Bette M. Morris Data Commons & Biorepository – Apply for Data and/or Samples

 

 

GOLDEN RETRIEVER LIFETIME STUDY DATA AND SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH 

The Bette M. Morris Data Commons & Biorepository houses one of the most comprehensive collections of canine health data and biological samples in existence, sourced from the world-renowned Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Established in 2012 with 3,044 enrolled dogs, this longitudinal study focuses on major canine cancers and other health conditions, providing a robust resource for research into genetics, environmental factors, nutrition, and behavior. Named in honor of Bette M. Morris for her visionary support, the resource underscores her legacy of advancing veterinary science and improving canine well-being. 

Researchers from academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and industry are invited to explore this extensive dataset and biorepository to address critical questions in canine health. With data and samples collected annually over each dog’s lifetime, the Bette M. Morris Data Commons & Biorepository supports a wide range of research opportunities. Applications for access can be submitted through Fluxx.

Interested in data only? Check out our Data Commons to see if our existing datasets meet your needs.

RFP Open Period: 8/14/24 - 3/5/25


APPLY FOR:

DATA AND/OR SAMPLES (ACADEMIC)
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP (INDUSTRY)
All Golden Retriever Lifetime Study samples are being moved to a new biorepository to optimize storage and improve distribution to interested researchers. For the duration of 2024, our samples will be registered within the new repository and processing time for sample requests may be delayed.

On This Page

PROPOSAL APPLICATION FLOWCHART

Below you will find a flowchart that describes the process for a typical university-based research proposal. (This does not apply to grants funded by Morris Animal Foundation).

1. Feasibility Review, Researcher reviews available data/samples to ensure project is feasible, Researcher submits project proposal via the submission form, Researcher responds to proposal questions as needed, Researcher receives proposal decision from Morris Animal Foundation (Turnaround Time: 2-3 weeks on average from end of application period); 2. Materials Transfer: Materials Transfer Agreement is completed and signed by all parties, Data and/or samples are transferred from Morris Animal Foundation (Turnaround Time: 4-6 weeks from Materials Transfer Agreement Completion); 3. Reporting, Status report completed by researcher and submitted to Morris Animal Foundation every 6 months, Include Morris Animal Foundation acknowledgment in publication (See FAQ for wording), Publish results and send citation to Morris Animal Foundation

AVAILABLE DATA

Annual Owner Questionnaire contains information on each dog’s lifestyle, travel history, reproductive history, physical activity, over-the-counter medications, at-home dental care, grooming history, diet and feeding practices, environment, living conditions and exposures, flea/tick and heartworm preventives, and a behavioral questionnaire (C-BARQ). 

Annual Veterinarian Questionnaire includes data on each dog’s medical history, physical exam findings including height at withers, weight and body condition score, a map of superficial masses, vaccination history and prescription medication history.

Tiers are used to evaluate confidence in each cancer diagnosis.

CONFIDENCETIERCATEGORY
DEFINITIVE1
(MICROSCOPICALLY CONFIRMED)		POSITIVE HISTOLOGY OR CYTOLOGY REVIEWED BY A BOARD-CERTIFIED PATHOLOGIST. FOR LYMPHOMA, FLOW CYTOMETRY OR PARR ACCEPTED
PRESUMPTIVE2
(NOT MICROSCOPICALLY CONFIRMED)		DIRECT VISUALIZATION OR IMAGING WITHOUT MICROSCOPIC CONFIRMATION. FOR LYMPHOMA, IN-HOUSE CYTOLOGY
PRESUMPTIVE3
(CLINICAL SUSPICION)		CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS ONLY

 

AVAILABLE SAMPLES

SPECIMENSTORAGE CONDITIONSAMOUNT COLLECTEDAVAILABLE TO RESEARCHERS
GENOMIC DNA-80 °CN/AALIQUOTS ADJUSTED TO 100NG/ µL
WHOLE BLOOD-80 °C10 ML250 µL OR 1 ML ALIQUOTS
SERUM-80 °C10 ML250 µL OR 1 ML ALIQUOTS
URINE-80 °C5 ML250 µL OR 1 ML ALIQUOTS
FECES-80 °C~1 GRAMDISCUSS WITH STUDY TEAM
HAIR CLIPPING-20 °C2" LONG LOCK, 1/4" IN DIAMETER1 SAMPLE
NAIL CLIPPINGS-20 °C5-10 CLIPPINGS1 SAMPLE
FFPE BLOCKSAMBIENTWHOLE BLOCK SCANNED SLIDES IN PROGRESSSLIDES
TISSUE IN RNALATER*-80 °C5 MM3 TISSUE SAMPLE IN 5 ML VIAL5 ML VIAL

*All samples are collected in veterinary practice and are shipped overnight to our biorepository. An ice pack was included in the shipment starting in November 2023.

^Core samples collected at all annual visits include whole blood, serum, urine, feces, hair clippings, and nail clippings. For biopsy and/or necropsy visits, tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue are collected. Core samples are requested at the veterinarian’s discretion.

DATA DASHBOARD

Study Journal Articles
READ STUDY JOURNAL ARTICLES

All publications using GRLS data and/or samples should include the following acknowledgments

Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Morris Animal Foundation, its staff members and all participants in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, including the dog owners, their golden retrievers and the Study veterinarians who made this work possible. 

Funding: The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and this manuscript were made possible through financial support provided by the Morris Family Foundation, the Mark & Bette Morris Family Foundation, VCA, the V Foundation, Blue Buffalo Company, Petco Love, Zoetis, Antech Inc., Elanco, the Purina Institute, Orvis, the Golden Retriever Foundation, the Hadley and Marion Stuart Foundation, Mars Veterinary, generous private donors and the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.