Aging dogs equals aging answers

An interesting article by Dan McFeely of the Indianapolis Star appeared in USA Today about studying older dogs to gain insight into aging and cancer.

Read it here.

Researcher David Waters of Purdue University is taking a 23-day tour around the country examining 15 of the oldest-living Rottweilers, all of which are at least 13 years old. Rotties typically don't live longer than 10, according to the article.

Waters is calling the venture his "Old Grey Muzzle tour."

"If you want to understand aging, you have to look to those who have been extremely successful," Waters said. "These dogs are the equivalent to 100-year-old people and we want to find out what is the root of their success."

During each stop, which can last up to four hours, Waters performs a physical examination on the dog. He listens closely to the hearts and lungs. He performs a neurological exam, collects DNA samples, checks bone density and measures body weight and height. Additionally, Waters conducts interviews with owners, exploring the home environment and the things owners have done to keep their dogs healthy.

Waters said decisions owners make can profoundly affect longevity, such as diet, vaccinations and ovary removals.

Waters, 52, focuses on the Rottweilers, he said, because of the similar patterns of aging and cancer behavior for those that are afflicted. Waters says there is a growing need to find out what impacts healthy aging.

Kate would be happy to meet with Waters.

That's one lucky dog

Chase, a 130-pound Rottweiler, took a ride on a tornado Saturday and lived to bark about it.

Here's the story from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Helene Bulliner, 10, said she also spotted Chase outside when she took shelter in her grandmother's basement. "I see, like, a really big gust of wind, and like in the middle, I see Chase's legs," about four feet off the ground, she said.

"We got cows."