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It’s no secret that I’m a dog lover. Dogs are by far the best animals, and it ain’t even close. There’s really only one downside to dog ownership: they don’t really live that long.
Thankfully, the fine people at the Dog Aging Project are working to remedy that.
From Town And Country:
A team of scientists at the University of Washington is working to study the aging of canines, and to develop methods to extend a dog’s lifespan. The program’s website succinctly explains their mission: “We are a growing network of people dedicated to improving the health and longevity of canine companions.”
There’s a reason dogs are man’s best friend. My older dog, Tank, is well, getting older. We found him on the side of the road, emaciated, covered in ticks and fleas and with scarring in his ears from who knows what. He was gray in the muzzle before we even knew him. It is hard to imagine that in a few years, he may or may not be with us. Thankfully, there are people on the job that are way smarter than me.
“People are really close with these animals, and it’s very hard to watch them aging,” said project co-director Dr. Daniel Promislow. “Seventy percent of pet owners consider the dog a member of the family. That’s partly what excites people about this project.”
I absolutely consider Hank and Daisy as part of my family. Quite honestly, I wish dogs had the longevity that cats have. There’s no stigma about being a “crazy dog person” like there is with cats and to be honest, cats are assholes. They do nothing of value, shit in a box and throw up hairballs all over the rug while running around during the witching hours of the night. Why aren’t we funding this more?
“If they receive funding, they hope to standardize how we measure aging in elderly dogs, creating a system similar to the one that exists for elderly humans. Said system would then help the team identify ways to keep dogs healthier, longer.”
If I could, I would sell off everything I had to fund this project. Maybe I love dogs too much, but honestly, unless you are Satan, hating dogs is like hating pizza, ice cream or Freedom.
“[The project] captures the imagination of people who are dog owners and who have watched their dogs age quickly, but it also has the capacity to really improve our own feelings about science and what science can do.”
Once we get this off the ground, there’s no telling what science can do. In the meantime, adopt a dog, and give it a new lease on life. If you ask me, adopting a dog is way better than having a kid..
[via Town And Country]
Image via Shutterstock
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Madoff
I specialize in damage control, being the drunkest at any and all functions and social assassination. Always appreciate a strong gif game. Follow me on Twitter. Sometimes I put up cool stuff about golfing at the local dirt tracks.
@BLMInvestment
The worst part is big dogs typically have the shortest life spans. My coworkers make fun of me for buying Blue Buffalo for my golden because they think it’s overpriced hype, but I pay it gladly. If organic bullshit gives my dog a longer, healthier life, I’m all about it.
I may eat like hot garbage but I’ll be damned if my dog gets anything less than the best.
My friends also make fun of me for spending the money on blue buffalo. I, however, don’t care he deserves the best! And one bag lasts about 3 months so it’s worth it.
HEROES
Where do I send ALL my money to support this?
These scientists are doing the lord’s work.