About 430 golden retrievers and their owners will gather in Dewey Beach on Sept. 26–27 for Dewey’s Golden Jubilee, a biannual event that helps support the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a large-scale canine health study that tracks more than 3,000 golden retrievers over time to identify nutritional, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases.

The gathering matters to researchers and owners alike because the study collects health data from more than 3,000 golden retrievers to help identify nutritional, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for canine diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. The Jubilee pairs ceremonial moments—such as a memorial bonfire—with fundraising through raffles and donations to support that longitudinal work. What is the significance of large-scale canine health studies in understanding pet health?

The weekend opens with a Golden Retriever costume parade at 6:45 on Sept. 26, followed by a beach romp at 10 a.m. on Sept. 27. Dewey Beach, noted as the only beach in Delaware that allows dogs off-leash, will host the events, which draw participants from across the region, including attendees who traveled from Columbus, Ohio, and Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Owners said the event provides both community and purpose. “I get to see a lot of other heroes and friends in the study. It’s just amazing and super-special, and I always look forward to it,” said Rachel Conwell, who brings relatives of her late dog Kaly to the Jubilee each year. Kaly is honored annually at the Jubilee’s memorial bonfire. Pet owners like Rachel not only participate but also contribute to canine health research by enrolling their dogs in longitudinal health studies and providing valuable health data.

For many attendees, the event is a chance to remember dogs lost to disease. Several named dogs were mentioned by participants: Kaly, a deceased participant honored at the bonfire; Riley, who was lost to hemangiosarcoma; and Kody and Kylee, described as “Gerth’s angels.” Studies and veterinary experts commonly report that a very large fraction of golden retrievers are affected by cancer, with many sources estimating that roughly 60% of golden retrievers will eventually die from cancer. Two relatives of Kaly, Sohlah and Maydr, will be among dogs present this year. What percentage of golden retrievers are likely to develop health issues over their lifetime?

Sarah Lemberg, Research Volunteer Coordinator at the Morris Animal Foundation, framed the Jubilee as part community reunion and part scientific support. “If we can better understand the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors that increase the likelihood of disease, then we can do something about it,” she said, underlining the importance of such comprehensive studies. Experts highlight the value of large-scale, long-term datasets for identifying disease causes and guiding prevention efforts in canine health.

Organizers and volunteers run raffles and accept donations during the weekend to benefit the study. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study follows thousands of dogs over time to build a dataset researchers use to examine disease trends and risk factors, emphasizing the ongoing need for community support as well. Participants described the breed’s appeal in simple terms. “There’s nothing like a golden. They are just pure joy,” said Karen Gerth.

The Jubilee’s mix of celebration and remembrance has become a ritual for many owners who participate in the Morris Animal Foundation study, which tracks health information from more than 3,000 golden retrievers. The event’s public elements, including the costume parade and beach romp, combine visible fundraising with private memorials for dogs who died during the study period.

Local features have chronicled the event’s return to Dewey Beach and its role as a regional draw for golden retriever owners. The gathering continues to serve as both a fundraiser and a social hub for families invested in long-term health research for the breed.

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Original reporting: view the original article.