This Christmas, animal lovers are able to receive a unique gift in the form of a co-sponsorship of an animal health research study directed by Morris Animal Foundation, a private institution dedicated to research that protects, treats and cures animals.

The foundation says it will fund health studies of numerous animals, including dogs, cats, horses and many forms of wildlife that directly help animals. Co-sponsors receive regular updates on the progress of the research.

Minimum co-sponsorship of a study is $3,000; in many cases family members, friends and associates chip in to fund this very special and meaningful gift for an animal lover. And in some cases, family members and others make the Christmas gift in memory or in honor of a beloved pet, according to the foundation.

Established in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, the foundation has helped fund research studies in 100 countries spanning all seven continents.

It has also funded more than 1,300 humane animal health studies with funds approaching $50 million. One hundred percent of all annual, unrestricted contributions support animal health studies, not administration or the cost of fundraising.

For more information or a complete list of types of studies available for sponsorship, call (800) 243-2345 or visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org