Dog
of the Month
In honor of Lilli's beautiful spirit.
July 2001
Brynne, the Beagle
formerly known as #M697
On Dec 28, 1994 a puppy
was born into the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School
genetic disease colony, where both of her parents resided. She
was given a blood test when she was three days old and it revealed
that she was a carrier of MPSVII, aka
Mucopolysaccharidosis, a disease seen
in people and a killer of human infants. The puppy was deemed
valuable because she could produce offspring that either had or
carried the gene for MPSVII. "Beagle #M697" then became
her official title and she began her life of research into the
development of gene therapy for humans.
Beagle #M697 stole the
heart of Anne, a resident at Pennsylvania, who took care of the
health needs of dogs in the genetic disease colony. Anne noticed
that from birth #M697 was very special puppy due to her intelligence
and love of affection. #M697 gained a special place in Anne's
heart and even learned to put her paws up to plead for attention
at the tender age of eight weeks.
This emotional bond that #M697 was able to create with Anne would
eventually lead her to the life of luxury!
When #M697 was 9 months
old Anne had to say good bye to #M697, but she assured her she'd
be back. Over the next 4 1/2 years #M697 made her contributions
to the development of a gene therapy and Anne visited her whenever
possible.
Early in May 2000 the
genetic disease colony called Anne with the happy news that #M697's
retirement was imminent. In the early morning hours of Friday,
May 15, 2000 #M697 flew by herself from Pennsylvania to O'Hare
International Airport in Chicago, Illinois to start her new life
as "Brynne". Anne was waiting there for her and took
her home to meet her brother Leroy, sister Frannie, and Dad John.
Brynne had never been
outside in the first 5 1/2 years of her life. At first she was
a little skeptical about grass and confused by rain! She gradually
learned to run, take long walks, steal toys from Leroy and Frannie,
and chew nylabones in unison with Leroy. The winter chill startled
Brynne since she grew up in a temperature controlled environment,
but she quickly learned that flannel is one of the finer things
in life. Brynne is also particularly fond of ice cubes to cool
off on warm summer days.
The only thing that Brynne
misses about her old life in the bottomless food bowl of #M697.
During her first 4 months of retirement she trimmed down from
49 pounds to 32 pounds to a MUCH fitter and trimmer little lady.
Brynne's actions now give
no hint of her previous life or of the contributions she has made
in the field of medicine. She is just a happy-go-lucky little
girl with a secret past.
Here's to you Brynne.
You are loved more than all the kisses and pets in the world could
ever show!
Coming
next month....... Brynne and Leroy's sister Frannie.
