SUPPORT CRITICAL GSDM RESEARCH!

Target:

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Sponsored by:

The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group

German Shepherd Degenerative Myelopathy (GSDM) is the canine equivalent to Multiple Sclerosis. Please help us to preserve the DM Flash Test to aid in the diagnosis of this horrific disease and further knowledge which may ultimately benefit humans beings, in the future. GSDM is a devastating disease that slowly cripples the dog, while the mind remains intact, right up until the last breath of life is drawn...

We, the undersigned, wish to express our support for Dr. Clemmons' work pertaining to German Shepherd Degenerative Myelopathy (GSDM) and the DM Flash Test. GSDM is a devastating and traumatic disease, and no one individual or group has contributed more to the pool of knowledge about GSDM, or educated more people about DM, than Dr. Clemmons. The DM Flash Test has been instrumental in expanding our comprehension of GSDM, and without it, our knowledge base cannot expand. It is imperative that the DM Flash Test remain available to the German Shepherd Dog Community, for it is the only test created for German Shepherds, through GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG research! While other scientists are studying Degenerative Myelopathy in canines, that research is being conducted on other breeds of dogs, mainly Corgis and Boxers. Test results have clearly indicated that German Shepherd Dog Myelopathy is NOT the same disease as Corgi/Boxer Degenerative Myelopathy and as such, scientific discoveries pertaining to those breeds are not necessarily or automatically applicable to German Shepherd Dogs. If the DM Flash test were to be discontinued, it would be a tremendous blow to GSDM research and to the German Shepherd Dog community, as a whole. Additionally, this would leave owners of German Shepherd Dogs with no test other than the SOD1 gene test which has been developed as a part of Corgi/Boxer research and confirmed in no more than 4 German Shepherd dogs! Moreover, early data indicates that not all German Shepherd Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy even possess the mutated SOD1 gene for which the other test is screening! We implore you to continue to offer the DM Flash Test to the German Shepherd Dog Community! Without this test, we will never find a cure for this horrific disease.

The Degenerative Myelopathy protocol, developed by Dr. Clemmons, has been instrumental in slowing the progression of DM and has given more time with better quality of life to a great many dogs suffering from DM. Anyone who has ever loved a special canine companion knows that more time with them means everything in the world. It is a priceless gift! Despite any and all advances made in DM research, Dr Clemmons' protocol is still the ONLY treatment plan that has been developed for German Shepherd Dog Myelopathy that has consistently helped so many dogs. As such, those of us with German Shepherd Dogs who have developed this heart breaking disease (and for those who will sadly have to deal with it in the future) NEED Dr. Clemmons to be able to continue his research! We NEED the Flash Test to be able to support that effort! Without further research geared specifically towards the German Shepherd Dog, the German Shepherd community will be left to wonder what parts of the latest DM research is even applicable to their beloved dogs. Without the DM Flash test, there is no way to gain more knowledge about GSDM ! The only wish and the greatest hope of anyone who has ever owned a DM dog, is that a cure be found in time to save their beloved companion. Please do NOT add years to that time by allowing DM to claim even more victims. Dr Clemmons has always been our researcher of choice. Our faith is in him, the worldwide DM Support Group revolves around him, the Breed Club has shown its faith in him with their research support, and we did not come this far to suddenly find our ship without its Captain! Please do NOT do this to us! DM dog owners have enough heartache on their plate!

We respectfully request that you seriously reconsider your decision to defund the DM Flash Test lab and allow the DM Flash test to remain available to serve the breed for which it was created. Access to the DM Flash Test and Dr Clemmons' work is crucial in the minds of GSD owners to the ultimate resolution of GSDM. The program continues to provide the kind of direction and assistance to the German Shepherd Dog Breed that it has a history of doing. The loss of Dr Clemmons' program to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and German Shepherd Dog owners everywhere would be a severe blow to our hope for a better future.

Thank you for your time and consideration, from the worldwide German Shepherd Dog Community.

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We signed the "SUPPORT CRITICAL GSDM RESEARCH!" petition!

# 1,121:

12:47 am PDT, May 20, Katrin Finsterbusch, Germany

# 1,120:

6:04 pm PDT, May 14, Patricia Couillard, Wisconsin
My 13 year old GSD, Tristan, was diagnosed with this disease this afternoon, and I feel fortunate to have learned about Dr. Clemmmons' program and work so soon. I am happy to support his efforts on the behalf of all German Shepherd owners.

# 1,119:

11:09 am PDT, May 14, Ray Kelly, Pennsylvania
Thank God for this test I now know what my dogs problem is I'm waiting for the results.

# 1,118:

4:11 am PDT, May 14, SANDRA ROCHA, Portugal

# 1,117:

12:50 pm PDT, May 12, Kelly Jenks, Texas
My husband is a quad and his service dog was recently diagnosed with this horrible disease. Please support this research.

# 1,116:

10:13 am PDT, May 12, Sophia Papadohatzaki, Greece

# 1,115:

6:23 am PDT, May 12, Joana Carmo, Portugal

# 1,114:

12:48 pm PDT, May 11, Robyne Arrow, Missouri
There is too much at stake if we stop now!!!!! Please help.. please

# 1,113:

7:55 am PDT, May 11, Carolina Martinez, Spain

# 1,112:

2:57 pm PDT, May 10, Tatiana Costa, Brazil

# 1,111:

5:00 am PDT, May 7, Serena Fox, United Kingdom

# 1,110:

12:46 am PDT, May 7, Ari R. Kolman, Canada

# 1,109:

8:35 am PDT, May 6, Name not displayed, Michigan

# 1,108:

9:34 pm PDT, May 5, Name not displayed, Oregon

# 1,107:

6:29 pm PDT, May 5, Name not displayed, South Carolina

# 1,106:

11:38 am PDT, May 5, Name not displayed, Russian Federation

# 1,105:

9:33 am PDT, May 5, Michael Cody, California
I have a 12 1/2 year old Male GSD - Diesel - who was diagnosed with DM in January 2005 in the very early stages of the disease. That's nearly 4 1/2 years!! Diesel has been on Dr. Clemmons' medication and supplement protocol the entire time. Diesel is still able to walk, climb stairs and swim. While is very slow to get up and get around, he is only alive and well today because of the work of Dr. Clemmons and his lab. Please save this test so that others can benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.

# 1,104:

7:17 am PDT, May 5, Donna Bielak, Florida
For more impact, add a personal comment here

# 1,103:

11:00 am PDT, May 4, Debra McWilliam, Minnesota
I had another GSD paralyzed from a myelogram. I will not put this dog through that or another MRI. I need the Flash test to determine what's going on with her. Please reconsider!

# 1,102:

7:48 am PDT, May 4, Kyle Jess, Alabama
GSDM is a terrible disease. The Flash Test should allow people to know what their pet is dealing with. The knowledge will allow thier owners to make good decisions for their pets. Please continue the funding of anything that will benefit the relief of Degenative Myelopathy, it may help with Humane diseases one day.

# 1,101:

1:35 pm PDT, May 3, Linda Nutman, South Carolina
Let us speak for those who can not.

# 1,100:

9:58 am PDT, May 3, Sheila Paske, California

# 1,099:

3:47 am PDT, May 3, Name not displayed, United Kingdom

# 1,098:

3:58 pm PDT, May 2, Linda Gould, Canada

# 1,097:

3:26 pm PDT, May 2, Donna Jett, Texas
While I don't have German Shepherds, I believe this is a disease that can affect other breeds under different names.

# 1,096:

2:52 pm PDT, May 2, Ricki Kaplan, Illinois
i have a german shepherd just diagnosed with dm. i also own 3 other german shepherds, one is flint's litter mate. knowing there is a test in which i can get to help in a diagnosis for them has helped to me knowing i can start treatment earlier if they can get dm. a test for any disease is a helpful and useful tool in fighting and finding a cure. ricki kaplan

# 1,095:

6:16 am PDT, May 2, Kittie Ferguson, California
I support this for the help of our canine companions ans well as possible benefits to humans

# 1,094:

5:02 am PDT, May 2, Nancy Chwiecko, New York

# 1,093:

8:26 pm PDT, May 1, Melanie Lindsey, Florida

# 1,092:

7:06 pm PDT, May 1, Olga Nikolaeva, Russian Federation

# 1,091:

6:50 pm PDT, May 1, Name not displayed, Ohio

# 1,090:

3:38 pm PDT, May 1, Dolores Cunha, Oregon
If you have ever loved a dog...you will not withdraw the funding from this research!!! Dogs are not mere 'pets' they are an integral part of our lives and have come to teach us unconditional love...which humans have yet to learn. If you have ever loved a dog....PLEASE fund this reasearh!!! Thank you, Dolores Cunha Eugene, Oregon

# 1,089:

3:08 pm PDT, May 1, Name not displayed, Illinois
Please, I urge you not to drop the DM Flast Test. I had a dog who had DM and was devastated by it. We need the testing. I don't want another dog to go through what my beautiful Frisco did.

# 1,088:

1:56 pm PDT, May 1, Nancy Champion, Florida
In memory of my Australian Shepherd Abby, Empress of the Known Universe, my heartdog, who had years stolen from her by this vicious disease. She fought long and hard, lived her last two years as a cartdog, but she was happy just being until the DM stole even that, forcing me to make her ultimate decision. I would urge, in her name and in the names of all who still suffer from DM, that the research continue.

# 1,087:

1:13 pm PDT, May 1, JANICE GENDRON, Illinois

# 1,086:

12:33 pm PDT, May 1, Christine Kennedy, Pennsylvania
WE had a GSD with DM. We made sure he had a good and happy life even through the point of carrying him. He went with us in the car and sunbathed out front of our house. A dog's life shouldn't end because of a stupid, cruel disease. If I could have taken his paralysis, I would have. Please keep the research going!

# 1,085:

12:14 pm PDT, May 1, Wanda Smith, South Carolina

# 1,084:

11:48 am PDT, May 1, Stacy Buchanan, Michigan
There is very few places for people to go to find out about DM. Please do not shut this down!!

# 1,083:

5:19 am PDT, May 1, J Robbins, Massachusetts
Please let Dr. CLemmon continue his DM research

# 1,082:

11:31 pm PDT, Apr 30, Brian Watts, Ohio
In Memory of Axel (Nov. 7, 1997 - Feb. 27, 2009), miss ya buddy!!!

# 1,081:

4:38 pm PDT, Apr 30, Name not displayed, Ohio
I just lost my dog of 14 years, Sugar, on 4/6 due to DM. Had she not been crippled by DM, she could have stayed here much longer. It is heart-breaking. She was 85 lb. and I could no longer physically help her as her disease was late stage. I had previously had a handicapped ramp built for her, had a rear-end harness sling. She made it through the snow and ice of winter. I miss her so. Please continue with this critical research.

# 1,080:

2:01 pm PDT, Apr 30, Laurie McGovern, Maryland

# 1,079:

8:39 am PDT, Apr 30, Jacqueline Robinson, Georgia

# 1,078:

6:19 pm PDT, Apr 29, Janice Santos, North Carolina

# 1,077:

5:35 pm PDT, Apr 29, Carrie Gelegonya, Washington

# 1,076:

5:26 pm PDT, Apr 29, Jeanne Maddalena, Maryland

# 1,075:

5:14 pm PDT, Apr 29, Ellen Meyer, Connecticut

# 1,074:

12:27 pm PDT, Apr 29, Name not displayed, Poland

# 1,073:

9:23 am PDT, Apr 29, Afrodite Kici, Virginia
I like to do this for a dear friend who likes German Shepherds dogs.

# 1,072:

10:50 pm PDT, Apr 28, Tom Blessing, Ohio

# 1,071:

3:36 pm PDT, Apr 28, Catherine Baker, Pennsylvania

# 1,070:

11:22 am PDT, Apr 28, Paula Carr, Florida

# 1,069:

9:46 am PDT, Apr 28, Thomas Steptoe, West Virginia

# 1,068:

9:25 am PDT, Apr 28, John Stathers, Maryland

# 1,067:

9:23 am PDT, Apr 28, Crista Stathers, Maryland

# 1,066:

9:19 am PDT, Apr 28, Philip Steptoe, West Virginia
Just lost my four year old corgi to DM. We must find a cure for this. I'm signing this in dedication to my dog, Hancock, who recently had to be put to sleep, because of this awful illness.

# 1,065:

5:07 am PDT, Apr 28, Jamie Crites, Maryland

# 1,064:

4:39 am PDT, Apr 28, Troy Hatcher, Virginia

# 1,063:

4:25 am PDT, Apr 28, Leigh Clark, Maryland

# 1,062:

4:19 am PDT, Apr 28, Elizabeth Prince-Caprio, Pennsylvania

# 1,061:

3:52 am PDT, Apr 28, Christina Woods, Maryland

# 1,060:

3:25 am PDT, Apr 28, Caroline Mandel, Maryland

# 1,059:

9:33 pm PDT, Apr 27, Tammy Shiprak, Maryland
I lost my 6 year old beloved Duke from DM , please please support this research any way you can, 3 years later my heart still still breaking over his loss.

# 1,058:

4:50 am PDT, Apr 27, BRUNA GHEZZI, Italy

# 1,057:

8:47 pm PDT, Apr 26, Jean Tarricone, Massachusetts

# 1,056:

6:54 pm PDT, Apr 26, Valerie Koogle, Maryland

# 1,055:

2:48 pm PDT, Apr 26, Mel Martin, Canada
It seems my dog has DM... but it has progressed very slowly. It was first apparent at 6 years when he would occasionally drag one rear leg but didn't really progress until he was about 9. He is now nearly 12 but can barely get around.

# 1,053:

11:23 am PDT, Apr 26, Claire Grobbelaar, South Africa

# 1,052:

6:40 am PDT, Apr 26, Judie Caudill, Florida
Please continue to help these animals.

# 1,051:

9:35 pm PDT, Apr 25, Sharon Gregory, Australia

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