Many people know dogs are man’s closest companions,but few realize these pets could help treat age-related illnesses.Dogs develop conditions like dementia that mirror humans’,and their similar brain structures offer valuable research insights.

The Dog Aging Project aims to uncover secrets to longer,healthier lives for both humans and dogs.

Dog owners across the U.S.,including at Colorado State University’s veterinary college,bring their pets to participate in the project.

A joint effort by owners,scientists and vets,the project has enrolled over 50,000 dogs,with researchers collecting diet,exercise and medical data.Biologist Matt Kaeberlein co-founded it in 2014 after decades of aging research.

Anderson Cooper:How did the Dog Aging Project start?

Matt Kaeberlein:I realized methods to slow aging in lab animals could work for dogs too.

Anderson Cooper:Are you confident?

Matt Kaeberlein:Absolutely.Aging biology is shared across species,so many processes work the same in dogs and humans.

Kaeberlein recruited veterinary neurologist Stephanie McGrath from Colorado State University to study brain aging.

Anderson Cooper:Many people don’t know animal neurologists exist.

Stephanie McGrath:Most are surprised by that.

Anderson Cooper:Can studying dogs’brains help both species?

Stephanie McGrath:Without a doubt.

Anderson Cooper:Why?

Stephanie McGrath:Treatments are tested on mice first,then humans—but 90%fail in humans.

Anderson Cooper:So dogs as an intermediate step would help?

Stephanie McGrath:Exactly.Dogs naturally develop the same age-related diseases as humans and share our environment,plus they age faster,letting us gather data in years instead of decades.

McGrath tracks cognitive changes in hundreds of dogs,including 12-year-old German shepherd-poodle mix Murphy.

Pat Schultz(Murphy’s owner):He still has playful moments,just less often than before.

Pat’s late husband Bill had Alzheimer’s,and Murphy cared for him.She joined the project because Murphy was aging and she wanted to help.

Murphy struggles with memory tests,showing possible dementia signs.Another dog,14-year-old Ralph,has advanced dementia and forgets treat locations.

Project data goes to a public database used in over 50 studies,linking lifestyle and environment to disease risk.Dogs living with other dogs get sick less,and inactive dogs are six times more likely to develop dementia.

Neuropathologist Dr.Dirk Keene joined after watching his mother and dog Spring suffer from dementia-like symptoms.Spring’s decline mirrored human Alzheimer’s.

Last month in Louisville,Kentucky,a stray dog helped police find a missing 3-year-old boy,captured on newly released body camera footage.Officers searched by foot,drone and helicopter before the dog led them to the child,who was unharmed in a car.

Officer Josh Thompson:The dog barked to hurry me,led me to the backyard,and the boy was there.He hugged me tightly—he was overjoyed.

The dog’s origin remains unknown.The police department praised the officers and their four-legged hero.

Campaigners say new legislation banning landlords’blanket pet bans will help rescue needy cats and dogs.A YouGov poll found 40%of renters can’t get pets due to housing rules,and 19%have given pets up.

The upcoming Renters'Rights Bill lets tenants request pets,and nearly half of surveyed private renters plan to get a pet.Mars and Battersea Dogs&Cats Home led the campaign for the law,supported by Parliament advocates.

Two-thirds of pet owners cite mental health benefits.Mars’Nick Foster said the law removes barriers,letting more people experience pet ownership joy.Lord Guy Black called it a long-overdue shift,ending the choice between home and pet.

More renters wanting pets boosts adoption chances.Battersea’s Peter Laurie said the bill ends heartbreak of families giving up pets due to housing rules.

A non-profit rescue is in a standoff with Port Adelaide Enfield(PAE)Council over late-night stray cat feeding,which drew littering and nuisance complaints.Precious Paws Rescue founder Lisa Hayward has fed cats for nearly four years,rescuing 150-200.

The council cited the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016,which fines nuisances up to$10,000 and littering$210.Hayward says complaints are about paper plates,and the council ignores the stray cat crisis.

She wants council funding for rehoming,calling their“don’t feed them”response inadequate.The council said it values rescues,offered to discuss solutions,and must investigate community complaints.