Exceptional Longevity Database:
Tracking the Oldest-old Dogs
We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity — the chance for you and your Rottweiler to participate in trailblazing research to better understand the process of aging … in pets and in people.
An Aging Research Initiative by
The Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies,
Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation
INVESTIGATORS
Cheri Suckow, RN, Clinical Data Communication Specialist
David J. Waters, Principal Investigator, DVM, PhD
GOAL
Investigators at the Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies of the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation are building the first nationwide database of exceptionally old dogs. We are honored to include your dog as a part of this unique effort — to better understand aging and the factors that influence exceptional longevity in dogs and humans. Initially, the database will include only Rottweilers, but we expect that, in the near future, long-lived dogs of other breeds will be included.
RATIONALE
What factors contribute to exceptional longevity? How can we combat the aging process? Researchers at the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation and Purdue University's Center on Aging and the Life Course are trying to answer these questions. And now veterinarians at the Murphy Foundation's Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies are seeking your help in putting Rottweilers to work to solve the puzzle of aging. We are testing a new idea — that the secrets to successful aging in humans can be found by carefully studying the oldest-old dogs. To accomplish this, we are establishing The Exceptional Longevity Database that will gather information and then track the oldest-old dogs living among us as part of the Exceptional Aging in Rottweilers Study (EARS).
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY : 13 YEARS IS THE LUCKY NUMBER!
If you now own or have ever owned a Rottweiler who has reached 13 years of age, we want to know all about your dog … because your dog has lived as long as a 100 year old person! We will use a questionnaire to collect information about diet, physical activity, body weight, and medical conditions of your dog. We will request that you complete one questionnaire for each eligible Rottweiler that has reached at least 13 years of age. Then each “centenarian Rottweiler” will be followed closely by investigators to see how long he/she lives.
HOW TO OBTAIN A QUESTIONNAIRE
If your dog's longevity qualifies him/her to be included in The Exceptional Longevity Database, please click here with the right-side mouse button (or control-click if you use a one-button Mac) and choose "Save Link As..." to download a one-page informational sheet entitled “Lucky Number 13: Rottweilers as Guide Dogs to the Fountain of Youth.” You may print and complete this sheet and return it to us by mail or fax. Alternatively, you may e-mail this information to us. We will provide you with the questionnaire to complete so important information about your dog’s life history can be analyzed.
All information collected by investigators at the Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies will be kept confidential. Your name will be kept anonymous and separate from the information you provide to us. The success of this research depends directly upon your cooperation and the accuracy of the information you provide.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, contact Cheri Suckow at cheri@gpmcf.org or call (765) 775-1005.
Thank you for your interest in this important research study on aging in Rottweiler dogs.