Collie Health Foundation, Inc.

The Collie Health Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Atascadero, California, dedicated to improving the health and welfare of Collies. Established initially as the Collie Club of America Foundation in 1986, it was rebranded to its current name on December 17, 2002, to better reflect its mission and to distinguish itself from the Collie Club of America.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the Collie Health Foundation is to fund medical research projects that enhance the health of Collies. The foundation aims to educate both the public and Collie breeders about health issues affecting the breed. The foundation has successfully issued over one million dollars in grant funds to support various research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing health conditions prevalent in Collies, such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), bloat, epilepsy, and several skin disorders, including Dermatomyositis[1][4].

The foundation's objectives include:

• Promoting knowledge and appreciation of dogs, particularly Collies.
• Supporting research on diseases, defects, and ailments affecting dogs and Collies specifically.
• Establishing a national database of resources related to Collie health.
• Producing and distributing educational materials concerning the care, treatment, and health of Collies[1][3].

Funding and Contributions

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the Collie Health Foundation relies on donations, membership contributions, and fundraising activities to support its mission. Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible. The foundation has received significant support from its members, with a portion of membership dues allocated to its grant fund, enabling it to increase its research funding over time[2][4].

Research Focus Areas

The foundation focuses on several key health issues, including:

• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Bloating
• Epilepsy
• Dermatomyositis (DMS)
• Grey Collie Syndrome

By targeting these conditions, the foundation aims to facilitate advancements in veterinary research that could lead to better health outcomes for Collies and potentially other dog breeds[1][4].

Governance

The leadership of the Collie Health Foundation comprises various volunteer board members, including veterinarians and individuals with extensive experience in breeding and caring for Collies. Their expertise plays a crucial role in guiding the foundation's research initiatives and educational efforts[3][4].

In summary, the Collie Health Foundation, Inc. serves as a pivotal resource in the veterinary research community, focusing specifically on the health issues affecting Collies. Through financial support for research and an emphasis on education, the foundation strives to improve the future health of this beloved dog breed.