The V Foundation for Cancer Research to Launch

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to launch its “Raise Your Paw” campaign at American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC®) Meet the Breeds® this weekend. Raise Your Paw encourages awareness of canine cancer and how vet schools and leading cancer centers can work together to make advancements against cancer to benefit pet dogs and humans. AKC, the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health and training information for dogs, has made a $25,000 donation to fund canine comparative oncology research. Canine comparative oncology explores similarities and differences between human and canine cancers.

“The health and well-being of all dogs is a core tenet of our AKC Mission,” said Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of AKC. “We are proud to make this donation to the V Foundation and to assist in moving canine comparative oncology research forward.”

In the United States, over 1 million companion dogs are treated for cancer each year. Dogs and humans are 85% genetically similar and share the same environment — including air, water and pollutants. This creates an opportunity to accelerate research in canine comparative oncology to help pet dogs and humans beat cancer.

“Comparative oncology gives us all a chance to help our dogs and human family members fight cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation is delighted to work with our friends at AKC to ask our constituents to ‘Raise Your Paw’ to end cancer.”

The V Foundation will attend AKC Meet the Breeds® on January 25-26 in New York and launch its “Raise Your Paw” campaign. Attendees are encouraged to visit the V Foundation’s booth at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to learn more about canine comparative oncology and to celebrate their pet through an interactive display. Social media users can share a photo of their pet raising a paw with the hashtag #RaiseYourPaw.

AKC Meet the Breeds® is a family-friendly educational event that gives animal lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of dogs while learning about responsible pet ownership. For additional information about this event, please visit www.akc.org.

For more information about canine comparative oncology or to make a donation to the V Foundation’s research efforts, please visit v.org/raiseyourpaw.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.v.org.

About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.