Newfoundland Health Challenge

Our breed is not perfect.  The Newfoundland is troubled with health problems, which vary from orthopedic problems and genetic disorders to life threatening diseases.    New technology is creating an increased awareness of health problems and the need to address them in the entire fancy.  The AKC has taken up the challenge by creating the Canine Health Foundation.  And now Newfoundland owners can make a difference by taking up a challenge of their own.

The Newfoundland Health Challenge--an aggressive fund-raising campaign aimed at raising tens of thousands of dollars in the coming years to fund Newfoundland-related health research--was created to fight for better health within the breed.  The creation of the Challenge was unanimously approved by the Newfoundland Club of America's Board of Directors in November.

During the coming years, Challenge funds may help scientists understand why dogs bloat, or discover a genetic marker for SAS or autoimmune disorders or epilepsy.

"The first question every Newf owner has when they find out about the Challenge is, 'Where can I send a check?'" said Challenge CoChair Mary Jane Spackman.    "The second is 'How else can I help?'"

Challenge dollars may be matched by funds from other organizations such as the AKC's Canine Health Foundation or the Morris Animal Foundation.  Or the NCA may choose to team up with other parent breed clubs to fund a large study.  Already, ten breed clubs have combined their dollars to support the current study on bloat underway at Purdue University.

The Challenge is not a quick fix.  It is a long-term commitment.  It may take many years and many different studies and research projects to make a better world for our Newfoundlands.  But the Challenge is the NCA's next step in the right direction.    Someday, it will make a difference.

"The Challenge is about making every effort to give our beloved Newfoundlands long, healthy lives," said Jan.  "In return, the Challenge is there when we need to be comforted.  When one of our dogs dies, there is still something we can do for them.  By making donations in their honor, a special dog is remembered.  an that donation just might make the difference for some Newfoundland in the future."

2008 Benefit Calendar to support Newfoundland Health Challenge

The Newfs Gone Bad Calendar for Health Challenge has set a new record.
This year's total donation is $5476.00.

Special thanks to Tracy Monte and Tony DeVoe who devoted countless hours to this project. And of course, special thanks to all of the Naughty Newfs.
We ARE making a difference!

Keep snapping those pictures and watch for the 2009 edition!