What if dogs lived longer?

[TuMicks]

Researchers Test Rapamycin in Dogs, a Possible Step Toward Human Trials of an Anti-Aging Drug | MIT Technology Review

For FT and HT people, it might mean we'd have to have astrixes behind the names of "All Time High Point" dogs and the Master National Hall of Fame. But I would take that problem in a heart beat. It would be great to have our dogs happy and healthy into their 20's.

[windycanyon]

I'd be in trouble as I already have too many dogs!

[TuMicks]

We would have to lobby the county commissioners to raise the limit on dogs we were allowed to keep. 3 would not be enough.

Also, I wonder how it would affect the way good breeders planned their litters. The number of competitive owners in need of their next dogs would be more limited. Similarly, the number of good pet homes would be fewer.

And for FT and HT training goes, the training tempo and schedules would maybe be changed.

It would be interesting.

[POPTOP]

For me, having our sweet seniors around longer would be such a blessing.

[Snowshoe]

I think I will just buy more red wine, thank you very mush, HIc. And sahre wish the dog.

[ZEKESMAN]

I don't think it would make much difference in the competitive or hunting world. My dogs are broken down at 10ish. They still want to do it but the body is unable. Just like human sports.

[TuMicks]

You're right... there is no use prolonging an uncomfortable decline. The only reason to want to extend life is to extend healthy, functional life. For people and dogs.

[alixb]

I'd be in trouble as I already have too many dogs!

You are so lucky. I got my dog in WA. From the Rocking M Retriever breeder. I got her as a retired 6 year old. I love her!!

[TuMicks]

There are some dogs in Retriever History that you wish had lived (healthy) longer lives. Imagine Super Chief or River Oaks Corky competing for 20 years or more. Wow. (I know that they were alive and setting records in the 1960's, so it's not exactly possible no matter what drugs they come up with. But more recent greats would be Cosmo or Chopper or Lean Mac... man, you wish they were still competing.)

Think about what it might do in other dog sports... what historic dog in the show ring would you like to have seen in his prime?

[Maxx&Emma]

I would just love for my dogs to live longer, healthier lives. The sports they are involved in, the titles, mean little to me. Their presence in my life means everything.