We have received Dr. Ned Patterson’s current progress report on the research. Some exciting highlights are:

(1) The two year grant that we provide financial support for and was due to end on March 30, 2010 will be extended an additional 6 months.
(2) The researchers will analyze more Aussie samples using the new Illumina 150,000 – 200,000 SNP array. This new SNP array has just become available and has much more power than the previous SNP arrays.
(3) Dr. Patterson is committed to continuing the search for markers and genes in Australian Shepherds as long as funds are available.

It is very important that we be ready to help provide the researchers with the funds necessary to enable them to continue this vital research to find the genes responsible for canine epilepsy and develop a screening test. We have assured Dr. Patterson that we are committed to continuing to raise funds and help collect blood samples for this important research and that we plan to increase our previous giving to support the research and do everything we can to assist him. We would like to at least double what we previously gave to support the research.

Dr. Patterson continues to work with Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of MO and Dr. Hannes Lohi in Helsinki, Finland. Dr. Patterson did have opportunity to meet with Prof. Lohi with an emphasis on the data in Aussies, ESS (and Vizslas). Their cooperative written agreement gives our Aussies and other breeds the best opportunity for a breakthrough and gives us the expertise and resources of each of these researchers.

Thank you for your help! We can’t do it without you!

We are currently working to raise $20,000.00 for canine epilepsy research. Please see our ad “Help us Reach Our Goal” at www.tobysfoundation.org/Ads_Archive.htm. Please make a donation to help us. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Also please check with your company about a Matching Gifts program. Some of our donors have been able to do this for us and the Corporate Matching Gifts have been a tremendous help!

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Reminder: Blood Samples are especially needed from affected dogs. For information and instructions please click on Donate Blood.
A big Thank you to those who have already contacted us and sent in blood samples for Dr. Ned Patterson’s canine epilepsy research. Also, thank you to those that gave blood samples for epilepsy research at the ASHGI and ASCA health clinic at the ASCA Nationals and at the health clinic at the USASA National Specialty. It takes all of us working together to stop this disease.

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Your gifts help us to support the research to find the genes responsible for canine epilepsy and develop a screening test.

Please make Toby's Foundation part of your charitable giving. Toby's Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our Federal Tax Identification number is 74-3135217. Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law and helps us in our efforts to stop canine epilepsy. Please check with your employer about a Matching Gifts program.

If you would like to make a memorial or honorary gift to support canine epilepsy research, an announcement card can be sent to whomever you specify.

We accept donations online (see link below) or you may mail your check to:

Toby's Foundation
P.O. Box 7321
Laguna Niguel , CA 92677

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