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Puppy Up NK Killer Cell Study

The Puppy Up Foundation is proud to announce a major publication of research in a peer reviewed journal ‘Frontiers in Immunology’. Funded by the Puppy Up Foundation, researchers at MD Anderson have developed the tools and methodology to culture canine Natural Killer cells, which are a special kind of white blood cell, that have great potential to be used in Adoptive Immunotherapy treatment of cancer. These cancer fighting cells can be extracted from patients, separated from other white cells, cultured/expanded in the lab, and potentially returned to that same patient to help fight the cancer. This will be of significant benefit for the development of adoptive immunotherapy treatments for canine osteosarcoma, which in turn may help the development of such treatments in pediatric osteosarcoma. Just one more way that our canine companions are helping humans live better lives!

The $100,000 for this Puppy Up Foundation research grant were raised by grassroots walks held all over the country. Donate today, or see Puppyup.org to find a walk near you!

Here’s the link to the published article on the NK Cell Study

http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fimmu.2016.00521/full

 

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Safe Holidays For Your Pets

The holidays can be fun for the whole family, pets included. But there are things we need to protect our pets from to keep them safe and healthy during the holidays. We know some of the common foods and plants to keep them away from, and hazards like Christmas tree ornaments, lights, and cords, but here are some simple reminders and tips to help make the holidays safe for your best four (or three) footed friends. Certain foods, plants, and activities can be dangerous to your best friend. Please follow the link to our blog for a rundown of things to guard your best friends from during this festive and busy time.

 

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The 2017 PuppyUp Calendars Are Ready To Order

The 2017 Puppy Up “Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” calendars are now on sale! These beautiful calendars make perfect gifts and are a unique combination of “regular” holidays and special dog (and even a few cat) holidays. You’ll find special days like: Squirrel Appreciation Day, Seeing Eye Dog Day, Dogs in Politics Day, and even Bacon Day, as well as Canine Cancer Month, Walk Your Dog Month, National Justice For Animal Week, and many more holidays unique to our calendar. In addition to this year’s 13 winners, you’ll also be treated to the photos of all of this year’s contestants, 2017 PuppyUp! Walk photos, last year’s winners, and so much more.

Our calendars are distinctive and a special gift you’ll want to share with friends and family.

But please order soon as supplies are limited. Order your calendars here.

Aside from our calendars, you can find many PuppyUp goodies that make great gifts. Shop here and help support the Puppy Up Foundation.

 

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Upcoming Event– The PuppyUp Couch Potato Walkless Walk

After the 2016 holiday season is over, show those spandex-wearing, 5k-running, cause-supporting friends of yours that you too can be charitable without leaving your couch.

With no pride whatsoever, the PuppyUp Foundation announces the return of the Couch Potato Walkless Puppy Up! Walk for 2017.

On Sunday, January 1st, join us at the finish line (your couch) and bring a dog and a snack. Take selfies, snuggle your pup, and fight cancers in pets and people.

All participants get bragging rights and a most-excellent nap.

Registration is $25 and participants get a sweet PuppyUp backpack and bandanna. Raise $100 and you will receive a cool PuppyUp t-shirt*!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Pack! Puppy Up!

*collecting t-shirt may require a walk to the mailbox.

Sign up here.

If you’re on Facebook, learn more about it here.

 

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Pup of the Month — Dixie

(By Andi Ramsey)

Dixie was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma in June of 2014 at the age of 12.
After receiving the news that her condition was untreatable, her family decided to make the time they had left with her amazing. A bucket list was created (called Dixie’s Cup) and her adventures began. She had her own private Blessing of the Animals, shook hands with San Antonio Spurs great Sean Elliot, and went shopping at the local pet boutique. On October 6th, 2014, she became a celebrity when she was featured in a news story highlighting her bucket list. As the cameras followed her through downtown San Antonio, she rode a horse-drawn carriage past The Alamo and was treated to a three-course meal prepared by renowned Chef Johnny P. Hernandez. With a happy heart and a full belly, Dixie passed peacefully in her sleep only hours after her downtown experience.

Years before any indication of cancer, Dixie was a top fundraiser for the first Puppy Up! Walk in San Antonio. After her passing, Dixie’s team won first place in the Puppy Up! Walk 2014. Dixie’s life brought so much happiness to others. She is missed terribly and often sends rainbows for her family to see.

Can’t wait to see you again at the Rainbow Bridge, my baby girl.

 

Additional Ways To Help

Shop our PuppyUp Store! You can find all sorts of neat gear here.

You can find just about anything on Amazon.com. When you shop there, please help The PuppyUp Foundation. If you follow this link every time you shop on Amazon, they will donate a percentage of your order to The Puppy Up Foundation. Thank you.

 

Disclaimer

The Puppy Up Foundation does not endorse nor recommend any particular product, service, or treatment. We offer information strictly for educational and/or informational purposes. We believe it is the pet owner’s responsibility to do the research and draw his or her own conclusions.

We can always use your help. If you’re interested, send me an mail at ginger@puppyup.org.

Sincerely,
Ginger Morgan

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