Month One

You cannot move forward by looking behind*

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One of the funniest things we continually encounter thus far is walking to a hotel and after sharing our story they still ask for the make, model, and license plate of our car.  Irony is often scarce out here and you take it when you can get it.  

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I'm holed up in a hotel in Longview WA feeling pretty lousy so it's an opportunity for me to reflect on our one month anniversary on the road.  

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Urban Sprawl 

It may come as a bit of surprise but city miles are much harder on us than the country and the stretch between Everett to way south of Tacoma was tough.  Elevated ambient temperatures, street detritus, miles and miles of monotonous strip malls, car lots, box stores, and blaring street sounds require a higher degree of focus. Plus, it's boring for the boys and part of my job is keeping them engaged.  

I must admit a prior unfamiliarty with the precise use of  the word 'sprawl' until now and I have a greater appreciation for it.  So from Roy to Longview WA we've enjoyed the rural setting, though at the expense of cell service which is why posting has been sporadic. One bar.  No bar.  Two bars Go.  

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Tom Sawyer

Centralia WA was a weird kinda stretch that I still haven't really processed yet.  It was like my past life converged in this previously unknown and unchartered part of the world in two ways.  (1) A high school band mates lives up here that I had lunch with and (2) A host home we stayed at reintroduced me to the band, Rush.   

It's been years since I've listened to them and Tom Sawyer was exactly what I needed to hear.  The River. 

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The Columbia

Speaking of...  If you're in the area, come out and join us in crossing the Columbia River into Oregon, our second state.  Saturday the 10th.  High noon.  At the intersection of West 6th and Columbia near Esther Short Park.  Hope the instructions are correct but go to the Puppy Up Foundation page to be sure.  

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*YBD's Notes:  Kinda depends on your behind though.  

The Rock: Chapter 2 Continued

Arriving in Castroville for the first time, full of fear and fully unaware of what was in store for me and Malcolm, I had no idea where to begin.  After I let him romp and stomp around our acre of fenced in backyard, I took him into our solarium, and there we sat nose to snout regarding each other, both of us unsure what came next. 

Talking to the little tyke seemed like as good as any place to start so I began. 

 “These are the rules of my house and if you respect them, I’ll respect you.”

And then I enumerated them for him. (1) No chewing on anything that isn’t previously designated as ‘chewable’, (2) No interrupting me when I am working, (3) You’ll only speak when spoken to… and the list went on and on. 

With his big brown eyes open wide and a sweet smile, Malcolm appeared to listen attentively and agreeably, which I assumed we had reached a meeting of the minds.

I nodded my head, got up and patted his.  “Good talk”.  Whew, that part was over and our ‘contract’ was signed, sealed, and delivered.  “You see”, I thought to myself, “It ain’t that tough”. 

The ink wasn’t even dry before Malcolm ate the contract and pooped it out into my Cole Haan loafers.  And over the coming weeks he set about, like the Tasmanian Devil, to destroy everything I held sacred.  He peed on an antique edition of Grey’s Anatomy passed on to me from my father. 

And after I had passed out from a long day, my clothes draped over the nearest chair on the way down, I awoke to the horror to find my Hermes tie, a gift from my girlfriend, severed and all slobbery in the little rat bastard’s mouth. 

And he was shitty about it, too, and he knew it!. He was like, “Thanks.  I needed a new chew toy”.  And every time he pissed in the house and by this time, no square foot had been spared, he looked up at me all innocent like, “Oh, I’m sorry.  Did I do something wrong?  Was that something you treasured?”  And then he cranked up the nozzle a few notches. 

I mean, come on, do dogs have four bladders like cows have stomachs? 

But it wasn’t Malcolm’s fault.  The truth is he was untrained.  And so was I.  You see, I had a preconceived notion based on my upbringing of how to raise a dog but it wasn’t long before I had to accept the reality that I was way in over my head.  I purchased a few books on Pyrenees and the experts described the breed as ‘independent’ but I became to understand that as a Texas euphemism for ‘stubborn sumbitches’. 

But I was too.  

Indeed Malcolm and me became a perfect study in what happens when an immovable object meets and unstoppable force. 

But the old model on which I was raised of ‘establish dominance and punish unruly behavior’ just wasn’t working.  It was will against will and that just made it worse.

It would have been somewhat tolerable I suppose if he showed the slightest shred of gratitude.  He had a good life at our humble little abode in our small Alsatian community and he wanted for nothing. 

I’ve never needed much by way of affection in life but there’s nothing like a good snuggle every now and then but Malcolm wanted no part of it.  I’d have to wrestle him up on the couch for it and, at times, he’d relent for five minutes, tolerate me, then jump right down and be on his way with a “KThnxbye”.  And that damn near drove me daffy. 

Nope, Malcolm was too cool for that.

Thinking about him now, he was a man’s dog.  Hell, he slept like Superman and pissed like Steve McQueen. 

There was a tiled corridor from the den to the solarium where he slept most nights and he would face the wall with his right paw extended, almost touching it and his left tucked in.  Malcolm’s legs would be stretched far, far out which made him look like The Man of Steel flying, only in the old, old movies when the first word of the term 'special effects' was more exact and telling than the second.  

He slept differently and he peed differently, too.  Or unlike any of the male dogs I grew up around.  He didn’t hike it but he didn’t squat like a girl either.  Rather, Malcolm planted all fours squarely on the ground and arched his legs like mounting a motorcycle with a certain machismo that would’ve made the King of Cool smile.

It was fascinating, albeit foreign to someone like me, to behold Malcolm. 

But still we struggled.  I didn’t know what the hell I was doing and everything I tried seemed to end in utter failure.  There was a chasm between us that I ultimately deemed unbridgeable.  Despondent and downright convinced I was utterly incapable of caring for Malcolm, I called Lindsey and tried to give him back.  True to her nature, she said, “No”, and then promptly hung up the phone.

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And then a miracle happened. 

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Author's Note: 

(1) As Ed calls them, I'm writing vignettes.  When I first heard the term, I thought that's what you put on salads.  I hope I'm giving you more than leafy greens.

(2) Last week, I was up in the White Mountains when I published the first part of Chapter 2, The Gospel According to Malcolm and, as he will always be known to me, the original Snow Monkey, it was fitting that New Hampshire was hit by a blizzard.  

And then tonight, in posting the second installment in Newport Rhode Island, my writing was interrupted by fireworks as part of the 25th celebration of their Winter Festival.  How's that for trail magic, baby?  

Post Mortem

Thank you to everyone who attended Murphy’s virtual wake Saturday evening which ironically I couldn’t participate because we’ve made too many friends on Facebook. Over 2,000 posts of pictures and stories about one for every mile we walked.

I’m going to keep the page open since it reflects just how many hearts Murphy left his pawprints on - here’s the link if you’d like to share your own.

Since I wasn’t available to answer questions I’ll try to do that here.

Why wasn’t Murphy euthanized Monday?

Quite honestly, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to do it despite all of the tough guy talk in my father’s day blog. But then I got over myself and since I did not want Murphy’s last moments spent indoors, there was a scheduling conflict with the vet on Tuesday.

Where was Murphy given rest?

Bartlett city park at Bartlett blvd & Stage rd next to the pavilion.

Why did you choose cremation over burial?

Personally I do not believe in burial for spiritual, conservation, and scientific reasons. I myself will never be buried.

What are you planning on doing with Murphy’s ashes?

I wish I could say I had that already mapped out but I don’t. They will continue on our travels as long and until…

Why did you post that picture of you carrying Murphy’s lifeless body?

First of all, there’s a lot more to that photograph than anyone knows. But it speaks for itself.

How is Hudson holding up?

He’s gotten fatter than a opossum in a peach tree. After radiation last August Murphy really couldn’t hike very far anymore and we only walked as far as he could. But Hudson’s been well fed on Honest Kitchen and Nature’s Variety throughout and well, he’s a whole lotta biscuits and gravy now. Hudsy’s so fat he’s not Hugsy anymore – he can’t even get up on his hind legs to hug people.

But he’s my butterball and since there isn’t a Biggest Loser Dog Edition, we’ve got a lot of work to do together. Monday we started walking every morning just a mile or so until he regains his fighting weight and then we’ll ramp up from there.

What’s next?

Tuesday or Wednesday next week I am headed to the forest to fast for 18 days. It’s looking like that’s somewhere near Wolf Creek in Memphis though I have to scout it out this weekend. The battle over the past year has exacted a tremendous mental, physical, and spiritual toll on me coming off of an 826 day walk. I’m not sure I can articulate my reasons any more clearly right now other than, it’s what comes next.

Hudson won’t be with me but he will be near enough that Ginger can bring him out every couple of days along with water supply. I’ll post more about it as details finalize. Yes, it’s dangerous but do not fear for me.

What can I do?

Remain steadfast for now. When I return from my fast I will be calling on each and every one of you. There’s a lot going on in the background which I didn’t have the heart to talk about until Murphy was given rest. I’m going to need a few things before I leave next week and will post them here.

puppy up!

Hudson & Luke

Sermons in Stone

"And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

I love this passage from Will Shakespeare’s As You Like It and for this Father’s Day, I couldn’t find one more appropriate. It speaks to the fascination and beauty found in the simple wonderment of nature. It’s reminiscent of my father who first taught me that and as a dad myself, it’s a lesson my own boys, Hudson and Murphy, always keep me mindful of.

Life is a messy thing but there’s no finer, more effective therapy for it than a good piece of wood in your hand, the path beneath your feet, and your sons at your side.

This Father’s Day for me is a bittersweet celebration. It was one year ago today we walked the final mile into Boston but it’s also Murphy’s last day. Tomorrow he will be given eternal rest.

A few weeks back Murphy’s left eye ruptured and I made the decision to have it surgically removed rather than euthanizing him then. He was still willful, eating healthfully, and in true Murphy tradition, full of piss and vinegar.

It was a controversial decision and one which tore me up internally. I suspected the rupture probably meant the tumor had breached the orbit, a suspicion that was confirmed by the vet during surgery. At most I hoped for a couple of months together and if we were lucky, a few more than that.

Since the surgery, we have seen a deterioration of mobility in his right hind leg which can only mean motor cortex involvement - that the cancer has finally spread to his brain. And though he has had some really good days this week in Eureka Springs and yesterday at 3 Dog Bakery, I know what comes next and that I cannot allow to happen to my boy.

I have no doubt now the decision I made to extricate his eye was medically unsound but it was not an inhumane one. I don’t write this because I feel a need to justify it to anyone. I absolutely don’t give a goddamn what people think about the choices I have made on behalf of Murphy.

I am writing about it because to me this is what being a father means. It means having to make extremely hard decisions often in the absence of any certainty and always in the face of adversity.

A father’s love is the grit and iron will that cannot be ground down even at the end. It’s looking into the eyes of your dying son and finally admitting, “I can’t save you.”

To all of the fathers who have had to say that and to the ones who thankfully haven’t – this is our day.

Reflections in Stone

Sunday is our one year anniversary for walking the final mile in Boston and not coincidentally, it’s also father’s day.

I got an email a few weeks back that asked simply ‘Whatever happened to that stone business you were writing about?’

My guess is they were referring to the series of blogs I published starting with 61 Stones not my Facebook discussion thread about medical marijuana for dogs.

If you haven’t been with us since last July, shortly after Boston Murphy was diagnosed with nasal adenocarcinoma and given 12 to 15 months to live. I went to a river basin in the Cheeseman valley west of Colorado Springs to collect a series of stones. Each week I resolved to remove one of those stones from a glass jar.

Maybe it was my way of celebrating his life while it remained or maybe I was deconstructing my own in a mathematically dissociative way. It’s hard to say exactly why we do something in the first place but at the time it made sense to me. Perhaps it was the only thing that made sense to me.

I didn’t always post a blog every week as there were many when the cruel irony of his cancer embittered my heart and kept me silent. I think the last one I posted was ‘9 Stones’ after which Murphy’s health spiraled downward, a deep descent that took me with it.

Since then I have made many medically difficult decisions on his behalf that only time will tell whether they were sound or not but I can’t stop fighting for him as long as his spirit tells me he is not ready to leave this place.

Zero stones came and went and Murphy is still here. We just returned from Eureka Springs where we spent many good hours on the swollen banks of Beaver Lake together (photo nearby).

How long Murphy has left is up to God and Murphy.

For me there are no more stones to remove. It’s time to start replacing them.

The Dog Chapel

Making our way up Highway 59 towards Arkansas two months into the walk, we came across something called a Cowboy Church. Even though I grew up in Texas, it was the first I'd ever heard of this. But it wouldn't be the last. I soon discovered they're all over the South and suspected they were part of a franchise, too. Worked for chicken & biscuits, why not churches?

Turned out it's not a chain at all... just people in different places and of differing denominations who live the cowboy lifestyle and worship together. Seemed like a cool concept to me and over many subsequent miles on the road I wondered about building a Dog Church myself.

I don't remember how or when but I later found out about an artist named Stephen Huneck in Vermont who built such a sanctuary. My gut said, 'Gotta go there' so I called Ginger to make it happen. Wasn't on my walking plan she said and went on to spell out a whole host of reasons why it was impossible which I do not recall. I tend to drown out disagreement. Dreamers do that.

While on the Rails-to-Trails to DC I met a Marine who said, "'Impossible' only describes a degree of difficulty". That's true, but it also necessitates the element of time.

Do what you believe long enough and you'll turn the hearts of even your most ardent critics. I felt Mr. Huneck, a fellow romantic, understood a lot of what our travels entailed and hoped our paths would one day cross.

They did yesterday when Hudson Murphy & I visited the Dog Chapel for the first time. It was the annual fall festival at Dog Mountain and wow - what a place!

And while the beauty is indescribable I traveled to the Dog Chapel to pray for mercy for Murphy and everyone touched by cancer and to thank God for blessing my life with this mission and making me a weapon in this war

And to thank you, Stephen, for giving all of us a place to come and worship together.

http://dogmt.com/

PyrNic at Southpark Park

Before The Boys hit the road again, they had some fun at the PyrNic at Southpark Park July 5th. What’s a Pyrnic? Well, apparently it’s a gathering, assembly, meeting, and conglomeration of a lot of Great Pyrenees and their people for a picnic – thus, PyrNic. Pretty clever, don’t you think? Hudson counted “1073 big white friends & 2000 big black noses!” but Murphy was quick to point out (because he is The Smart 1) that “u don't know how to count u can't have more noses than dogs silly!” In actuality there were NOT 1073 Great Pyrenees at the party, but there were a lot, all of them smiling! Of course, Murphy wanted to know if there would be food, and Hudson wanted to know if there would be girls. There were both, so both Boys were happy. And Luke got to meet some great people, so he was happy too!

Champ is a Landseer Newfoundland. Now, how did he get in here? Well, maybe they let him in because of his size!












Sadly, Susan lost 3 Pyrs in four months to
cancer.











Mike, Tammy, Logan, and Maya drove in to enjoy the day with other Pyr friends.

Generosity of Spirit

This blog comes from our friend Nancy, who, along with Denise, met Luke and The Boys as they traveled through their area. Nancy didn't title her blog, but I think you'll agree the name I have given it is very fitting. Here's Nancy's story ...

My name is Nancy and I am an animal lover from childhood. I am fighting a very aggressive form of thyroid cancer and somewhere between my surgeries and radiation my worries for the dire conditions of our local animal shelter, Animal Friends Humane Society (in Trenton, Ohio) began to take precedence over my worries for my health. Long story short, this evolved into an incredible grassroots campaign to get a levy passed for a new shelter to be built and we are all looking forward to the grand-opening this June!

Denise, an animal lover too, is a proud, die-hard member of “Steeler Nation” who recently got to go to the Superbowl (thanks to her brother, Rich). It was the happiest day of her life. Most deserving, Denise is one of the lucky few who miraculously survived a massive brain aneurysm. Although it has left her with some physical deficits and major challenges, her faith is stronger than ever.

Together we own a small printing business, Alpine Press in Middletown, Ohio. In the midst of our illnesses we had to deal with a crushing embezzlement and now, of course, the failing economy. Our prayers have been answered as we now have two dynamic people who have stepped up to the plate to do sales and help re-build the business under a new name (come June or July), Alpine Printing and Media Center.

We have 3 dogs, all of them rescues, and the light of our lives. None of them has cancer; however, interestingly enough, when my neck was loaded with it, our dog Cody kept shoving the Reiki therapist off of me, trying to get to my neck. She knew!

And on that note, HUGE thanks to Luke Robinson for gracing us with his presence (he was the guest of honor at our biggest fundraiser, the Bark’n’Purr Ball on February 28th, 2009). He got up behind the podium and proceeded to educate a room filled with 500 people on the lack of diagnostics for canine cancer and the need for more canine cancer research. He asked the audience how many of them had dogs with cancer and the hands went up all around the room. Luke visited our shelters, old and new, and continued to spread the word. He is kind and knowledgeable and sadly, knows first-hand what it is like to lose a dog to cancer.

We marvel over the fact that Luke gave up his job and his home to carry out this selfless mission to raise awareness of canine cancer. To commemorate his visit with all of us, Denise and I purchased a brick that our shelter is now selling to help fund-raise. The brick will be engraved: Luke Robinson 2 Dogs 2000 Miles and will become a permanent part of the pavement at the new shelter.

It was an absolute honor meeting you, Luke, and may God bless every step you continue to take. It is a cause well worth supporting and I am pretty sure Ellen De Generes would want to promote you on her show, being the animal lover that she is. Who knows? You could become the Susan G. Korman of canine cancer!

In your travels Luke, be sure to remind people to always consider adoption first and to spay/neuter their pets.

Special thanks to Nancy for taking time to add her voice to the 2Dogs blog. Best wishes for good health to you and Denise, and good luck with your 're-newed' venture, Alpine Printing and Media Center.

Pictured above: (1) Nancy, Luke, and Denise; (2) Luke at the podium; (3) Luke, Nancy, and friends at Animal Friends Humane Society.

We walk with Hudson, Murphy and Luke

Following is the list of names we have for Memorial Shirt 4. If you have a companion listed on the shirt, please check to make sure his or her name is spelled correctly.

If you find an error or if you would like a last name initial added, please email Ginger at ginger@2dogs2000miles.org ASAP. Thank you.

It is sad indeed to see so many new names added to the Memorial Shirt. With each new name our conviction grows to find the cause of this terrible disease.

It is an honor to have your loved ones walk with us.

Abby
Ace
Angel
Angus
Annie
Armstrong
Arnold
Augie A
Bailey
Ballou
Baren
Barkley B
Barkley V
Bass
Beanny
Bentley M
Bentley P
Bernadette
Bernie
Billy Budd
Bingo
Bismarck P
Bonaparte
Bonnie B
Boodle
Boomer L
Boomer U
Brio
BRO
Brody
BT
Bubbie
Buffy
Captain
Carlos S
Casey C
Cassie
Cassie W
Cathar
Chance
Chance M
Chase M
Chase R
Chelsey
Chloe
Chocolate
Cinnamon
CJ M
Clondike
Coco
Codi
Cody
Comet
Copper M
Corkie
Daisy
Daisy K
Daisy L
Dakota
Darla
Dax
Deweydawg
Diesel
Dixie
Domino
Duchess
Duke
Dusty Topper
Echo Dawg
Elair
Elwood
Ephram
Fancy
Frankie
Fred
Fridge Kitty
Glacier
Glida
Gracie
Griffin
Gymmie S
Griffin K
Gus
Hacker
Hannah
Harlow
Harriet
Harry
Hero Hobbs
Holly
Honey
Honeybear
Huckleberry
Humphrey M Kitty
Isaac
Jack S
Jackie O
Jake
Jake N
Jiggs
Jixxer
Jonah Bear
Kailey R
Kaj
Katie T
Kelsey
Kenyon
Kiah
Kobey-Rose
Kobuck
Kringle
Lily L
Linga
Little Boy
Lucy M
Macy
Madison
MariBeth P
Maggie E.
Maggie G
Maggie L
Malcolm
Mariah
Marley
Marshmellow
Marvin
Mary Kate
Mast
Max B
Max R
Mayor Junior
McCoy
Mel
Mimi
Mini Girl
Minnie
Missy
Mister
Mojave
Momma Dog
Monarch
Monty
Moose
Mukashi
Murphy
Nate
Nestle K
Nikko
Oona
Parker
Parker M
Pele
Penny
Peverett
Phantom
Powder
Princess Daisy
Puma
Pup Pup
Remy
Roo
Rosa
Roscoe
Rosie
Rox
Rudi B
Rudy Green
Sadie
Samantha B
Sammi
Sassy
Sauge
Schatzi
Schultize
Seamus
Seamus W
Shadow
Shadow L
Shea
Sheba
Sidney
Sierra
Sir Galahad
Sissy
Sloan H
Snowball
Snowbear
Spencer
Spike
Spori
Stella
Sturmie
Sydney
Tango
Teddy Bear
Tiki
Tilly
Toni
Toosox
Trebelle
Tucker
Weenie
Wesley M
Whitney L
Willem
Winnie
Winston C
Winston L
Wolfie
Yuko
Zachary
Zachary M
Zeus T

The back of the shirt reads:

Puppy Up!
www.2dogs2000miles.org

1st Year Anniversary Event a Success

The Year-on-the-Road Anniversary Celebration, Monday, March 16, 2009 6:00 at the Fairborn Community Park East in Fairborn, Ohio was a success thanks in great part to Karen Bocko and her daughter Tracy Spitler, who worked hard for weeks to get everything ready for The Boys. Friends from Columbus, Cincinnati, the Dayton area, Florence, Kentucky, and Tennessee were in attendance.

To start off the occasion there was a meet and greet and delicious cake was enjoyed by all. There were also paw print chocolate suckers for people, and cupcakes (would those be pupcakes?) for the dogs. Luke and The Boys were especially taken by Gringo, a Blue Heeler, who was in a baby carriage. Poor guy had recently had surgery on one of his legs and was recovering from that. He also had only one eye. He was with his people and their two other Blue Heelers. Best wishes to Gringo for a speedy recovery from his surgery.

After everyone enjoyed the treats and had a chance to visit, there was a ceremonial walk. As it was nearing twilight, the small but enthusiastic crowd was quite a sight, making their way from the pavilion to the amphitheater, purple glow-necklaces lighting their way through the lengthening shadows. When they reached the amphitheater, everyone got comfortable and Luke gave a brief presentation followed by the reading of all the names from the Memorial Shirt – all the Angels who walk with The Boys – ending with a moment of silence. Among those in attendance were friends Jamie and John Rose who lost their beloved dog Chase recently to lymphoma. Our sincere condolences go out to them.

The evening’s event ended with a number of the participants enjoying dinner together at a local restaurant. Again, our grateful thanks go out to Karen and Tracy who were terrific at making the event happen and all the people and pups who came from near and far to be a part of the festivities.

Join Us for A-Year-on-the-Road Anniversary Celebration!

When: Monday, March 16, 2009 6:00 PM (actual event starts at 6:30 but please arrive early)

Where: Fairborn Community Park East, 461 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Road, in Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Luke, Hudson, and Murphy will be at the Fairborn Community Park East in Fairborn, Ohio to celebrate the anniversary of their first year on the road. One year ago March 16th, The Boys set off on their remarkable journey to spread awareness about the critical nature of companion animal cancer. Since then they have walked over 1000 miles and touched the lives of thousands of people, both in the States and abroad.

The event will start Monday evening, March 16th, at 6:30 PM at the Fairborn Community Park East in Fairborn, Ohio, which is near Dayton. For a map of park's location, which also includes the current local weather, please follow this link: http://www.recreationparks.net/OH/greene/community-park-east-fairborn .

We will gather at one of the shelters at the park where there will be delicious cake for people and dogs to enjoy. Glow necklaces will make the twilight walk to the amphitheater more festive. We'll walk to the amphitheater for Luke's presentation. There Luke, Hudson, and Murphy will meet with other celebrators where Luke will give a short presentation on the mission of 2Dogs2000Miles. After that there will be a video and Luke will read the list of names of those companions who walk with them -- the Angles who are on the Memorial Shirt he wears as he walks.

Following the presentation Luke is hoping everyone will go out to eat and have a chance to mingle and celebrate together.

For more information, please call Ginger at 901-619-2286.

Of course, leashed and crowd-friendly canines are welcome!

Walking With Angels -- Part 2

Hi. Shadow here.

Last week when I told you about the journey Murphy and Hudson were making with their people person Luke, I thought I was just telling you about a “feel good” story and about two incredible dogs (and one people) that I had the opportunity to meet.

Obviously, there was much more.

The ink wasn’t dry on the paper before I started hearing canine cancer stories.

The first came from one of Mike’s friends (I didn’t know he had a friend besides me – but I know I am still his favorite.) from the Philadelphia area – wherever that is – who wrote me and told me about his people friend, “Dave.”

According to Ernie (Mike’s friend), Dave is a Viet Nam veteran who was wounded three times. Several years ago when Dave was going through a “rough patch,” Ernie gave him a dog to be his friend. The dog was named “Bro.”

Bro quickly became Dave’s best friend – even better than Ernie.

Then Bro died. He died of canine cancer.

Dave has not recovered from his loss. Then after he read my column from last week, he told me he has regained his purpose. He immediately contacted 2dogs2000miles.com. He found that for a donation of $25.00 Bro’s name would be added to the next version of the “angels” shirt that Luke wears.

Soon, Bro will be one of the “angels” walking with Murphy and Hudson.

I don’t know Dave. I didn’t know Bro. But I do know Murphy and Hudson deserve to have another “angel” walking with them.

The story of Bro was just the beginning.

Mike told me about Tasha, his friend Jeff’s Samoyed dog that had been rescued. Tasha died of canine cancer. She was seven.

Then I got a call from “Mr.” Mr. is a cat. He lives in Canada with Janet and Rudi, two friends of mine. (Okay – they are really friends of Mike and Jade, but they play fetch with me when they visit here. That makes them my friends too – right?)

Mr. told me he lost two of his best friends to cancer. Feline cancer.

He told me he still misses “Raffty” and “Mokey.” He said he applauds Murphy and Hudson. He would like to join them, but then, cats don’t do very well on leash.

Still, he was happy when I told him that Luke and the guys were walking for awareness of both canine and feline cancer. Mr. said he wants to be Murphy and Hudson’s first Canadian fan.

Yesterday I received a card from Casey Turner. Casey is a Golden Retriever I have met on several occasions. When I saw that the card was from Casey, I thought he was going to comment on last week’s column.

I was right. And I was wrong.

Casey has cancer. He is only six years old and he has canine cancer.

So far, he is a survivor. Casey tells me he has been through two rounds of chemotherapy treatments. He told me he gets injections, pills, and IV’s.

I thought ivy was a weed that made you itch when you touched it. Casey tells me it is a needle the veterinarian sticks in him with a bunch of fluid that runs through the needle. He says the shots hurt, but so far he is starting to feel better. He knows he has to go through at least two more treatments.

He says he will survive. He is not ready to leave his people. He doesn’t think Rhonda or Kathryn or Billy Don can get along without him. He knows he can’t get along without them.

Casey wanted me to thank Murphy and Hudson for all they are doing for all feline and cancer victims – both those who continue to survive and fight and those who have lost that fight.

I told him I would. Then I started thinking about Mayor Jr. You remember when I wrote about him and his responsibilities as Mayor of Rabbit Hash. Mayor Jr. died of canine cancer last summer.

When I told Murphy and Hudson about Bro and Tasha, and Raffty and Mokey, and gave them Casey’s thanks, I also told them about Mayor Jr. and about Rabbit Hash. Murphy told me they would really like to meet Mayor Lucy Lou and meet with those who knew and loved Mayor Jr. I told them I would meet them tomorrow. At least I think it is tomorrow. I am writing this on Tuesday. I plan to meet them on Wednesday. You are reading this on Thursday. Does that mean I am meeting them tomorrow, or I met them yesterday? Sometimes writing for Mike gets confusing.

Anyway, I told them I would meet them, and since Rabbit Hash is not on their regular route they could ride to Rabbit Hash and back to their “walking location.” I told them they could even bring Luke with them if they wanted.

Now I have to talk to Mike and Jade and see if one of them will drive me and pick up Murphy and Luke and take us to Rabbit Hash.

Mike hasn’t taught me to drive yet. Maybe that comes next. - - Shadow

Pictured above are Murphy, Shadow, and Hudson with Luke at Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Mike drove -- this time. Thanks to Mike and his wife Jade for getting The Boys to and from Rabbit Hash for their meeting with Her Honor, Mayor Lucy Lou.

Thanks to Shadow and Mike Cooney for granting us permission to reprint Shadow's interviews with Hudson and Murphy. Mike's "A Stones Throw" weekly column appears in the Switzerland County (Indiana) Newspapers.

Cross-Country Trek Calls Attention to Canine Cancer

from The Madison Courier.com

by Sara Denhart

Kentucky News Desk

Friday, February 20, 2009

Five years ago, Luke Robinson of Austin, Texas, found out his best friend had cancer. He researched every medical journal to find out more about the cancer that was slowly killing his friend, but the lack of preventive medicine and treatment options was mind-numbing.

"He was a big part of my life," Robinson said. "I never knew you can have such a profound relationship with a pet."

While Robinson's best friend was not human and walked on all fours, it did not diminish the fact that his best friend was going to die in two years. He cherished the early memories of raising the Great Pyrenees puppy until the dog, Malcolm, was 8.

"When I got him, I had the father-son dog talk about you will listen to me and do what I tell you, but he broke me in a week," Robinson said. "I love to play golf. I would quit playing golf with my friends because Malcolm was my caddy."

After Robinson had provided care for the sick dog for two years, Malcolm died in 2006. He had gone through amputation and chemotherapy only to slow the progression of the cancer that later metastasized to his lungs. No one could tell Robinson why or how Malcolm was afflicted with cancer.

Robinson knew he had done everything a good pet owner should - provide shelter, love and proper nutrition; take him for checkups and exams at the veterinarian; and play with him from time to time.

"Dogs get the same type of cancers people get," Robinson said. "Canine cancer is a crisis of epidemic proportions."

Since Malcolm's death, Robinson sold his truck, put his belongings into storage, quit his job and started a walking trip from Austin, Texas, to Boston, Mass. He was on a mission to bring awareness of canine cancer.

"Malcolm is who got me on the road," Robinson said. "My family thinks I'm a nut job for doing this, but they are very supportive."

Since leaving his home a year ago, Robinson has met hundreds of people across the country who have told their stories about the pets they lost to cancer. He has made several shirts, as memorials, filled with the names of pets that have died from cancer.

"Cancers are becoming more common and more frequent in dogs," Robinson said. "I saw pictures of a beautiful corgi that died at the age of 2 because of cancer."

Robinson said the average age of some dog breeds is being reduced by several years because cancer is becoming so widespread. He said the Bernese mountain dog's life expectancy has been reduced from 10 years to 6 to 8 years because of cancer.

"Dogs even get breast cancer," Robinson said. "Nobody knows why dogs get cancer, but everybody wants to know what is causing the cancer."

Robinson, through his research and discussions with experts, believes the canine cancers are developed through environmental factors, nutrition and genetics. But genetics plays a small role in the cancers, he said.

"Everyone thinks it's a nutritional component," Robinson said. "The drug companies don't want to invest in researching it because all they care about are cures and treatments. There is no money invested in the prevention of canine cancer."

After four pairs of hiking boots, four tents, two cameras and three wireless phones, Robinson and his two Great Pyrenees dogs, Hudson and Murphy, have traveled 1,000 miles and have 1,300 miles to go. He will head to Cincinnati next and continue north before taking a dogleg east to New England.

"The dogs love the new sights and new smells," Robinson said. "Great Pyrenees are guard dogs, but they like to walk. Hudson loves horses and cows. He saw his first Shetland pony in Hanover and wanted to play with it. I couldn't do this trip without them."

Along the way, Robinson and his dogs, who walk about 10 miles a day, stop at animal shelters to volunteer, meet up with families who are hosting them and pick up supplies that have been shipped to post offices nearby. One of his sponsors sends 10 pounds of dog treats to every shelter where he volunteers during his travels.

"I considered myself a dog lover, but I never spent any time in a shelter," Robinson said. "I worried I would get too attached to the dogs there, but I found out that's not the case."

As the "pack," as Robinson refers to himself and his two dogs, walks, Robinson said they can carry about five days' worth of human food, dehydrated dog food packs, and water. The dehydrated dog food is similar to military rations given to soldiers, but it is formulated for dogs. The owner just has to add water, and the dogs can have a nutritious meal, Robinson said.

"We've been so blessed," Robinson said. "Every city has its own character. Memphis was really rich in culture and history. In Bowling Green, Ky., we met a really awesome head of the humane society there who has transformed the focus of the town on the need of animals. Louisville - I love that city. It's so eclectic and artistic. I love Madison. It's got a historic downtown that's really cool. I'm kind of a geek when it comes to history and science."

Robinson is using technology to document his journey for people who want to keep track of him online. He's using social networking programs such as Twitter, Dogster and Facebook to document his journey. After reaching Boston, he hopes to write a book about his journey and raise money for preventive measures for canine cancer.

"This is just phase one of the project," Robinson said. "I'm building a network now."

To track the journey of Robinson, Hudson and Murphy, visit www.2dogs2000miles.org.

Caption with picture: Jenny Slover, manager of the Jefferson County Animal Shelter, plays with Murphy and Hudson, who were visiting Madison with Luke Robinson this week. Robinson and his dogs are a year into a 2,000-mile trek on foot and paw from Austin, Texas, to Boston, Mass., to raise awareness of canine cancer. (Staff photo by Ken Ritchie)

On The Road in Franklin, TN

The Williamson Herald newspaper just published a great article and photo about The Boys as they passed through Franklin, Tennessee. Written by Mindy Tate, Williamson Herald Editor, the article, entitled "A Man and his Dogs," reprinted below, tells a bit about the Boys and their journey so far.

By Mindy Tate, Williamson Herald Editor
mtate@williamsonherald.com

It might have been Luke Robinson’s idea to walk 2,400 miles across the United States with his two Great Pyrenees dogs to call attention to canine cancer, but in fact it is Murphy and Hudson who are walking Robinson, not the other way around.

Robinson is making his way across Williamson County this week and will visit Happy ReTales in Brentwood’s Creekside Crossing off Old Hickory Boulevard Saturday, Nov. 22, from 2-5 p.m.

He’s en route to Boston with his two “boys,” whose combined weight is close to 180 pounds. They left Austin, Texas, in March with a mission — to raise awareness of canine cancer and raise funds for the first-ever nationwide epidemiological canine cancer study.

For Robinson, it is personal. He lost “his boy” Malcolm, another Great Pyrenees, to osteosarcoma in 2006. Robinson was working a 90-plus-hour work week when Malcolm was diagnosed as the founder and head of a high tech and life science business consulting firm, but when the dog became sick, his perspective and focus changed.

“I rarely left his side after that,” Robinson said in a break from the road. “It was truly a life defining experience and one that’s made me re-evaluate my place in the world and what my contribution can be.”

Murphy, who is about 7 years old, and Hudson, just a pup at 2 years old and 55 pounds or so, are the real celebrities of the walk, Robinson said.

“I am just the guy carrying the luggage,” he said. Each of them is armed with a backpack, although the ones carried by the animals contain mainly their snacks and supplies while Robinson is carrying a tent and things to sustain the trio along the road.

They set out from Austin in March headed for Boston, which is Robinson’s home. They expected to be further along the route than they are, but as fate would have it, Murphy had his own brush with canine cancer and there was some recovery time spent just after the walk began.

Robinson remembers mosquitoes “as big as sparrows” while walking through the Arkansas Delta in July. They hit Memphis in late August and have stopped along the way to volunteer at different shelters or humane associations to volunteer. Each time they do, Wagatha’s Extraordinary Biscuits for Dogs donates a 10-pound bag of treats to those shelters.

Those days volunteering has also given Robinson the chance to interact with animal lovers, experts, caregivers and those doing research into canine cancer and perhaps only deepened his resolve to get a national dialogue started.

“Definitely it has made the experience richer and fuller after hearing all of the stories,” he said. “It has helped to tighten the focus of the mission. People want to know what is causing canine cancer and we have found that canine cancer is a crisis. Not only is cancer significant in dogs, but it is also hitting them at a younger age. It is so prevalent that some dogs are having their life spans downgraded.”

Malcolm was only 6 when he was diagnosed, Robinson said, and 8 when he was given what Robinson describes as rest. He is making the trip with the trio though, as Robinson wears one of his claws and some of his ashes in memorial around his neck, and carries a St. Francis medal in his pocket given to him by his mother, herself a breast cancer survivor.

While walking, people often stop and talk to Robinson about what he is doing or offer to let him stay in their homes. But be forewarned, the three come as a package. If they dogs aren’t welcome, then Robinson will choose to camp out with them.

“When we are walking, we are working,” Robinson said. “When I get on the road with them and they get a rhythm, we work well together…the first 15 minutes, they are just pulling me.”

They average eight to 10 miles per day and at that pace won’t make it to Boston on their original timetable. Instead they will brave the winter months and hope to arrive to a celebratory event sometime in the spring.

Robinson’s Web site, www.2dogs2000miles.org, has a lot of information regarding the walk and “puppy up” products you can buy to support their walk and the mission of canine cancer research, but there are things you can do if you see the trio on the road.

“If they lost a companion pet, we have a memorial shirt,” Robinson said, showing a shirt with the names of animal’s lost to canine cancer. “Whenever we have to dig deep, all I have to do is look at my shirt to know there are angels walking with us.

“Another thing people can do is stop and give them hugs,” Robinson said of the dogs. Hudson greets all visitors by standing on his hind legs before throwing his paws around your neck.

“We are fine with pitching a tent on the side of the road, but we are also looking for safer places to stay,” Robinson said of church yards or halls, private homes and other facilities that allow the dogs to stay with him.

“Last and most important is to help get the message out there of canine cancer,” Robinson said of the things that people can do.

Thanks to Mindy Tate of the Williamson Herald for covering the story.

A Conversation with Wagatha's Norman Levitz

I had the opportunity the other day to speak with Mr. Norman Levitz, one of the founders of Wagatha’s organic dog treats . We’re very pleased that Wagatha’s is one of 2Dogs’ sponsors.

Our conversation began when I asked him how he learned about 2Dogs2000miles and Hudson, Murphy, and Luke.

I came to know of Luke’s efforts from a mutual friend, Tracie Hotchner. Tracie actually lives a few miles from us down in Bennington (Vermont). She told me about Luke’s efforts and I thought it was just a fabulous idea. I just thought it was great. I’m totally supportive of what he’s doing. There needs to be more of this kind of a thing going on.

I noticed on your web page that an important part of your philosophy is to give back to the community. One of the things that Luke has told me is that for every shelter that he visits, you send them 10 pounds of Wagatha’s Treats.

That’s correct. … The products that we make are 100% organic, we manufacture everything right here in Vermont. Most of our ingredients are domestic and the ones that aren’t are either from Central America or Europe. Everything we do is human quality. We want our best friends to have the best.

You’re the developer of the biscuits yourself?

Yes, my wife and I started making these biscuits about 30 years ago when we were in college, so there’s quite a lot of history behind them.

Can you give us a little bit of the history? Why did you start making dog biscuits?

Well, here’s the thing. Like I said, about 30 years ago my wife and I started making these biscuits in college because we had a lot of friends and family who had dogs and … you know, on a college budget, there’s not a whole lot you can do at holiday time. So we decided to try making dog biscuits. The dogs loved them and it became an annual tradition for us. About 15 years ago we had a bakery in Rhode Island and we started making these biscuits at the bakery just as an aside. We sold a lot of them. I always wanted to do this as a business but the timing just was never right. Then I finally got together with my present business partner [Neil Reilly] who thought this was a fantastic idea and here we are, 2 years later.

So you got started in 2006?

2006, yes that’s right.

Right from the beginning we wanted to be 100% certified organic and we do not do anything that does not fit that profile. We’re also kosher. We didn’t want anyone to have any barriers to why they couldn’t bring Wagatha’s into their lives.

As a professional chef and as a culinary educator, you obviously understand the issues of good nutrition. Do you see a connection between nutrition and the higher incidence of cancer in animals?

Yes, I do. I see it in people too. You are what you eat and your body can only fight off and deal with so many chemicals and artificial ingredients and things of that nature before it begins to rebel. Even more of a reason for us to be completely organic … every ingredient in our treats is there for a reason. Most of the treats are very high in antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.

What drew you personally to the issue of nutrition in dogs in particular?

I think it was a number of things. One of the things is, as a culinary educator, nutrition was a big part of what I had to learn and teach to my students. So, to me that really made a lot of sense. And then, the more I researched commercially available pet products and pet foods, it was horrific what I found. I knew if I was going to get involved in this business that everything we did had to be nutritionally sound because I didn’t want to be part of the problem. I wanted to be part of the solution.

I understand that Hudson and Murphy especially like the Tuscan Tomato and Herb Biscuits. Do you know what your best selling product is?

The best seller is our Breakfast Biscuit. In the South we found that the Tuscan Tomato and Herb is the number one seller. In the North it seems to be that the Cranberry and the Breakfast go neck and neck, and on the West Coast is seems the Breakfast is number one. I think it just depends on people’s life style, eating habits … we haven’t found a dog who wasn’t partial to these biscuits!

In the years ahead, do you see your company expanding into dry food, because there’s certainly a need for that?

We are actually doing research into that – whether it’s going to be dry, wet, or raw or some combination of the three we’re not sure yet, but we’re really working hard to find the right direction to go; but no, we’re not going to be just a treat company. We are looking to extend our philosophy beyond the treats.

Do you see yourself moving into less of the canine boutique or on-line ordering and maybe getting out there to mainstream your product?

We’ve really built our business so far on supporting the independent retailer. Once you cross the bridge into the mass market there are a lot of problems that go with that and we really want to maintain the integrity of our brand. So, independent is where we’re staying. But our treats are all available on our web site, you can purchase on-line, and shipping is very reasonable – over $50.00 shipping is free. And we ship almost immediately – we usually ship that day or the next day FedEx ground.

Do you see your company, even as new as it is, leading the way to a new philosophy of thinking about feeding animals?

I think we understand the difference between right and wrong and understand what the health requirements are for animals and I think that we are just reflecting changes in the way people are starting to look at animal nutrition. We’re supporting that in everything we do. We try to get that message out to everyone we interact with -- that by feeding Wagatha’s they’re feeding their dogs the best available products that they can find. We put a lot of research and time into our biscuits and stand behind what we do.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about Wagatha’s and your interest in 2 Dogs?

I think that what 2 Dogs is doing is fantastic and I think raising awareness about canine cancer is really important. I think that grass-roots efforts will raise the awareness of people’s choices when they go into the store and buy what they buy. It seems that every month there’s another food recall, whether it’s pet or people … and why take that chance? For the majority of people, their pets are the center of their lives -- why subject your best friend, your family member to something you don’t have to subject them to? There are choices. And they’re not necessarily any more expensive.

Mr. Levitz, thanks for speaking with us. And special thanks for donating to the shelters Luke goes to.

It’s my pleasure. We live in a world where we all really have to help each other out … reaching out to our neighbors and friends is really what we have to do.

Wagatha's name and logo are the copyrighted property of Wagatha's. Their logo is used with permission.

Our First Calendar!

2 Dogs 2000 Miles is pleased and excited to announce our first Canine Cancer Calendar. We hope YOU will be part of the process. Here's how --

PLEASE NOTE: The date for submissions has been extended to November 16th. Also, the size of the digital photo has been changed. Just submit the original digital photo to calendar@2d0gs2000miles.org and our web master will work his magic and adjust the size accordingly! No need to crop, re-size, fold, spindle, or mutilate the photo -- just send it as it comes mysteriously out of your camera! We'll do the rest!

If you (or someone you know) has had or currently has a dog with cancer, you are invited to submit your dog's photo and brief story to 2 Dogs. We ask you to please limit your submission to one digital picture per dog, and limit your story to 1 to 2 paragraphs per dog. So, if you currently have or have had a dog with cancer, here is your opportunity to honor him or her in the calendar. If you have had more than one dog with cancer, yes, you may definitely submit EACH dog's photo and brief story. Please submit your dog's photo and story to: calendar@2dogs2000miles.org. And, of course, give us not only your dog's name, but your name and contact email as well.

When does this start? Right now. The deadline for photo and story submission is November 16th at midnight EST (please note that the date has changed) , which gives you plenty of time to get those photos and stories submitted. You will receive an email notification of receipt of your photo and story. All photos will be available for viewing and voting on at our web site after the November 16th deadline.

How will we decide which dog represents each month? Well, here's where you come in again. EVERYONE gets to decide -- whether or not you've had a dog with cancer. Everyone gets to vote, so please pass the word to friends, family, and co-workers.

Here's how voting will work. Starting on November 2nd, after the last canine cancer patient's photo and story have been submitted and all photos are up on our web site, voting begins. With a small donation of $1.00 per vote, everyone gets to vote for his or her favorite dog(s). For example, if you want to vote 10 times for your best friend Speckles, you would donate $10.00 for Speckles and he would then get 10 votes. Or you can split your votes. If you like several dogs, you would donate X number of dollars for each dog you like and each dog would get that number of votes. Even better -- you can vote as many times as you want. This means you can vote multiple times for one dog, or one time for many dogs, or any variation thereof, and come back throughout the voting period to keep your pick in the running by casting more $1.00 votes. Voting will be open until the deadline. It's really very simple: $1.00 per vote and you can vote as many times as you want for as many dogs as you want. Voting will continue on our web site through December 1st. All money benefits 2 Dogs and the walk to increase awareness of canine cancer and the urgency to find the cause.

Now here's the other great news. No dog loses! While there will be only 12 dogs on the main calendar, each dog not chosen will still have his or her photo published in the back of the calendar. Every dog's photo submitted for the calendar will be published.

When will the calendars be ready? Calendars will be ready to purchase before the new year. These will make excellent gifts. Cost: $15.95 each.

OK, here's a summary:

(1) Submit one photo and one story (1 to 2 paragraphs) per canine cancer patient – submission of photos and stories is FREE and should be sent to: calendar@2dogs2000miles.org.

(2) You are not limited to your submissions. If you have sadly had more than one dog stricken with cancer, you may submit each dog's photo and story. Photos may be of dogs who have passed or dogs who are still here fighting their cancer!

(3) Please be sure to submit a story with your photo. 1 to 2 paragraph limit, please. Don't forget to include your name and contact email. You will be notified when we receive your photo and story.

(4) Submissions begin immediately and continue through November 15th, ending at midnight EST.

(5) Photos of all dogs will be posted on our web site after November 16th, and voting begins at our web site 2 weeks after the last submission and continues through December 1st. Deadline for voting is December 1st, again at midnight EST.

(6) Each $1.00 donation = 1 vote. You may vote (and thus donate) multiple times! Please do! Please invite family and friends to vote as well! Votes will be cast at our website beginning November 2nd.

(7) Calendars will be available for the new year and cost only $15.95. These will make excellent gifts! Remember, each calendar will spread the important news about canine cancer, so please consider giving them as gifts to vet clinics, colleagues, groomers, your own favorite vet, as well as family and friends.

(8) ALL photos will be published in the calendar. While only twelve dogs will be chosen to represent the 12 months of the year, based on the number of $1.00 votes each dog receives, EVERY photo submitted will be published in the calendar. Pictures not included in the body of the calendar will be published in the back pages, so every dog's picture will appear.

This calendar will not only help get the word out about the seriousness and prevalence of canine cancer, but will also be a lasting tribute to those beautiful dogs who struggled with and are still struggling against this disease.

We hope you will be part of this effort. Send in your photos and stories, please pass the word to family and friends, and then, come November 2nd, vote, vote, vote for your favorite dogs!

Bass

When the Man waked up he said, "What is Wild Dog doing here?" And the Woman said, "His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always." -- Rudyard Kipling

Suzanne wrote: It is with sad and heavy hearts that we inform our friends and family that Bass left this earth to make his pawprints in heaven and wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge. We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, notes and gifts from everyone during these last few weeks of his illness. All our love, Michael, Suzanne and Olivia.

Thank You, Emily!

Isn't it wonderful how dogs can win friends and influence people without ever reading a book. — E.C. McKenzie

Emily, a small Border Collie mix, embodied the true spirit of puppy up! Janet Graham, 2Dogs Volunteer Coordinator, recently shared a story about this very special rescue she came to know and love. While this is only the briefest glimpse of Emily’s life, it shows, once again, how the love and inspiration of one dog can change the lives of so many. Janet recently wrote in an email, “My rescue network is vast and I am blessed with amazing friends I have made on this journey. I have worked with Echo White Shepherd Rescue, and one dog in particular. Emily.”

Emmy was pulled from a shelter in Trumbull County, Ohio about one year ago. She was scheduled for euthanasia as she was malnourished at only 27 lbs and had recently been attacked by another dog at the shelter. Someone saw her and called ECHO White Shepherd Rescue, not even knowing if she had any White Shepherd in her or not. The rescue did not care. This sweet girl needed help and they gave it without hesitation.

A friend in Echo who lives near me was contacted and agreed to take Emily, knowing that the dog couldn't even be put on a 5 hour transport — the chance of her surviving the trip to the foster home was slim. My friend, Dee, drove 5 hours and got Emily and took her home. I spend a lot of time with Dee and her pack and have been involved with Emily from the start.

Emily was a stubborn dog. She often had to be forced to eat and only recently started to eat dog food. She HAD to be cooked for — gotta love the attitude. Hours and hours were spent with her, keeping her alive. She had an entire group of angels always rooting her on. We did a photo shoot shortly before her adoption took her to Florida for a calendar that is supposed to be released this fall.

This sweet spirited dog had her ups and downs with weight gain and loss, and many trips to the vet for various issues. Joshica's Planet Canine stepped up when they heard about Emily and donated swim time to help her regain her strength. Through all of this, Emmy gained a fan club of followers who mass e-mailed the latest developments and newest pictures. They sent best wishes, offered encouragement, and prayed ... a lot. They sent her many gifts, including a healing collar and t-shirts to wear. In the beginning, these were to protect her wounds and keep her warm; later they were simply worn as fashion statements. She seemed to enjoy all of the Harley Davidson apparel the best. This amazing group of individuals was given the moniker Emily's Angels. After months of rehabilitation, through triumphs and setbacks, Em finally reached a goal of 40 pounds and was ready for adoption.

This past February, a loving couple in Florida, Lori and Warren, who had been following her story, decided that she was the one for them and adopted her. Dee drove her all the way to Florida and her new start, and cried all the way back to northern Indiana, but knew that Emmy had found her place in this world and would finally be loved and cherished. The gaggle of well wishers, and let's admit it, star-struck fanatics, still received updates and had plenty to say about Emily and her new adventures.

Emmy thrived and loved the Florida beaches. She had found her home at last.

The surprising news came a few weeks ago that Emmy was not doing well. They weren't sure what was happening at first, as she had been walking on the beach, swimming in the pool, and enjoying her life to the utmost one day, and in declining health the next. It was determined that an aggressive cancer had taken over her body.

Lori and Warren were committed to Emily's comfort. Emmy got to make all of the decisions. They had the option of hospitalizing her, but felt strongly that she was happier at home. The cancer seemed so be all over, so putting Emmy through unnecessary medical procedures was not the choice any of us want for her.

Emily’s Angels set to work sending strength and love from all over the country to Emily and to her forever and foster families alike. Sadly, Emily died last week. The cancer was so sudden and advanced that Janet doesn't believe her type of cancer was even diagnosed. In the end, Emmy chose to move on and all her angels could do was wish her well and thank her for what she had brought to their lives. Many commented on how this great love for one dog had brought so very many people together.

Warren talked to me a lot about living in the moment and celebrating Emmy's life. He has taken over 1000 photos of our Princess. Lori and Warren are committed to celebrating her life and gifts to all of us. They are truly the parents that Emmy was supposed to have.

In her memory, all of Emily's friends and extended family will be honoring her, along with other beloved companion animals who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, in a Memorial Service, Saturday at 6 PM at Joshica's Planet Canine .

A press release on Emily's passing reads, "We have all lost a furry friend at one time and know how important it is to be with others who understand this loss. They become a cherished part of our family. We invite you to gather with friends and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. We will offer flowers in the water as a tribute. It is only fitting that we do this near water, which Emily loved so much."

Emily was such an inspiration to all of us. This will be our final gift to her, but in reality, it is Emily's final gift to all of us and to the world. Only Emily could have made this a reality, only Emily could have inspired so many people to be involved and given a voice to so many who had been silenced.

Finally, we want this to be a celebration. We want to celebrate Emily's life and love — a celebration of a "little furry skeleton with giant eyes" who touched our hearts in places that we didn't even know existed.

We are holding this memorial service Saturday at 6PM. For those in the area, we invite you to meet at Joshica's Planet Canine, then drive to the river for the service. For others, we invite you to take a moment and think of Emily and all those who have gone before, remembering them each in your own way.

They will all remain forever in our hearts.

Thanks to everyone who shared Emily’s life and her story:

Janet Graham and her friend Dee
Lori and Warren, Emily’s forever family
The people at Echo White Shepherd Rescue
The people at Joshica's Planet Canine, LLC
The people at Paws 'N Purrs with IMPACT, Inc.; Indiana Mission Pawssible and Canine Transport
And, of course, ALL of Emily’s Angels

An Interview with Tracie Hotchner

I had the good fortune to talk with Tracie Hotchner, author of THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know and web and radio host of Dog Talk and Cat Chat. While we talked, she was massaging her dog’s knee. Scooby Doo, one of her two Weimaraners, had recently had knee surgery. Tracie had met with Jody Chiquoine, canine clinical rehab consultant to Luke and The Boys and owner of Fitter Critters and had learned some massage techniques to help Scooby Doo.

I asked her how she became so interested in and committed to companion animal issues. She told me she’s “an investigative reporter who wanted to get facts to people about how to care for their dogs and cats. What are the right ways to feed them, what are the right ways to exercise them, what are the right ways to meet their psychological and physical needs?”

She sees herself as “a consumer advocate for dogs and cats and the people who share their lives … I’m there to tell you the truth. To not be biased, emotional, hysterical. My intention is to be as balanced as possible.” She said she feels incredibly lucky that she has been able to create her radio shows and the web site that goes with them. “They’re a place where people can come and read something that is transparent, unbiased.” The information she provides is based on material she’s researched, and if anybody gives her new information she’s thrilled to learn more. Her point is to be as flexible and knowledgeable as possible. “Nobody has the last word on anything” she said. “If you’re being led down the garden path and sold a bill of goods, I’m there to tell you about that … you need to know what’s being done to your pets and the pets of others in America in the name of something that may in fact just boil down to commerce.”

I asked her to comment of the Menu foods calamity. “You know, I had already written the truth about how pet food is made… Big business definitely has its hooks into places that you wouldn’t necessarily expect.” She went on to say she thought, “The food recall was actually a real blessing in disguise. I think it was the first time that people really stopped and said, ‘What am I putting in that dog’s mouth?’ … I think it saved a lot more deaths down the road and a lot more illness, even for people. None of us was really very clear how little food is made in America anymore and how much [food comes from] countries where they have a completely different value system — be it about animals or about people.”

So, how did she come to know about 2Dogs2000Miles? “…through The Honest Kitchen.” As she was on the road publicizing her books, she gave out samples of their food. Her dogs have been eating The Honest Kitchen food as part of every meal for many healthy years. “It was a way for people to see the diametric opposite of commercial dog food — something virtually unprocessed and completely healthy.” It was the Honest Kitchen’s owner, Lucy, who got in touch with her and said they were providing food for Luke’s dogs. Was there any chance that she could help get the word out about his walk? So that’s how Tracie came to know about 2Dogs and Luke, Hudson, and Murphy.

What is her advice to people whose dogs are about to go through or are going through chemo? The first advice she would give people, particularly those who own breeds that are at higher risk for cancer is, you have to have pet insurance. “You cannot make the decision to have a high risk breed in a vacuum. For an average of $30.00 a month [per dog] you will get up to $100,000.00 worth of any kind of medical care [the animal] needs. In a country where half of all dogs of every breed over the age of 2 are going to get cancer, when people say ‘I can’t afford it’ all I can say to them is you can’t afford not to.” Without insurance “you’re making decisions based on your pocket book. And you always have to say about cancer, if it wasn’t going to cost me anything, what would I do? The answer isn’t always, well, I would lay it all down. It isn’t always that. So my advice would be to anybody with any dogs who haven’t had cancer, get insurance immediately, with a cancer rider.”

Her second piece of advice: “Get a second opinion from another oncologist. Somebody has to tell you what the up side is of giving chemo. The really good oncologists are learning something new every single week. Your own vet doesn’t know it. It’s not realistic to ask your vet to know it. You have to take the animal to an oncologist. You have to find out what you can buy in terms of quality lifetime. They now give drugs that accompany the chemo that basically take away any of the down side in terms of nausea, and all those issues that plague people so badly.”

But, she also made this point: “Are you prolonging a mediocre quality of life? Stop a minute. Let’s talk about quality end of life care — where you stay home all day and feed them steak! Spend the money on steak. Spend the money on drives out to the beach and sit together and look out at the sea. You have to look at quality of life issues. What is it you’re prolonging? Is it quality of life or is it simply life because you cannot bear to let go? You have to put the dog’s quality of life before your own emotions. You have to be thoughtful in figuring out what you’re doing.”

Before we ended our conversation, I asked her to tell me something funny about her dogs, her two Weimaraners, Scooby Doo and Teddy, and her Collie Mix, Jazzy. (pictured above)

“Weimaraners are an extraordinary sort of dog. What would it be like to have a dog that would be totally fine if you left the room? I don’t know what it would be like to not have two, three dogs following me at all hours in any room I come and go from. It’s quite interesting to be a Pied Piper. It’s the nature of the breed. You cannot exclude them. They’re fine as long as somebody is talking to them or touching them every waking hour. Other than that, they’re really low maintenance! With Scooby Doo – if he looks at you and you don’t look back at him, he barks as if to say ‘Look at me!’"

And her Border Collie mix? “She’s a beautiful little dog. But Border Collies rile up other dogs. They bark in this high-pitched, shrill sort of way. They feel they have to alert you to everything going on; they have to go herd the car, herd the people, and the barking makes the other dogs think there’s something up that they should be worried about. Living with an animal on high alert – one eye open, one ear cocked all the time.” No wonder her name is Jazzy.

Very special thanks to Tracie for the interview and for her interest in and support of 2Dogs2000Miles. If you haven’t tuned into her radio show, which is archived on her web site, please do so. She talks with Luke twice a week, during her Dog Talk and Cat Chat shows, and every show offers great advice on animal care. And you can hear Tracie on WLIU 88.5 FM (Long Island University Public Radio) live at 11:00 AM Saturdays (Eastern time) as well as on Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 112.