The National Canine Cancer Foundation puts Pink Paw seal of approval on “Smile for a Cure!”

As a proud member of The National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCE), PetsWeekly was excited to learn that NCCE is partnering with over 55 featured pet photographers nationwide to launch “Smile for a Cure.” This exclusive program is designed to raise awareness and funds in the fight against canine cancer.

During September 2011, exclusive Smile for a Cure pet photographers from across the country will donate 100% of their session fees to The National Canine Cancer Foundation, a non-profit, 501(C) 3 dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health issue in dogs  1 in 4 dogs will be diagnosed with Cancer, and 50% of them will die from this terrible disease.

Founded in 2009 by North Carolina pet photographer Nunthany Johnson, Smile for a Cure is composed of a caring group of pet photographers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of dogs with cancer & the people who love them. Smile for a Cure is a direct result of cancer hitting home, when Johnson’s Bichon Frise Max was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, a fatal cancer of the blood vessels.

“When someone you love has cancer, whether animal or human, it can be devastating.”

Her love for Max spurred her to be an active participant in finding a cure, and through her heartbreak her mission to help fight canine cancer was born. She is now joined by over 55 pet photographers across the US working together for a cure. Smile for a Cure pet photographers are some of the top pet photographers in their regions. Photo sessions are designed to be fun and an opportunity to celebrate a client’s dog and what’s unique about him or her.

“By booking a session, you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of dogs as well as humans, making this all the more important. The National Institute of Health has gone on record to declare that much of the research on canine cancer applies to human cancer as well,” – Gary Nice, President and CEO of the NCCF.

To find out more about Smile for a Cure and finding a participating photographer, visit www.smileforacure.org.

Donate today and help fight Canine Cancer by supporting the National Canine Cancer Foundation

For additional inquiries please contact: Chris Pike cpike@wearethecure.org 561-676-7000

The National Canine Cancer Foundation is a nationwide, contribution funded, 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to eliminating Cancer as a major health issue in dogs by funding grants directly to Cancer researchers who are working to save lives, find cures, better treatments and accurate, cost effective diagnostic methods in dealing with canine Cancer. The purpose of the Foundation’s Research Grant Program is to encourage and provide grant support for basic, pre-clinical and clinical research in high impact and innovative cancer research, which is intended to develop innovative approaches to a cure, treatment, diagnosis or prevention of cancers in dogs. The program fosters collaboration between basic and clinical scientists with the intent of enhancing the transfer of basic research findings to clinical usefulness.