Institutions 15+ Countries
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS S TA F F
executive
David Haworth, DVM, PhD, President/CEO Dan Reed, Chief Development Officer John Taylor, Chief Operating Officer Diane Brown, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Chief Scientific Officer
animalnews contributors
K9 Cancer Walk • South Florida, FL • January 25 K9 Cancer Walk • San Diego, CA • March 1 K9 Cancer Walk • Los Gatos, CA • April 19 For more information or to register, please visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/events or call 800.243.2345.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Working together to understand and beat K9 cancer
officers
BY K AT E O ’ B R I E N
board members
Cancer ends the lives of more dogs than any other disease. Too many families, including mine, have lived through this heartache and loss. As a Foundation, we recognize the need to fund canine cancer research so that we can give dogs longer, healthier, cancer-free lives. One way that we are helping solve this problem is by raising funds and awareness through our K9 Cancer Walk Series.
Kelly J. Diehl, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Small Animal Medicine); Leslie Hansen; Heidi Jeter; Liz Nahon, DVM; Scott Koskoski; Jean Vore; Allen Byrne; Kate O’Brien
James Kutsch Jr., PhD, Chair of the Board Amy Hunkeler, DVM, DACVO, Vice Chair Susan Giovengo, DVM, PhD, MA, BS, Corporate Secretary Colin Giles, BVetMed, PhD, MRCVS, Treasurer Prema Arasu, PhD, DVM, MBA Deborah Davenport, DVM, MS, DACVIM Robert C. Gain Walter George Clinton Lewis Jr. Patrick Long, DVM Jonna Mazet, DVM, MPVM, PhD Bette Morris, PhD Cynthia Morris David Morris David Petrie Stanley Teeter, DVM
presidents emeriti Betty White Ludden Tom Sullivan
trustees emeriti
Eve Anderson G. Marvin Beeman, DVM Erik Bergishagen Lewis Berman, DVM Roger Bohart Mark Carter, PhD R. Anthony Chamberlin Mrs. Robert V. Clark Jr. Robert Detterman Sue Ane Langdon Emrek Lester Fisher, DVM
Murray Fowler, DVM Richard Gebhardt Alan Kalter Arlene Klein Daniel Marsh Jr. Dayle Marsh Dennis Murphy Peter Rhulen Ken Rosenthal Mary Silkworth
PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN TO ASK PET HEALTH QUESTIONS.
Our staff is unable to provide veterinary medical advice. The opinions of study investigators may not necessarily be those of your companion animal’s veterinarian. Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization and is tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Service w (c) (3). Our audited financial statement and state registration information are available upon request. Materials, including photographs and artwork, in this publication may be reprinted only with the permission of Morris Animal Foundation. Please write or call to receive financial information or permission to reprint materials: Morris Animal Foundation, 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 174A, Denver, Colorado 80246, or call us at 800.243.2345. To remove your name from Morris Animal Foundation’s mailing list, send an email to mailbox@ MorrisAnimalFoundation.org or call us at 800.243.2345.
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The Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk Series is a way for dog owners to celebrate their canine companions and remember those who were lost because of this deadly disease. This fiscal year, our Foundation has been working with volunteers around the country to produce six events in their communities. Each walk is different in its own way, but together they have a common goal of helping Morris Animal Foundation understand and beat canine cancer. Our Foundation has connected with many families through the K9 Cancer Walk Series, including Brad and Brittany and their 5-year-old black Lab mix Ella.
Ella at the K9 Cancer Walk
Ella has enjoyed many happy moments with her family, but in April 2012, her lymph nodes became enlarged. When Brad and Brittany took her to the vet, Ella was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma. With care from the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Ella’s cancer went into remission. But the story didn’t end there and Ella’s journey has not been a smooth one. She has relapsed twice and even spent a week in the intensive care unit in September 2012. Ella is currently in remission and enjoying chasing tennis balls and swimming. You, too, can join Ella and hundreds of pet parents around the country! For more information on a walk in your area or organizing your own K9 Cancer Walk to benefit Morris Animal Foundation, contact events@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org. ✢
Special announcement: We’ve moved! Morris Animal Foundation has moved to a great new space in Denver. Please make a note of our new address: 720 South Colorado Boulevard • Suite 174A • Denver, Colorado 80246
In loving memory WINTER 2014 At Morris Animal Foundation, we understand the love between people and their pets and the significance of losing these wonderful companions. Pets are part of our families, and this section honors the special animals that have touched their families’ lives.
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1
AMANDA
6
11
16
BUCK
FRANK
SADIE
CASEY
9
13
HEIDI
14
LILY
WILEY
OLIVIA
20
SPENCER
22
TRUMAN
15
19
SPENCER
21
HONCHO
LITTLEFRID
18
SAMMY
COOPIE
10
GREYSTOKE SAMMY
LILY
17
5
“BUCKAROO”
8
12
KODY
4
BOOMER
7
EURYDICE
3
SUNNY GU
Special animals that have touched their families’ lives Amanda (1)
Dempsey Dumpster
Kody (11)
Sammy (17)
Family: Sue-Ellen & Pete Osika
Family: The Bryant Family Donor: Michael, David & the entire Puppy Haven Family
Family: The Simpson Family Donor: Tim & Courtney Borntraeger
Family: Susan, David & Ruby Swain Donor: Elizabeth & Michael Maroney
Beloved Pet
Boomer (2)
Beloved Dog
Beloved Pet
Beloved Black Lab
Family: Pamela & Arnold Loeb
Emily
Lexie
Buck “Buckaroo” (3)
Family: Lynita & Peter Haber Donor: Henry Roath
Family: Sheri Piergeorge Donor: Jack & Suzi Hanna
Eurydice (6)
Lily (12)
Beloved Black Lab
Family: John & Marie Baumler
Candi
Beloved Labrador Retriever
Beloved Collie
Beloved White Cat with Tabby Spots
Casey (4)
Frank (7)
Family: The Kraemers
Family: Sandy Poindexter
Family: Carol S. Martin
Beloved Family Dog
Family: Donna & Julian Bucknall
Beloved Schnauzer
Chipper
Greystoke Sammy (8)
Family: Phil Somerset Donor: Carol S. Martin
Family: Marcia & Jay Newton
Beloved Pet
Coopie (5)
Beloved Companion
Family: Paige Lentz Donor: Jill & Bill McCalister
Dempsey
Beloved Pet
Family: Audrey Hitch Donor: Carol & John Kopolow & the Veterinary Group of Chesterfield
Beloved Rescue Cat
Heather
Beloved Collie
Beloved Golden Retriever
Beloved Darling Greyhound
Family: Adele Guay
Lily (13)
Beloved Yellow Lab
Family: Jean & Tom Harbeck Donor: Tim & Courtney Borntraeger
Littlefrid (14)
Beloved Abyssinian
Family: Ann Boisclair & Jeffrey Jens
Family: Carol S. Martin
Olivia (15)
Heidi (9)
Family: Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki & Pam Dickinson Donor: Roni Hicks & Associates
Beloved Yellow Lab BFF
Family: Marlene & Lyla Donor: Marlene Chan
Honcho (10)
Beloved Dog
Family: Judith Ditfurth & Family
Beloved Poodle
Sadie (16)
Beloved Labrador Companion
Family: Tom Krystyn Donor: Bill, Sandy, Dexter, Willow & Merlin
Beloved Dog
Sasha
Beloved Dog
Family: JoAnn Bergoffen & Jeff Ehrlich
Spencer (18)
Beloved Scottish Terrier
Family: The Furry Family Donor: Terese Furry
Spencer (19) Beloved Cat
Family: Linda Hensley
Sunny Gu (20) Beloved Dog
Family: The Gu Family Donor: Yu-Huan Gu
Truman (21)
Beloved Friend & Companion
Family: Debby & Terry Fitch Donor: The Truman Collar Website
Wiley (22)
Beloved Beagle
Family: The Heaster, Ritter & O’Bryan Families Donor: Brenda Heaster & Keith Ritter
*About the listing above: When there is no donor listed, the pet’s family made the tribute gift.
The pets in this section were honored through qualifying donations made between June 16, 2014 and September 15, 2014. These gifts will be used to invest in science that creates a brighter world for animals. With your gift of $200 or more per pet, you can include a special pet in the “In loving memory” section of AnimalNEWS. We will do our best to include the pet’s photo when you send it along with your donation. For donations of $500 or more, the pet’s name and his or her family’s name will also be added to the Pet Memorial Wall
located in Morris Animal Foundation’s headquarters. We will also send a special commemorative keepsake to the family. For more information about tribute options, or to make your gift, visit the “Donate” section of our website and click on Memorial and Honor Gifts, or use the prepaid envelope included in AnimalNEWS.