Have you ever watched children and animals together and noticed the special bond they share? That is one of the purest forms of love. Each would do almost anything for the other without hesitation, simply because of the deep relationship they share.

We often try to let those dearest to us know how much we love them—including our pets. Not only do adults make sacrifices to keep their family members healthy and living longer, but so do kids. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is proud of the kids of all ages who are paying attention to the work the foundation does and raising money for research to help animals live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Do you remember how important your pets were to you when you were a child? Maybe you had a dog that greeted you at the door when you got home from school or a cat that curled up on your desk while you did homework. If you had known then that a donation to Morris Animal Foundation would make a difference in the life of a future pet, wouldn’t you have found a way to show your support? More and more kids today are doing just that and making a difference in the lives of their future pets by donating money to support animal research.

Morris Animal Foundation is working with the world’s leading canine cancer centers to save the dogs we love from suffering from this disease that kills one in four dogs. The canine cancer theme, "Best Friends Helping Best Friends," reflects the love children have for their family pet.

For the Frost family, their donations are a way to honor the memory of their dog Sampson, a Labrador-shepherd mix that died of cancer, and to create a healthier future for their current dog, Jake. Three years ago, 11-year-old Courtney gave up birthday presents. Instead, she asked friends for donations to honor Sampson. Her 9-year-old sister, Leah, soon joined her, and the two have become crusaders against canine cancer and continue to donate their birthday "gifts" to MAF’s Canine Cancer Campaign.

In 2008, MAF undertook the single most aggressive, most focused research funding program ever attempted on behalf of our feline friends with the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign. Morris Animal Foundation is determined to increase research funding for cats and to focus scientists on feline health needs. MAF is taking a global leadership role in reducing suffering and premature death in these animals that occupy a truly special place in our lives.

MAF recently received a donation to this campaign from a little girl in Colorado who wanted to memorialize her grandparents' cat, Tedy, who died of kidney disease this summer.