The need is indisputable, since one in every four dogs dies of cancer. The Morris Animal Foundation is working in conjunction with many organizations, including the National Cancer Institute.

And if veterinary researchers succeed, there's little doubt human medicine also will benefit. Dr. Richard Gorlick, a pediatric oncologist at Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center in New York City, says that's especially true for kids. "Cancers occurring in kids and dogs are often almost identical. If the dogs benefit by new therapies, odds are children will, too. For example, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is common in large dogs, and (it acts) pretty much the same when it occurs in children."

Make a donation in a dog's name, or a person's name, at www.curecaninecancer.org, or contact the Morris Animal Foundation, 800-243-2345.

Arguably, the most insidious disease to affect pets is feline infectious peritonitis, quite literally a kitten killer. There's no treatment or cure, and far too many casualties. One was a kitten named Bria, who belonged to Susan Gingrich (Newt's sister). In 2005, Gingrich set up a fund with Winn to raise money in an effort to learn more about feline infectious peritonitis.

You can honor your vet and specify that your donation should go to Winn's Bria Fund, or the Ricky Fund. In 2002, after my cat, Ricky, died of a common and often-fatal heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), I created this fund through Winn. There is no effective treatment or cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, through the money raised so far, researchers have been able to identify genes responsible for the disease in two breeds, the Maine coon and the ragdoll. To make a donation or to learn more about the Winn Feline Foundation, see www.winnfelinehealth.org, or call 856-447-9787.

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