In the past few years some of my time has been spent developing a new medical research model that advances both animal and human health. In addition, I have been working with national humane groups and the pet industry to advance strategies for breeding healthy dogs.

From time to time I will submit blog entries about some of the interesting work I come across.

May 30, 2015 – Met with a donor in Minnesota who is funding collaborative research between medical and veterinary researchers to evaluate if there is a benefit of cannabis in controlling refractory epilepsy in children and dogs. University of Minnesota will be holding a conference on brain disorders in 2016, and this topic will be addressed. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Ned Patterson, University of Minnesota.

June 8-9, 2015 – The Institute of Medicine (National Academies of Science) will be hosting a meeting to discuss the role of clinical studies for pets with naturally occurring tumors in translational cancer research. The goal is for drug development for humans, which might also be used to help dogs. Thus, the entire family (humans and animals) could benefit from the research strategies. Further information on the meeting can be found at : https://www.iom.edu/Activities/Disease/NCPF/2015-JUN-08.aspx