Memphis Man's Canoodling Goes Wrong After Getting Shot By His Dog
While dogs are known for their loyalty, this bizarre incident shows that even man's best friend can have an off day, especially when firearms are involved.
In another story about dogs, science is working on ways to ensure our furry friends stick around longer. In 2023, a groundbreaking drug designed to extend canine lifespans hit a major milestone with FDA approval.
The peculiar incident unfolded just before 4 a.m. on Whitney Avenue when police responded to reports of an accidental shooting. Jerald Kirkwood, the victim, told officers that he was lying in bed with a female companion when his 1-year-old pit bull, Oreo, suddenly jumped onto the bed.
In a freak accident, the dog allegedly got his paw stuck in the trigger guard of a firearm, causing it to discharge. The bullet grazed Kirkwood's left thigh, leaving him with a non-life-threatening injury.
WREG reports that Kirkwood was transported to Regional One in non-critical condition. Meanwhile, a friend of the victim insisted that Oreo is a friendly dog and that the whole situation was nothing more than an unfortunate mishap.
Adding another twist to the already strange case, Kirkwood's female companion reportedly fled the scene after the shooting, taking the gun with her.
Despite the risks of pet ownership, dog lovers may soon have a way to extend their furry companions' lives as a groundbreaking anti-aging drug moves closer to approval.
Loyal, a biotech company focused on extending pet lifespans, announced in 2023 that its conditional approval application for LOY-001 has passed a significant regulatory milestone with the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The Blast reported that the FDA's conditional approval was based on data provided by Loyal, which demonstrated the drug's ability to lower levels of IGF-1, a key biomarker linked to aging, and its potential to improve functional outcomes in dogs.
Though still in development at the time, LOY-001 is designed specifically for large breeds, which tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.
The new drug, designed for healthy dogs aged seven and older who weigh over 40 pounds, would be administered by veterinarians every three to six months.
While it has yet to undergo clinical trials, its approval also marks a significant milestone, signaling the FDA's first potential endorsement of a longevity drug.
Loyal, the biotech company behind the drug, sees this as a step toward revolutionizing pet health. Speaking on the achievement, CEO Celine Haliou told Business Wire:
"Loyal was founded with the ambitious goal of developing the first drugs to extend healthy lifespan in dogs. This milestone is the result of years of careful work by the team. We'll continue to work just as diligently to bring this and our other longevity programs through to FDA approval."
The groundbreaking drug is making waves in the veterinary world, with industry experts hailing it as a historic achievement. A respected animal health figure and seasoned drug development expert, Linda Rhodes, praised the milestone. In her words:
"Loyal's achievement is impressive. Developing a treatment that will increase longevity by reducing age-associated disease is a new indication. No drug has ever been approved with such a claim, and pioneering a new indication through regulatory agencies requires enormous rigor and persistence. Being the first to bring a treatment for such a challenging indication will be truly historic."
The recognition follows years of dedicated research and a significant financial boost. Loyal reportedly secured $27 million in a Series A funding round led by Khosla Ventures.
The investment also saw contributions from Box Group, First Round Capital, The Longevity Fund, Collaborative Fund, and Lachy Groom, many of whom had previously backed Loyal's $11 million seed round in 2020.
As dog owners celebrated the potential breakthrough, another pressing concern surfaced: a highly contagious and potentially fatal illness sweeping through the canine community.
Veterinarians issued urgent warnings about the unidentified respiratory disease affecting pets. They noted that affected dogs displayed alarming symptoms, including persistent coughing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy.
Amanda Cavanagh, head of the urgent care service at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, described the shift in symptoms, stating, "Instead of that dry cough where the dog felt good, it was now this wet cough where the dog felt sick."
The dog shooting incident is a strange reminder that pet ownership while rewarding, can come with some genuinely unexpected risks.
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