One dog owner’s mission to advance Canine Kidney Disease research

Diane L. Wynocker never imagined she would lose all three of her beloved Shelties, Lambert, Timmer, and Piper, to the same heartbreaking diagnosis: Canine Kidney Disease (CKD). Their losses, each deeply painful, left her searching for a way to channel her grief into purpose.

That opportunity came unexpectedly when her pups’ doctors at Dunwoody Animal Medical Center made a gift to the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of her cherished Piper. Inspired by their gesture, and driven by her perspective that CKD research was moving too slowly, Diane reached out to the CVM to learn more about the causes, treatment, and possible cures for the disease. She quickly found a shared passion with faculty members at the College.

Today, thanks to her generosity, the Lambert, Timmer, and Piper Wynocker-Beckwith CKD Research Fund is supporting studies led by Drs. Jane Hua-Chen Huang and Bianca Lourenco in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. Most recently, Diane established the Diane L. Wynocker Professorship for Advancing Canine Kidney Disease Research Fund to support a faculty member dedicated to pursuing this cause.

“Right now, we maintain a dog’s life to a certain extent… let’s try and do more so we can diagnose CKD earlier, and achieve a better prognosis and outcome,” Diane says.

Through her unwavering compassion and commitment, Diane is helping create that hope, not only in memory of Lambert, Timmer, and Piper, but for every dog and family facing this devastating disease.