Veteran Honors Beloved Service Dog by Making Him the Best Man at His Wedding

Service dogs play an important part in the lives of the people they serve. Whether they are acting in the capacity as a comfort or support animals, these dedicated animals are indispensable to their owners. In many cases, a service dog’s owner views them as more than just a helper, but as a best friend as well. This is the case with Justin Lansford and his service dog Gabe.

To read more on this story, click here: Veteran Honors Beloved Service Dog by Making Him the Best Man at His Wedding

Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

A very good dog got one last special treat from his favorite human.

Charlie, a beloved golden retriever, was the first dog Sallie Gregory-Hammett of Greenville, South Carolina, ever had on her own. Gregory-Hammett, 30, got Charlie when she was 23, single and had just moved to a new city.

“I know it’s cliché but he was my best friend,” Gregory-Hammett wrote to HuffPost. “He went with me everywhere —work, hiking, trips to Home Depot. He was just a constant source of comfort and companionship and joy. Everyone that knew me knew Charlie and knew how much I loved him.”

To read more on this story, click here: Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

Golden Retriever Meets New Baby Sister And His Precious Reaction Has Been Viewed By Over 9M

Seeing siblings meet for the first time is always heartwarming, but this is just flat-out adorable. When this golden retriever meets his biological baby sister for the first time, he immediately starts to play with her and their interaction is all caught on video.

There’s a reason this video went massively viral, you’ll watch it over and over again!

To read more on this story and see the video, click here: Golden Retriever Meets New Baby Sister And His Precious Reaction Has Been Viewed By Over 9M

Golden Retriever Enjoying His Spa Bath (Video)

It’s common knowledge that dogs will do anything and everything, from puppy dog eyes to literally running away, just to evade bath time. But there’s one dog who savors the moment, and treats bath time like a relaxing trip to the spa.

In the video below, a golden retriever chills on its back, eyes closed, mind in complete state of zen as its owner gives it a good scrubbing.

If Your Dog Is One of These 21 Breeds, It’s Vital To Clean Their Ears Weekly

According to pet insurance companies, ear infections are one of the top reasons people visit a veterinarian. This painful condition could be alleviated if dog owners were more consistent about caring for their dog’s ears, such as frequent inspections, and weekly cleanings.

These 21 Breeds Are At The Highest Risk of Ear Infections
If your dog has floppy ears, in other words, the ear itself folds down over the ear canal, they are at a higher risk than other dogs for infections. The following breeds (and their mixes) are particularly prone to ear troubles:

For more information, click here: If Your Dog Is One of These 21 Breeds, It’s Vital To Clean Their Ears Weekly

Chile's Annual Military Parade Took Place on Thursday, Capturing The Crowd's Attention with Adorable Golden Retriever Puppies

Chile's annual military parade took place on Thursday, capturing the crowd's attention with adorable golden retriever puppies.

Indeed, a row of golden retriever puppies, tucked into neon green bags  and carried by the country's national police force canine unit, became a highlight of the parade. A line of adult retrievers wearing boots followed suit.

The Great Military Parade in Santiago was held in honor of Chile's 208th Independence Day anniversary and featured more than 9,500 troops. It had millions of viewers nationwide, The Evening Standard reported.

World's Gentlest Dog Befriends A Little Boy With Down Syndrome [Video]

A little boy named Hernán and a female yellow lab called Himalaya have been melting hearts around the web with a viral video of the moment the two became friends.

Hernán, of Buenos Aires, has Down Syndrome, which causes him to shy away from physical contact, according to his mother Ana.

In a comment on YouTube she wrote, "He does not like be touched, but Himalaya insisted so patiently, and she was so soft that's why it is so moving, she is left to do anything."

In the video, which now has over 10 million views, Hernán sits on a patio, with a persistent Himalaya inching closer to him. Himalaya makes several attempts to touch Hernán with her paw, but he keeps pushing her away. She rolls onto her back in a playful fashion, while little Hernán presses closer to the wall behind him.

Finally Hernán begins to play with Himalaya's feet and nose, and by the end of the video, what began as an attempt to move away from the dog has turned into something of a game.

Dogs are often used by those with special needs, like Hernán. On its website, Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) writes:

"There are times when the simple presence and loving nature of a dog can help persons with special needs to open up to the world around them. Special needs therapy dogs have been particularly beneficial for persons with Autism, developmental disabilities, Down's Syndrome and those who have suffered a stroke. With the presence of these dogs, persons can work on therapies that help improve speech, coordination, and social skills."
According to Assistance Dogs International, Golden Retrievers and Labs in particular have good characteristics for service to special needs individuals, including confidence and sociability. They are also easy to care for, and not overly protective.

Watch the video of Hernán and Himalaya below, then jump into the comments and share your favorite stories of loving and amazing pets.

Service Dog Patiently Guides Blind Dog Down Steep Stairs

This Cocker Spaniel, named Kimchi, is the only blind dog in the Philippines with his own guide dog!

Kimchi, now estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, was found abandoned in the streets by CARA Welfare Philippines. He was thin, mangy, weak, with flea-infested matted fur, and already blind. He was later adopted by a family with a Golden Retriever mix called Ginger, who is now almost 13 years old. Since then, a very special bond has developed between the two.

In the clip, captured on August 26 in Quezon City, Ginger can be seen patiently leading Kimchi as they go down the steep stairs, and out of a hotel.

He walked one step once then he stopped to wait for Kimchi. He was so caring and wise dog.

The two dogs are so attached to each other. They walk along the beach, across the street, go to shopping malls...

To read more on this story, click here: Service Dog Patiently Guides Blind Dog Down Steep Stairs

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN DOGS AND CATS

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that deteriorates the muscles of dogs and cats because of low amounts of dystrophin. There isn't a cure for the disease, but there are treatments available that can help slow down the progression of the disease. Find out more here.

Muscular dystrophy is a type of genetic disease that dogs, cats, humans, and a few other species can get. It is very serious, but you can still be there for your animal.

WHAT IS MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY?
Muscular dystrophy refers to any of a group of disorders in which low levels of the protein dystrophin causes progressive muscle degeneration. Which muscles are affected, when the disorder manifests, and how quickly the disease progresses depends on which of several possible genetic mutations the patient has.

In both cats and dogs, the most common forms of muscular dystrophy begin at birth or shortly thereafter. While the condition is very serious, animals who survive to adulthood can often live fairly well as indoor companion animals for a number of years.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN DOGS
In dogs, males are much more at risk than females, although females can be carriers and pass the mutation on to their sons. When females do get the disease, they often get a less severe form. Although muscular dystrophy is always rare, some breeds, particularly Golden Retrievers, are more at risk than others. Japanese Spitz dogs and Labrador Retrievers also have their own, even less common, versions of the disease. Signs and symptoms always involve weakening of the muscles. 

To read more on this story, click here: MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN DOGS AND CATS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Has Issued A Warning Against Certain Types of Dog Food That Are Linked to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against certain types of dog food that are linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM.

On July 12, FDA released a statement making all dog owners aware about a possible link between the dog heart disease and specific dog foods that contain peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as the main ingredient.

The cases were observed in Golden and Labrador Retrievers, a Whippet, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog, and Miniature Schnauzers and other mixed breeds. The cases were particularly worrisome as these breeds are not genetically prone to DCM. The heart condition is also less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels.

FDA Warns Pet Owners
In its announcement, FDA said they received reports from the veterinary cardiology community about the growing cases of dog breeds that developed DCM even when they were supposed to be not at risk for the condition. The dogs observed were found to have relied on the said types of dog food as their main source of nutrients from months to years. 

"The FDA is investigating the potential link between DCM and these foods. We encourage pet owners and veterinarians to report DCM cases in dogs who are not predisposed to the disease," said Martine Hartogensis, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine's Office of Surveillance and Compliance.

The FDA advised pet owners to still consult with licensed veterinarians if they decide to change their dogs' diet.

The board said it is now working with pet food manufacturers and the veterinary community with the investigations. For the meantime, anyone who suspected DCM in their dogs and a possible link to their pet food are encouraged to report to the FDA.

Canine DCM
The condition mostly results in congestive heart failure. However, cases in dogs that are not genetically at risk with the disease may improve given the timely medical intervention.

The major symptoms of DCM include lethargy, anorexia, rapid and excessive breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, abdominal distension, and transient loss of consciousness. The dogs affected with the disease may also have muffled or crackling breathing sounds due to the accumulation of water in the lungs.

The cause of DCM is largely unknown. In certain breeds, causes are found to be nutritional deficiencies of taurine or carnitine.

As for susceptibility, male dog breeds are more likely to be vulnerable to the disease.

DCM is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. Specifically, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged. The one side can be more affected than the other. When the lower chamber becomes enlarged, it cannot pump blood out into the lungs. When this happens, fluid builds up in the dogs' lungs. Soon, the heart becomes overloaded and congestive heart failure follows.

Duke, The Golden Retriever That Became the Face of Bush’s Baked Beans Commercials Has Died

An Apopka golden retriever that became the face of Bush’s Baked Beans commercials died last week, the company confirmed Tuesday.

His real name was Sam, and he was one of several dogs that portrayed the loyal companion in more than 20 years of Bush’s commercials.

“The relationship between Jay and his beloved dog Duke is the embodiment of the BUSH’S brand,” the company wrote in a Facebook post. “While Sam has not worked with us in years, we are saddened by the news of his passing and are grateful to have had him depict Duke.”

“We continue to be overwhelmed by fan interest and their love of Duke,” the post said.

Meanwhile, a friend of the dog’s owner posted on Facebook that Sam had been battling an aggressive cancer and he had to be euthanized on Wednesday.

“He was a very special dog to all who ever knew or had the pleasure of meeting him,” David Odom wrote. “He is and will be missed.”

U.S. Air Force Installation Has Added a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response K-9 to Aid in the Fight Against On-Base Sexual Assaults

A U.S. Air Force installation has enlisted a first-of-her-kind recruit to aid in the fight against on-base sexual assault. Only her rank doesn’t exist among lieutenants and captains.

Eielson Air Force Base officials have credited Tessa – a 5-month old golden retriever – with helping seven service members who have come forward to report attacks. 

"It’s been phenomenal having a tiny member of our team accomplish so much positivity in the short amount of time she’s been here," Air Force Capt. Heather Novus, the 354th Fighter Wing’s sexual assault response coordinator, said in a release. “I hope we can smooth the transition for other bases to adopt a [sexual assault prevention and response] K-9, and we would love to assist supporting this idea across other installations and can ease the process for others to adopt what has been a successful program so far.”

Tessa serves as a comfort canine, helping victims of abuse to come forward.

“Tessa brings a stability to reconnect with victims who have emotionally disconnected because of the traumatic event they have gone through,” Shellie Severa, the 354th Fighter Wing’s SAPR head victim advocate, said. “Each individual is different on how they are going to handle their trauma, but one of the biggest things we see with almost all trauma victims is lack of trust, and trust can be re-established through the assistance of a dog.”

Tessa’s mission began in the winter of 2016.

“We are having victims come out of the shadows who were afraid for numerous reasons to report; having a dog in the program is important for them to realize this is a place where they are safe and can rebuild trust,” Severa said. “Tessa has brought many smiles to people engaging with her, and encouraged people to tell their story, which helps them to have a voice again and take back the power they lost.”

The canine’s involvement on base is a visible example of the U.S. military’s efforts to address on-base sexual assault since it was reported only about 3,000 of 26,000 bases were report. The number of unreported cases took a nosedive in 2015. You can read it here: Department of Defense
Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Has a New Employee: A Comfort Dog Named, Farley

Knoxville, TN  - One of the newest employees at East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a four-legged friend whose job is to brighten the days of folks around the facility.

Farley, a golden retriever puppy born in October 2016, is the hospital's first-ever full-time facility support animal.

The lovable canine will take on her new job in memory of a former patient.

The idea for ETCH to get a facility dog came from 16-year-old oncology patient Kristyn Farley, explained  Sue Wilburn, who is the V.P. of Human Resources and Farley's caretaker and handler.

Kristyn died last year but she had a passion for dogs and greater access to them while in ETCH's care, explained Wilburn.

A grant from PetSmart Charities helped the hospital get the facility dog and hospital volunteers set up a fund to cover daily expenses.

Christina Ryskamp, store leader at PetSmart Knoxville located at West Town Mall, nominated the hospital to receive the grant.

“For years, our team has worked with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to collect and donate plush toys to bring a smile to the faces of its pediatric patients during the holiday season. Seeing the reaction of those children inspired us to want to do more,” said Ryskamp.

It'll still be a bit of time before Farley moves into her full-time position. For now, she's working in the Human Resources department and will soon begin a 6-week puppy training program.

Before interacting with patients Farley must complete a comprehensive training program, undergo temperament evaluations and be at least a year old. She'll primarily be a staff dog but will be available to visit with patients, when a volunteer therapy dog isn't available.

A Dog Was the Unwitting Victim of a Suspected Drug Dealer Who Threw Bags of Heroin Over a Fence: A Golden Retriever Named Charlie, Managed to Swallow One of the Bags

A golden retriever was the unwitting victim of a suspected drug dealer this week, when he tossed evidence away while running from police.

The problem? Said evidence were bags of heroin lobbed over the fence of Bark & Play, a Denver, CO, doggy daycare facility.

The suspect was caught soon after; police arrested Christian Manuel Ramirez, who is under investigation for the incident.

Garrett Bishop, who owns Bark & Play, told WHNT News 19 that about 17 bags were found in the yard, but workers didn’t know what was in them.

“Luckily, my employees are right on top of it and within 10 seconds of seeing a foreign object on the ground they were on it,” Bishop said. “They are the reason these dogs are safe.”

But there were 14 dogs in the yard at the time. And despite the staffers’ quick hands, a golden retriever named Charlie managed to swallow one of the bags. She was taken to the emergency room immediately.

Charlie’s owner, Laura, couldn’t believe it when she got the bad news from Bishop.

“My heart skipped a beat,” she said. “They said ‘Charlie ate a bag of heroin and she’s at the vet,’ and I thought, ‘You have to be kidding me, that’s ridiculous.”

“Her eyes were kind of clouded over, she didn’t have any energy. She looked really sick,” Laura said. “I don’t know how much heroin she ingested, or the potency of heroin, or the effects of heroin on dogs, so I was really worried that she could die.”

Charlie was treated with drugs to counteract the effects of the heroin.

“She was really drugged up, really out of it. But I was really happy she was alive,” Laura said. “[The heroin trade] affected my dog today but it could have been someone’s kid,” Laura said.

Charlie’s owner, Laura, said her heart skipped a beat when she heard the news about what her dog had ingested.

The Legacy of 9/11 Dogs 15 Years Later

On first glance, this picture, from 2012, is one of unbearable sweetness, a true Awww moment. Two Golden Retrievers are standing together, one with a gray muzzle, the other a puppy, both wearing vests signifying that they are working dogs.

The older dog is Bretagne, one of the heroes of Ground Zero. Nearly 15 years after the event, she was still making headlines. In August 2015, media carried the story of a happy occasion—her 16th birthday, in which she and her handler Denise Corliss, members of Texas Task Force 1, were feted in New York City.

In June 2016, sadder headlines told of her death, just shy of the great old age of 17.

The puppy in the picture is also Bretagne, named in honor of the 9/11 sniffing celebrity. She is one small part of the legacy of Bretagne and all the other dogs who helped through those dark days, whether they were searching the ruins or easing unimaginable grief.

Young Bretagne, trained to detect blood sugar fluctuations in a diabetic patient, is a graduate of a training school—the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. It is the brainchild of Dr. Cynthia M. Otto, a veterinarian who worked at Ground Zero.

To read more on this story, click here: The Legacy of 9/11 Dogs 15 Years Later

6-Month-Old Puppy Receives Braces to Relieve Pain So He Can Eat

A six-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is getting relief in his mouth thanks to a set of braces.

The Harborfront Hospital for Animals in Spring Lake, Michigan, posted photos Saturday on Facebook of the dog, Wesley, outfitted with braces.

“February is National Pet Dental Health month, so we thought this was a good time to let you know about the importance of your best buddy's dental health,” the veterinary clinic captioned the post, which has been shared more than 270,000 times.

The puppy belongs to Molly Moore, the daughter of the clinic’s veterinarian, Dr. James Moore, who is called a “doggie dentist” in the Facebook post.

“He wasn’t able to fully close his mouth and chew well and he stopped playing with his toys because of the pain and started losing weight because he couldn’t eat,” Molly Moore told ABC News of Wesley.

The braces were put on Wesley on Feb. 19 and should come off this week, according to Moore.

“I think the only way he realizes anything is different is because we had to take his toys away so he doesn’t pull the braces off,” Moore said. “He’s still as puppy-ish as ever.”

Moore added that her dad sees a lot of “unique cases” in his practice.

“He does a lot of oral procedures and different orthodontia for dogs,” she said.

A spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association told ABC News that, as with people, dental problems for dogs can lead to other, more serious health issues.

"Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of animals' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care in animals," the spokeswoman said. "Veterinary dentistry is a function of veterinary practice because it requires diagnosis and treatment, and, to be fully effective, demands extensive knowledge of anatomy, anesthesiology, pharmacology, physiology, pathology, radiology, neurology, medicine, and surgery that is part of the graduate veterinarian's training."

Petco Says 'No Heat' Used in Grooming of Dog That Died at Virginia Store

No heat was used in the grooming process of a Virginia woman's dog that died while in the care of Petco, though a veterinarian who examined the dog said it likely died of heat stroke.

As ABC News reported on Monday, Marks said she dropped off 2-year-old Colby at a Petco in Midlothian, Virginia, early Friday morning and was told he'd be finished around noon. Marks said she started worrying when she didn't hear from the groomers by 1 p.m., so she called and was told to go to a local animal clinic.

Marks said she walked in and saw Colby on the vet's table with "glazed over" eyes. Marks said the Petco assistant manager told her they had given Colby a bath and he was in the drying unit when they found him.

"The groomers involved have been suspended while we complete a thorough investigation," Petco said in statement Monday night. The company also noted that "there was no heat used in the drying process during Colby's groom."

Marks said she doesn't understand how Colby's temperature was 105 degrees if heat was not used, referring to what she said the veterinarian told her after she saw Colby at an animal clinic near the Petco store in Midlothian, Virginia. The vet explained to Marks that Colby’s death was likely due to heat stroke, she said.

"Petco told me last night Colby was stressed to the point that his temperature rose, but I find that hard to believe," Marks, 51, told ABC News today, noting that Colby was in good health and had anxiety only at the groomer's.

The Chesterfield County Animal Services office is conducting the investigation of Colby's death at the store. There are no updates on the ongoing investigation, an official told ABC News, noting that they do not know when the investigation will be complete.

Marks called the situation "pure neglect" of Colby. During her conversation with a Petco representative on Monday night, she said the rep told her the groomers did not follow Petco protocol of checking on animals in the drying units every 10 minutes. But it wasn't clear from the company's statement on Monday night how the drying unit works if it does not use heat.

"It gives me peace of mind that they're looking at disciplinary actions for the groomers because it means they can't do this to any other animal," she said. "Colby was still a puppy and didn't deserve this."

Marks said the Petco representative she spoke to offered to help her find another puppy, but that she "couldn't bear the thought" of owning another dog right now.

A manager at the Midlothian, Virginia, Petco store declined comment when reached by ABC News. Petco's corporate office did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment beyond its statement.

You can read the initial story, here: Dog Dies fromOverheating at Petco Grooming

Dog Dies from Overheating at Petco Grooming

Powhatan County, Virginia - Allison Marks left her 2-year-old golden retriever, Colby, at a Petco store Friday for what she thought would be a routine grooming. When she called to ask about him, though, she was told to go to a nearby animal hospital. There she learned Colby had passed away.

Marks was told by the veterinarian that Colby had likely suffered a heat stroke after being left in a heated cage to dry.

"It sickens me that they could just let something like this happen," she said. "How could he not suffer? He was in a cage for God knows how long."

Marks said the vet explained to her that Colby's temperature was more than 105 degrees one hour after his death.

Service Dogs Help Children with Epilepsy, Autism and Other Disabilities

When Alyssa Howes was 4-years-old, she lost her sight and started having seizures. Her grandmother stayed in the girl's room at night, monitoring her for attacks. That ended three years ago when Alyssa got a service dog named Flint.

When the golden retriever moved in, life changed for Alyssa's Los Angeles-area family. He gives the 11-year-old a more normal life by alerting her family to seizures, guiding her so she doesn't fall and allowing her to have a bit more freedom.

"It gives her a companion to enjoy the moments when she is doing things she likes to do," said her mother, Juliette Palomaki. "And if she is having a bad day, she will call him and they will just be together."

But not enough dogs are being trained for children with epilepsy, autism and other disabilities, said Karen Shirk, founder of 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit that breeds and trains service dogs. Other agencies train dogs specifically to help people with seizures, but Ohio-based 4 Paws is one of just a few that does not exclude young children.

Most require a minor to be 16 so they can handle the dog alone in public. Because a younger child cannot do that, 4 Paws trains at least two adult caregivers, such as parents, teachers and baby-sitters.

Service dogs allow children to feel comfortable at the park, school and restaurants. In Alyssa's case, it means no one has to stand guard at night in case of seizures.

"Once we got Flint, she said she wanted to start sleeping on her own with him," Palomaki said.

Animal behaviorist Brandon McMillan, the star of "Lucky Dog" on CBS, says it's very easy for a child with disabilities to become a recluse.

"Life shouldn't be so complicated at 5," said McMillan, a spokesman for Magnolia Paws for Compassion, which raises awareness that kids can get service dogs. 

"Take a child who has a condition. Give them a dog. The dog opens up a world for this child. It's important for a child's life."

Seizure dogs are costly — taking 4 Paws $22,000 to breed and train, with each family asked to raise $15,000 — but they can alert their companions to seizures before they strike.

Scientists say pooches smell a chemical change when a person is about to seize — they just don't agree how dogs do it, Shirk said. At her training center, dogs learn to bark to signal a seizure so an adult can give the child medicine.

For Shirk, who has a service dog, Piper, to help her with her muscular dystrophy, getting that warning allows her to take medicine that keeps her breathing.

"Messages don't get through from the brain to the muscles," Shirk said of a seizure. "Without Piper, I barely have time to call 911 before everything shuts down."

In Alyssa's case, if Flint detects a seizure, he will lick her, become very attentive, lie on her and bark, the girl's mother said.

"When we hear him bark, we know something is up because he doesn't bark for any other reason," Palomaki said.

Alyssa also has leukemia that's in remission and lacks full use of her right hand. Doctors won't give a prognosis because they "don't want to put expectations or limitations on her," Palomaki said.

"She walks, talks and can read the whole Braille alphabet with one good hand. She's a true joy, and they are a dynamic duo," Palomaki said.

Canine Cancer Has Become a Dog Owner's Greatest Fear: Why Cancer Plagues Golden Retrievers

If a golden retriever gives birth, gets stung by a bee or sprayed by a skunk, veterinarians want to know.

Scientists are studying the popular breed to find out why their lifespans have gotten shorter over the years and why cancer is so prevalent.

The Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation recently got the first lifetime study of 3,000 purebred golden retrievers up and running after signing up the first dogs in 2012. The nonprofit says the review of health conditions and environmental factors facing golden retrievers across the U.S. can help other breeds and even people, because humans carry 95 percent of the same DNA.

"Canine cancer has become a dog owner's greatest fear," said Dr. David Haworth, president and CEO of the foundation, which invested $25 million in the study. "You don't see dogs running loose that much anymore, we don't see a lot of infectious diseases, and the vaccines we have today are very good, so our concerns are warranted."

The vets haven't learned enough yet to improve or prolong the retrievers' lives, but key factors could lie anywhere, said Dr. Michael Lappin, who has 19 patients from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in the study. When he graduated from veterinary school in 1972, golden retrievers lived 16 or 17 years. Today, it's nine or 10 years.

Golden retrievers die of bone cancer, lymphoma and a cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed in the country.

Lappin plans to get his families together in a few months to see if they have found ways to make life easier for their dogs, especially because the most helpful data about cancer, obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions won't emerge for six or seven years, researchers say.

Early exams showed 33 percent of the dogs, which are 1 to 5 years old, had skin disease or ear infections; 17 percent had gastrointestinal illnesses; and 11 percent had urinary disease.

The dogs get medication to treat the conditions, but vets can't treat them differently because it would skew the results, Lappin said.

Marla Yetka of Denver says her nearly 2-year-old golden retriever, Snickers, joined the study and has been suffering from skin problems. Yetka uses oatmeal shampoo on her pet, but she's looking forward to talking with other participants about their remedies.

"I have too many friends who have lost goldens," she said. "Is it what we are feeding them, their environments, their breeding?"

Pet owners keep tabs on everything, from a move across country or across town, a change in climate or time zone, new children at home, different food or behavioral changes. Most keep journals so they don't constantly call the vets when their dog gets a thorn in its foot, eats a spider or devours a bunch of bologna if it tears into the groceries.

The vets collect blood, waste, and hair and nail samples annually to test if the dogs get sick, hoping to uncover a common thread or early warning sign among dogs that develop cancer or other diseases.

Doctors also check for changes in temperature, blood pressure, energy, diet, sleeping patterns or other factors that could explain illnesses.

"Everyone involved will feel the burden it will take to be able to say, 'I am playing a role in stopping cancer in these animals I love,'" Haworth said.

So far, seven golden retrievers have died of conditions such as cancer and gastrointestinal problems, and one was hit by a car, Haworth said. Another dropped out when its owner died. The dogs come from every state; about half are male and half are female; and half are fixed and half are not.

Those who brought dogs into the study, including both veterinarians, hope golden retrievers get a shot at the longer life they used to enjoy.

"I'm glad I found the study and feel in some small way, I might make a difference," Yetka said.