#United States #Raleigh #AKC Canine Health Foundation #Ireland Setter Club #Dog Health Research

Irish Setter Club's Donation Empowers Dog Health Research

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) recently announced a significant donation of $170,000 from the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA) Foundation, aimed at promoting canine health through research and discovery. This partnership showcases the commitment of both organizations to improving the lives of dogs across the nation.

Founded to address the specific health concerns of Irish Setters, the ISCA Health Committee has played a pivotal role in understanding prevalent health issues within the breed. They conduct surveys that identify critical health problems and allocate research funds to tackle these challenges. With this generous donation, the CHF will be enabled to continue its mission of elevating the health and well-being of all dogs.

Funding Research on Cooling Strategies for Dogs

A notable aspect of the donation is the full funding of a new research grant at the University of Pennsylvania. The study, titled "Water-based cooling strategies for dogs experiencing exercise-induced hyperthermia," will provide vital information that dog owners can use to help their pets manage heat stress effectively. This grant is particularly special as it honors Sue Mertens, a dedicated breeder and lover of Irish Setters, who passed away in late 2020 and significantly contributed to the breed's success in AKC events.

Anne Marie Kubacz, Chair of the ISCA Health Committee, expressed her confidence that Sue would be proud to know that such meaningful research is being supported in her memory. The initiative aims to equip owners with techniques to assist their dogs during heat events, whether at home or during activities.

Contributions to Canine Health

Beyond this specific grant, the rest of the donation will support eight other grants targeting various health research programs. Since 2002, the Irish Setter Club of America has remarkably contributed approximately $1.477 million to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, illustrating their deep commitment to canine well-being.

Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, CEO of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, expressed gratitude for the ISCA's trust in the Foundation. She emphasized that every donation, regardless of its size, plays a critical role in advancing canine health and fulfilling the Foundation's vision to create a world where all dogs live healthier and more active lives.

Vision for the Future

The AKC Canine Health Foundation has been at the forefront of canine health research since 1995. With over $75 million in funding, the Foundation pursues high-quality research projects and disseminates critical information for preventing, treating, and curing canine diseases. Their commitment to transparency and financial responsibility is highlighted by receiving a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.

For dog lovers and advocates, the mission of the CHF holds great significance, and the recent gift from the Irish Setter Club serves as a beacon of hope for continuous improvement in canine health.

For more details on Irish Setter health or to support the AKC Canine Health Foundation, you can visit www.akcchf.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our beloved dogs.