Dog author sets up fund to benefit canine behavior studies

The American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation today announced that a new fund has been established to benefit studies of canine behavior. The Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund was created in memory of author Darlene Arden's mother, who passed away last year.



Darlene is the author of a number of books including "Small Dogs, Big Hearts," "The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs," and now her new behavior book, "Rover, Get Off Her Leg," which is being reviewed in an upcoming edition of our weekly Pet Connection feature, which appears in newspapers nationwide.



From the AKC's release:

"Darlene has been a tremendous asset to CHF in the past and has always been on the lookout for opportunities to help us tell our story," says Wayne Ferguson, president of the Canine Health Foundation. "We're pleased that she's chosen to honor her mother in such a resounding way."



"I couldn't think of a better way to honor my mother and our shared love of dogs than to create this fund in her memory. Behavior is at the very core of the human-animal bond. I also know that whatever studies the CHF funds will also ultimately benefit people. It's truly a win/win for dogs and their human companions. I also hope it will help breeders breed dogs that are mentally as well as physically sound. I think my mother would wholeheartedly approve."

For more information or to donate, the Canine Health Foundation toll free at 888-682-9696.



We at Pet Connection applaud Darlene for her gesture and wish her, and the Fund, our best.

Comments

[Lilian Barber]

Darlene is a friend of mine, and I know that she put a huge amount of thought into what would be the most meaningful memorial possible for her mother, with whom she had a very close relationship. With this new fund she has been able to combine the two most important things in her life --her love for her mother and her love for dogs.

[Alan Alford]

It's so typical of Darlene Arden to find a needful void and fill it. Although the AKC Canine Health Foundation is "attacking" the myriad of physical health problems that plague our beloved dogs, until now virtually no investment was being made in solving behavior problems, which are still the #1 cause of dogs being abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Darlene to the "rescue," and we all wish her well.

[Donna M. Vartanian, R.N.-]

Darlene is a personal friend of mine and has been for many years. Her Mother was a great lover of dogs and I know that Darlene's Mom is smiling down upon this wonderful Memorial in her name. Darlene's devotion to dogs and her Mom made a wonderful combination in an organization I have the very highest regard for: CHF!

Thank you, Darlene, for being ever loyal to the canine population and your Mother's memory. It can only have a positive outcome.

[Sue Janson]

Darlene is also a friend of mine and like Lilian I know that she put a huge amount of thought into the best way to honor her Mother. The Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund is a perfect way to do that. Darlene's love of dogs certainly began through her Mother's love of dogs and as an Animal Behavior Consultant, and with her deep devotion to her Mother, this is a natural fit. The results of such behavior research will have far reaching results for dogs and humans.