https://www.vaika.org/support-our-research

Vaika, Buffalo, NY (2026)

08/15/2023

After five years of dedicated research, we've reached a significant milestone at Vaika. We've gathered valuable insights by studying the health and abilities of our dogs' immune systems, physical health, and cognitive skills. This summer marked the conclusion of our data collection phase, as we wrapped up the dog colony. Rest assured, our elderly dogs will continue to receive the best care. We've found adoptive homes for 20 dogs, while others are joining a geriatric feeding trial with a partner group.

Saying goodbye to these remarkable dogs tugs at our hearts, for the bonds we've formed have made them family. Our journey alongside these wonderful dogs included various methods, including playful exercises like problem-solving games and treadmill runs.

Moving ahead, we'll dive into the wealth of data we've amassed, seeking new insights and potential solutions. Our ultimate aim is to better understand canine aging and explore ways to extend their happy lives. Within the next year, we anticipate sharing the results of our analysis. Stay updated through our upcoming publications, featured on our website.

Big thanks for your ongoing support! 🐕🌟

04/28/2023

“I enjoy making the dogs as happy as they make me feel”, says Jean Bonasera. In Vaika, she is making behavioral coding and bloodwork data entry. At home, Jean spends a lot of time with her own three English Shepherd dogs. She also helps other people train their own dogs. 🐶

99% of her time at the kennel Jean spends interacting with dogs, either during playtimes or in their kennels cuddling, grooming, and telling them how wonderful they are.

We asked her, what is her favorite dog in the kennel. “They are all my favorites for different reasons. I love Ayn’s sassiness. I love the way Tomcat gently paws my arm when I stop petting him. I love how Tango walks behind me and barks at the end of playtime. I love how Titan weaves between my legs to get butt rubs. I love Ramblin’s little “WooWoo” bark. I love the way Tater runs into her kennel and waits patiently to get her treat before I close the door.” 🥰🐾

The interesting thing Jean learned about dog behavior from their reactions to the mirror test is that dogs most often look down and to the right when they “see” the dog in the mirror.

(See www.vaika.org/bttest to learn more about mirror tests and other behavioral tests)

04/25/2023

This is Ivy! She is a very distinct looking dog with her all white coat.

Ivy came from Minnesota with other dogs with names that start with the letter I: Iva, Irish, Ike, Ira, Inka, and Ian. Mushers will sometimes name their litters in themes and the year they were born the theme was the letter I.

Ivy lives with her brother and sister, Ira and Iva. The three of them are extremely bonded. They are all very shy and take a long time to warm up to people. Despite being the most reserved of the three, Ivy is the leader of their group. Her brother is a very dominate male but she makes sure he behaves himself.

On the last picture Ivy is right after she woke from a nap. Her ears always stand up when she’s sleeping we call it her bed head.

04/23/2023

Today, Lauren shares her story about her favorite dog, Walter, who sadly passed away at the end of last year.

“Although I love every single dog in our kennel, my favorite dog is Walter. He was my favorite for many reasons, but I especially loved Walter for his resilience.

As he aged, Walter developed many health issues. Our vet staff did an amazing job of managing those health issues, and Walter did an amazing job living with them for a long time.

Living with chronic diseases is never easy even for dogs, but Walter never let his declining health phase him. He was always a very happy dog and showed the power of a good attitude. He lived with a group of six girls and he always did his best to keep up with them.

Another reason Walter is my favorite is because of how much he loved his sister Willow. It was obvious to anyone how bonded they were. He hated going anywhere without her. Most of the time you would find them side by side, even sharing the same bed despite both having their own.

One day Willow wasn’t feeling well and decided to lie down outside. When it was time to go back inside, her group took off as soon as the gate opened and she stayed behind. Walter took off with them but quickly realized that Willow wasn’t with them. He turned around and went back for her, he wouldn’t come in until she did.

Walter proved that dogs can experience love and create deep meaningful bonds just like humans. Getting to know and love Walter has had a deep impact on my life. Walter passed away in December of 2022 at the age of 13 1/2. He amazed us all with how long he stayed with us. I miss him terribly every day.“

04/13/2023

🐾 Meet Lauren Rice! 🐾

As a member of the husbandry staff, Lauren helps with the daily care of the dogs at Vaika’s kennel, as well as the research.

“The phrase you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is completely false. These dogs have learned a lot,” she says.

Currently pursuing a veterinary technician degree at Cornell University, Lauren also runs her own small dog-sitting business, and volunteers for the Cornell Raptor Program. 🦅

🐶 Before joining the Vaika Project, Lauren worked at a doggy daycare: “I loved spending time with the dogs but I also had an interest in veterinary medicine. Working for the Vaika project I’ve been able to have the best of both worlds.”

🐕 Lauren is caring for and trains her own dogs: a chocolate lab/husky mix, a German shepherd mix, and a pit bull mix, and recently she has adopted her very own sled dog!

For Lauren, the most rewarding about the work at the kennel is getting to provide a peaceful comfortable retirement for the dogs. “It’s hard to have a bad day. There’s always a dog you can go snuggle with if you need cheering up. The love between the staff and the dogs is very palpable.”

In this photo, Lauren is with her favorite dog in the kennel, Walter, who sadly passed away at the end of the last year. Lauren will share with us about Walter in our next post! 🐾❤️

04/13/2023

This is Ivy! She is a very distinct looking dog with her all white coat.

Ivy came from Minnesota with other dogs with names that start with the letter I: Iva, Irish, Ike, Ira, Inka, and Ian. Mushers will sometimes name their litters in themes and the year they were born the theme was the letter I.

Ivy lives with her brother and sister, Ira and Iva. The three of them are extremely bonded. They are all very shy and take a long time to warm up to people. Despite being the most reserved of the three, Ivy is the leader of their group. Her brother is a very dominate male but she makes sure he behaves himself.

On the last picture Ivy is right after she woke from a nap. Her ears always stand up when she’s sleeping we call it her bed head.

03/15/2023

Meet Miles! He is the smartest dog in the project, but he is also the most stubborn. You need to stay one step ahead of him, or he will outsmart you. Despite being 12 years old, he is very active, and most people would never guess his age. He even bounces off the walls in his kennel. While most sled dogs are not trained to do tricks, one of the students managed to train Miles to sit, shake, and lay down!

01/28/2023

Check out a new video with a personal story behind our project!

01/28/2023

Check out some major dates in dogs' history!

01/10/2023

Snow day fun!

12/05/2022

Please support the scientific research on dogs' longevity. Every dollar counts.
https://give.roswellpark.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4240&mfc_pref=T&4240.donation=form1

11/30/2022

Vaika’s sled dogs took part in the research on blood markers of sarcopenia (muscle loss) in dogs. The study brought unexpected results and may open the way to the discovery of new approaches to muscle loss treatment. Why it matters: Sarcopenia is a disease associated with loss of muscle mass and f...

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