DENVER, April 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer is a disease that touches many of us, and unknown to most, it ends the lives of dogs and cats far too soon. Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit organization that invests in science that advances veterinary medicine for animals, has been funding pet cancer research since 1962, but there is still more work to be done. That is why the Foundation has launched the Unite to Fight Pet Cancer Campaign today to help invest in preventions and treatments for this deadly disease. The organization has enlisted the help of Jonathan Goldsmith, the actor who portrays "The Most Interesting Man in the World."
"Too many families, mine included, have lived through the heartbreak of the loss of our pets," Goldsmith said. "That's why I am participating in the Morris Animal Foundation Virtual Pet Cancer Walk. I believe in the work that they are doing through prevention, treatment and research."
Click to hear why Goldsmith has joined the fight.
All are encouraged to join Goldsmith and Morris Animal Foundation for the Unite to Fight Virtual Pet Cancer Walk on Sunday, June 22. This inaugural virtual fundraising event will give pet lovers around the world a way to honor dogs and cats that have fought this heartbreaking disease and to come together to support pet cancer research funded by Morris Animal Foundation.
Uniting with Goldsmith in the fight against pet cancer is Foundation friend, The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. As part of this campaign, Blue Buffalo will match all donations made to Morris Animal Foundation up to $50,000 through the end of June.
"We are honored to support Morris Animal Foundation and their fight against pet cancer," said David Petrie, president of the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. "They are a global leader in funding the best science to help animals around the world, and we are honored to unite with them on this campaign."
"Every pet deserves a long, healthy life. Sadly, cancer has taken the lives of too many pets, including my beloved dog Luna," said David Haworth, DVM, PhD, president/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. "Our Foundation is working with the very best veterinary scientists in the world to help us understand cancer. It's because of partners, like Blue Buffalo and individual donors, that we are able to continue to raise funds and awareness for this horrible disease. We believe that research is the answer to cancer."
Unfortunately, cancer ends the lives of more dogs and cats than any other disease. You can help change these statistics today! Simply visit UniteToFight.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org and join the fight against pet cancer.
About Morris Animal Foundation:
Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science that advances veterinary medicine for companion animals, horses and wildlife. It is a global leader in animal health science, and its funding helps more species in more places than that of any other organization in the world. Since its founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $70 million toward 2,000+ studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, preventions and cures for animals. Learn more at http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
About The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research:
The Blue Buffalo Foundation For Cancer Research was established in 2003 by the Blue Buffalo Company, a manufacturer of healthy and holistic dog and cat foods under the BLUE™ brand names. Finding a cure for pet cancer is one of the top priorities for the Blue Buffalo Company because its founders have had very personal experiences with this disease. "Our dog Blue, a large breed Airedale and a great pal, had three bouts with cancer," said Bill Bishop, Blue Buffalo's founder. "After Blue's battles, we wanted to do something meaningful to help find a cure for this devastating disease. One of the first things we did after starting our pet food company was to establish the Foundation to raise money for pet cancer research, and raise awareness among pet parents of the early warning signs of this disease."