Ana is an adorable senior 9-12-year-old Heeler. She is very sweet, loves people, and enjoys being pet. Ana was primarily an outdoor dog at her previous home.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, it is indeed a happy New Year for dogs because there is a new drug on the horizon that promises to extend big and little dogs’ lives. Celine Halioua, the CEO of Loyal Biotech in San Francisco, recently announced that trials are beginning for LOY-001, LOY-002, and LOY-003.
Just what do these drugs do? According to the Loyal website, these drugs target biological mechanisms that cause lifespan disparity. LOY-001 and 003 designed to improve metabolic fitness in large and giant breed dogs are administered as an injection or pill. The pill LOY-002 was developed to support aging in older dogs, regardless of size or breed, and is in pill form.
The drugs have met FDA requirements for expanded conditional approval, which is an authorization that fast tracks animal drugs. This allows the company to market the drug as soon as 2026 before the large clinical trial is finished.
Because of intensive selective breeding, the variety in size among dogs is greater than other species. The genes responsible for body size also reflect lifespan. Larger and giant dogs have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs. For instance, the average age of English Mastiffs is eight years, while Chihuahua’s enjoy 12 plus years.
It is the goal of Loyal to extend the healthy life of dogs at least one to two years. Loyal is now doing a clinical study and if all goes well, your BFF may stay healthy a lot longer. Fortunately, other scientific studies are underway at the Dog Aging Project where they are studying another drug named Rapamycin.
Rapamycin, a drug approved by the FDA for use in humans, is an immunosuppressive drug. However, it could be a potential longevity drug for humans and dogs because it inhibits a protein known as mTOR, which regulates metabolism and cell growth. Dogs treated have shown improvement in heart function, health, and behavior. If you would like to enroll your BFF in the trials, go to dogagingproject.org and click on nominate your dog.
Due to science, our best friends may stay with us a little longer. I suspect that man’s best friend is paving the way to a longer future for both of us.
ATTENTION
CAPS is actively seeking Board Members! We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the board. Please consider being part of our team, we only meet once a month. You can make a difference! Call 775-423-7500 for details.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have two handsome 15-month-old male puppies. BG and Diego are shy guys. They have lived their lives at CAPS but are anxiously waiting to find a forever home. Cat lovers, we have two nine-month-old kittens. They are cute!
IN NEED OF
• Bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet paper, and paper towels to stock our shelter.
• XXL Kong Extremes for our guests.
• Would you like to foster animals? Call CAPS for details.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.
SHOUT OUT TO
• Family Pet Connection for their generous donation. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
• The CAPS staff and volunteers who cared for our guests over the holidays. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• January Holiday: Walk Your Pet Month.
• Would you like a newsletter? Call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, is at jkwmil@outlook.com.