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First, what is a colony dog? The SCWTCA, Inc. Endowment fund is supporting the ongoing research of PLN/PLE in our Wheatens at North Carolina State University through a colony of Wheatens and Wheaten/Beagle mixes. The objectives of this research program are to determine early manifestation of PLN/PLE and mode of inheritance; investigate the pathogenesis of the disease and design an effective treatment for affected dogs. For further information you can check the NC State website, http://www.cvm. ncsu/edu/research/SCWT/ The wheaten/beagle mixes are called Wheagles and look remarkably like a Wheaten with shorter legs and longer ears! The SCWTCSC voted to support a colony dog for the upcoming year and pledged our continued support as long as we are able. The cost per year is $2,000. This is a significant amount of money for our club. It was felt we can afford to do this to keep the research program alive (it began with a grant and the grant has run out; if the research is to continue it needs help privately). Our adopted dog was named Tryptophan. He was a six-year-old purebred Wheaten. He was the largest of the group weighing in at 28 pounds. He was a thinker, liked to sit quietly in his run and think about what goes on around him. His birthday was 8/1/2000. Why is it so expensive to sponsor a dog? One
reason is PLN/PLE is typically a late onset disease. This requires
maintaining the colony for many years. There are currently 11 dogs in the
colony. At present, 9 of the 11 have been adopted by either other clubs or
individuals. The Development Department at NC State University has developed
a special mechanism for this continued support. The SCWTCA Endowment Board
is presenting a program through which groups or individuals can continue to
“sponsor” a colony dog. These donations are entirely tax-deductible. These
dogs are going to need support their entire lives. They are making a
lifetime commitment, without their knowledge, to help the entire breed.
Please help continue their support. |
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