Welcome, Sarah Elizabeth!

Congratulations to Dawn and Mark Robinson and Uncle Luke! Sarah Elizabeth Robinson arrived at 8 pounds 3 ounces (the last time she will ever divulge her weight).

Luke is excited and grateful to now be an Uncle six times over (his 6th niece). This is Dawn and Mark's first child and, needless to say, Uncle Luke is very happy too. Well, now we'll have to rechristen him from Yer Big Dog to Uncle Luke!

Welcome to the world, Sarah Elizabeth!

Arkansas in Reflection I

"The Buzz Buzz Show" That's the title of the chapter covering the first stretch of Arkansas. That's me and Buzz - he was one of the two dogs at our host family's home in Texarkana. His big brown eyes and sweet disposition would melt the hardest of hearts.

Then there's his brother, Thatcher, a fifteen pound Schnauzer. Sure, sure he looks cute and innocent but this little guy was the fourth Reich. He told Hudson when he could eat his food, bossed Murphy around, and when the boys and I spent a night sleeping in their backyard, he terrorized our tent, pouncing and peeing on it!

Don't get me wrong - Scott and Sara and their terrific children Abbott and Shelby were gracious and generous hosts and they took good care of Murphy. Still, I'm not sure if instead I'll go with my alternative title to this chapter: Thatcher the Terrible.

All kidding aside, our deepest thanks to the Lawrences for being such a pivotal part of the story.

Please Help Save a Momma and Her Babies

Hey Everyone

While walking a few weeks back YBD found a beautiful dog and her five babies in a filthy, falling down house. She appears to be a pit bull so we suspect she was abandoned because of Arkansas' medieval laws against the breed.

Now I've encountered many heartwrenching stories along our travels which regrettably I was unable to intervene. To the best of my abilities, I have to keep my focus on our mission but I rescued this momma and her babies. We found them temporary shelter at a private home but I found out yesterday that we have until Friday to move them or else they're going to the pound to be euthanized.

The momma is a beautiful brendal and very loving - she rode sitting on YBD's lap. The puppies are probably 8 weeks old. Now I know this country is replete with sad stories but they are a part of our family now (and this historic story), and I intend to do everything in my power to prevent anything happening to them.

But since I don't have a home to house them or a vehicle to transport them, Yer Big Dog is asking for your help. Please spread the word and email me at bigdog@2dogs2000miles.org if you can help. Thank you.

Lucky Dog! Hudson's Birthday Party Pictures

Happy 2nd Birthday, Hudson!

Thanks to 2Dogs Daily reader K. Tate for the pictures of Hudson's birthday party at The Majestic Grille in downtown Memphis. K. writes: Hudson's cake was definitely the hit of the party! I think I can safely say that the dogs thoroughly enjoyed it. Hudson and Murphy are such well mannered boys; they behaved very well as the guests of honor. And, as always, 3 Dog Bakery did a beautiful job with the cake.

I applaud [Luke's] efforts on his journey. He is doing what most of us wish we could do - make our voices heard, and through him, we are able to do that. He will definitely have a lot of stories to tell before he is finished.

I wish all a safe and profitable journey, and may you have many wonderful experiences, Luke, Hudson and Murphy, as you make your walk to stop a deadly enemy. I walk with you in spirit and prayer.

Brock [K's Rotti in one of the pictures] says: Puppy Up!

K., thanks for the pictures and the lowdown on the party!

The People of 2dogs2000miles

I'd like to introduce you to Malea Barber, Director of 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. She’s been a part of this journey even before it was a thought to Luke. As it happens, Luke and Malea met through a pet cancer support group shortly after Luke lost his beloved Malcolm. The two forged a deep and heartfelt friendship through the many hours spent on the phone talking about their boys. Malea had lost her beloved Max, a Rottweiler, to hemangiosarcoma in April of 2001.

Malea has great faith in the mission of 2 Dogs 2000 Miles, and has been a steadfast supporter and spokesperson for the Foundation. We would like to share with you some of her background in her own words:

I live just west of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Animals have always been a very integral part of my life. When I was growing up we had dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. My best friend had horses and we spent many hours riding. My maternal grandparents had a farm in Northeast Oklahoma, and one of my uncles had a 9,000 acre working cattle ranch, so I have spent my life around large animals as well. When I got out on my own I had to have a furry companion. How could I not after having grown up with so many? My life always has, still does, and always will revolve around animals.

While I adore all dogs, my breed of choice is the Rottweiler. I’ve had Rotties for 25 years, and have trained and worked them in obedience, Schutzhund, and therapy work. I have been an obedience instructor with Tulsa Dog Training Club for 22 years, and have held most every Board and Chairman position with the club. I am a Certified Tester/Observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated and for a local group, Karing K-9s. Also, I am the facilitator for the Tulsa Area Pet Loss Support Group, and I am a moderator on the Delphi Forums Pet Cancer Support Group chat.

If there is something in the world for me to do that does not involve animals, I haven’t found it. After my Max left this earthly plane, I became a Reiki Master/Teacher in two schools of Reiki. My work involves sending healing energy to animals all over the world, most of which have cancer. Even in my Shamanism studies there is involvement with animals. There is just a deep spiritual connection for me with the animal kingdom.

When Luke decided to form the Foundation he asked if I would take a place on the Board of Directors. Little did I know that I would wind up being an acting Director. I have to say that it is an honor to be in such an active role. It is wonderful to see people become impassioned about what the Foundation is doing, about our cause. What excites me the most is that we are ‘living outside the box’ by looking for the CAUSE(S) of cancer when every other organization is looking for ‘the cure’. Cures, as well as more proactive prevention, will come much more easily once we know the cause(s) of different types of cancer.

In thinking about the mission of 2 Dogs 2000 Miles my mind recalls the symbolism of the badger. Badger symbolizes abandoning compromise and fighting valiantly for what one believes in. So, like Badger, we have abandoned compromise and the dissembling that leads to defeat, and taken a firm, unwavering stand to fight valiantly, openly, and aggressively in what we believe in so that we do not risk losing it forever.

Olivia’s Bass

This is Bass and his little girl, Olivia Brown. Like many little girls, Olivia absolutely adores her dog. Bass is 13 and Olivia only 5, so she has never known life without him.

But Bass has cancer. Specifically, Bass has lymphoma. Stage 4. And that makes Bass a very sick dog. So, a while ago, Bass started chemo. His vet, Dr. Suzanne Caruso-Brown, is also his "mom." That makes her Olivia's mom too. And that puts Suzanne in a very difficult position. "It's hard to be the mother and the doctor, let me tell you ... how do you tell your husband and your daughter that your family dog has lymphoma? My medical mind and my maternal heart are in battle."

But, after discussing Bass' options with one another, Suzanne and her husband Michael decided that chemo was the choice for Bass, for now, as long as they see positive results. It's been a difficult struggle, as you can imagine. One day things look pretty good. The next day, not so much. Sometimes Bass eats, sometimes he doesn't. Instead, he expresses his disdain for his food-of-the-day by burying it under any piece of laundry that's handy. Indeed, despite his disease, Bass still has a sense of humor. So, Bass now gets pretty much what he wants to eat. Grilled chicken? You bet. Arby's roast beef (without the bun, of course) -- why not? Suzanne says they're now cooking for Bass, and he's on a 95% meat diet. Olivia calls it "canned spaghetti and cheese meatballs." It's really his food with his pills hidden in cheese. And who hasn't done that trick before!

Suzanne and Olivia heard about 2dogs2000miles from Malea, the Director of 2dogs, whose own dog Max was himself a cancer patient of Suzanne's some years ago. Reading the 2dogs web site is where Olivia learned the expression "puppy up!" One night Bass got growly while Suzanne was unhooking his fluid line. But Olivia was right there with a "puppy up!" for him. Everyone should have a best friend they can tell "puppy up" to.

For the most part, Bass seems in good spirits. Like Suzanne says, he has his growly days, but that's to be expected. In her updates, Suzanne writes about the different drugs they're trying, and the tremendous progress that's been made in anti-nausea drugs and powerful drugs for pain. Bass is still eating his 'spaghetti and cheese meatballs' and gets his Arby's too. Bass, you really need to demand a nice thick steak!

And now Bass sports a very special collar too, one given to Suzanne by Malea, and tucked away long ago, hoping it would never be needed. It was Max's collar, made for him when he was struggling with cancer. Suzanne writes, it's a "very special black collar with healing stones that belonged to a very special cancer fighter named Max. The stones are a light pink [quartz] and hand sewn on with the greatest detail. He will wear the collar until the end of his fight." It now has a St. Francis medallion attached to it as well. So Bass is both well loved and well attired.

When Bass was first to start treatments, Suzanne had decided he would have to be hospitalized for at least 48 hours after his chemo, for his own comfort and because of safety issues -- to keep Olivia from being exposed to the drugs he's being given. The morning he was to leave for his first treatment, Suzanne had placed Bass' bed in the front hall with her purse, his chart, and her lunch, before leaving for work. "Olivia cried about me wanting to take his bed to the hospital ... in a way she was almost acting like if his bed was here then he would have to come home. She took his bed and placed it on top of ours, then laid on it. She then offered up her blue star blanket instead, making me promise that I would wash it when he was done using it."

The first time Bass came home after his chemo, Olivia made Bass a wonderful Welcome Home sign. And just the other day, Suzanne writes, "Olivia and her sitter made cupcakes and she found a candle to put in one of the cupcakes." (Suzanne notes that this was all Olivia's idea.) "When I got home with Bass she asked us to light the candle and we made a circle on the kitchen floor. Mike and Olivia held the cupcake in the center of the circle. We all joined hands as best we could, with Olivia and I holding opposite sides of Bass' rose quartz collar. Michael led us in a prayer -- (remember, Olivia's idea) -- thanking God for bring Bass to our family and asking if it is His will to make Bass better to guide us with the knowledge to help make that happen. Olivia blew out the candle and Bass got to eat the cupcake!"

As for Bass' name -- Suzanne writes, "My husband is with the Tulsa Police Department. When we first moved to Oklahoma from Boston, so that I could attend veterinary school, he was studying Oklahoma Law Enforcement History. The first black United States Marshal was from Muskogee, Oklahoma and his name was Bass Reeves. It just seemed to be a good, strong, brave name."

And so Bass is!

Olivia and Bass, Suzanne and Michael -- you are the true spirit and heart of 'puppy up!'

Can You Help Find Errol?

We have something very important to share with you, in hopes that some of you in the area of Meridian, Mississippi might be able to help.

I got an email today from Jonette Jones. Remember when Luke helped with the Applebees’ “Pancakes for Pets” breakfast June 14th? Well, Jonette was one of the folks there as well. She wrote me today asking for our help:

Luke helped at the Applebees’ pancake breakfast here and I'm hoping you can use your site to get info out for us. Donna Hinkle's daughter, Destiny, was headed home to Hope, Arkansas July 4 when she was in a wreck.

Our male Irish Wolfhound, Errol, was in the wreck as well, survived, but got out of the car and into the woods in Meridian Mississippi. We have a massive search underway for him. Please help us. I'm headed to Meridian myself very soon … Donna is in Meridian with her daughter, Destiny, who is doing very well and may come home tomorrow. Here is a link to a newspaper article on the whole situation which may be easier than my trying to tell you. Thank you, Jonette Jones, Destiny's aunt.

http://www.meridianstar.com/local/local_story_189235008.html

The news article describes Errol as: a cream colored Irish Wolfhound wearing an orange collar. He is almost 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 145 pounds. He also is micro chipped, which can prove his identity and ownership. Pictures of Errol can be found in his photo album on the Web site:
http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/lost.htm

"Destiny was home schooled," Holmes said. "So, Errol spent every day hanging out with her while she did her school work."

Friends and family have contacted local animal control personnel, police and fire departments, and local veterinarians. They've distributed posters to try to find him.

If you are in the area or know someone who is, please ask them to be on the lookout for Errol.

Anyone with information about Errol should call Hinkle at (870) 703-3118, Amber Holmes (a family friend) at (501) 626-9247, or Jonette Jones at (870) 703-2598.

Thank you all for any help you can provide. Please feel free to distribute this widely. Hopefully Destiny and her best friend Errol will be reunited soon.

Direct link to information about and a picture of Errol.: http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/lost.htm

Beyond Hope...

... Arkansas, that is. We were greeted by a herd of cattle just outside of Prescott and Hudson now thinks he's a cow whisperer. They seem to follow him whever he goes so there may just be something to that.

Though the pic's a tad blurry, that's my first tick of the trip (NOTE - this is my CALF not my CRACK. Jeez, some people...) YBD's not afraid of much anymore but these little parasites can carry dozens of different diseases, few of them easily treatable. Just read this recent CNN article about a woman's ten year battle with Lyme disease. The good news is if you catch em early enough and get the head, chances of transmission are fairly low.

This is a photo of the pink puffy blossomed Mimosa set against Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine. Right now the Mimosa, Magnolias, and Crape Myrtles are all in full bloom. It sure is gorgeous here and it's of no wonder they call it the natural state. Perhaps the only complaint I have is that few of their highway bridges have shoulders. I've been able to manage it since most have been pretty short but they're getting longer and longer like the one at the Little Missouri River (can't wait to meet the big brother - heh!). The only thing that makes it passable is you have visibility for miles and traffic's not too heavy. We're about to come to one that's not - it's arch shaped and so oncoming vehicles won't be able to see me making it too risky for Hudson. I'll go it alone.

The events at Little Rock were awesome! Two TV stations came out to interview us and we were happy to get coverage for the BoxAR rescue group. They have desperately been trying to get traction with the media for years. Unfortunately, the links to the archived video aren't working for some odd reason (we've contacted them but it still hasn't been fixed... ) We have some cool photos of the boys in their red, white, and blue bandanas which I hope will get posted soon.

Lori and Silas drove all the way up from Edom TX to join in the day's festivities and left is a pic of them with Murphy winding down afterwards. They've been helping us tremendously and they're part of the family now. Thanks guys - see you in Memphis!!!


Since Hudson and Murphy snubbed me for them, YBD found himself a mate to snuggle with. Meet Mac, a handsome brendal Boxer, asleep atop YBD. Man can he saw some logs. I could barely hear the television. Do all Boxers snore that seriously?

I wanted to add something to my previous post about volunteering at the Humane Society of Clark County. My experience was great and I had a ton of fun. Your Big Dog must admit he was afraid of getting his heart broken there but it was nothing like that at all. Alyssa had me mending kennels in the morning and that gave me the chance to meet their dogs and boy did they have some beauties: Daisy and Smiley, Duchess' three puppies, Ladybug just to name a few.

In my previous post I neglected to open up about the experience but I was doing some serious introspection. You see, ever since Malcolm, I've always considered myself a hardcore dog lover yet until this trip, I had never spent even a second in a shelter. So personally now, I don't feel one can truly call themselves a cat or dog lover until and unless they help the ones most in need.

So Git off yer butts & volunteer! Ever so lovingly, your big dog

Happy Independence Day Everyone

Unexpectedly I spent the fourth of July weekend in Winnfield Louisiana at the Allen Family Reunion (my mother's side). Had planned on helping Mimi's Rescue out on Saturday but as fate would have it, a series of events occurred that enabled me to take the time off and be with family. And boy am I glad I did.

On Friday, a small contingent of us travelled to Mitcham Peach Farm, a lovely seventy-five acre ranch a few clicks north of Ruston LA. They had finished picking for the day and were closing down but we arrived just in time to purchase a few cartons for cobbler and sample their homemade peaches and cream

Your Big Dog awoke early Saturday to make his famous 'Uncle Luke's Chunky Guacamole' for the occasion. It's a special recipe he's been perfecting for years and thus far, he's converted over a dozen of anti-guacamolians into true believers... it's just that good. And BTW, YBD hopes to do for canine cancer what he's done for guacamole!

We had over 100 friends and relatives show up at the Allen Reunion, the most important to me of course was my mother. That's her flanked on the left by my uncle Jamie and her sister, 'Just Betty',on the right. As most of you know, mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's not so long ago but she did so good at the reunion.

She remembered names and faces and it was such a special day. And afterwards, we stayed up late sharing family stories and she laughed and laughed. The following morning, as she and my father were leaving, she looked at me and told me to take care of the boys and be safe out on the road. For the first time since I left, I felt she knows what I'm doing and why. (Note to anyone who worries about us, YBD always listens to his mother).

Hoping your holiday was just as special... and don't even think about asking for my guacamole recipe :)

"The Humane Society of Clark County" by YBD

Thank you, Erich, for your most recent post but Your Big Dog is quite certain he falls well short of both Messrs. Churchill and Spock. Hudson and Murphy are the real stars - I am, afterall, just the guy carrying their luggage.

I have, however, discovered some new stars along this stretch of the road. Meet Abby. She and her aunt, Mary Sue, came into the Humane Society today for, as they said it, "fun time". They played with the cats and dogs for hours which in of itself is a noble thing but Abby cleaned kennels, too, and took some dogs out to exercise.

On the eve of Independence Day, I can't help but feel that the people I met at Clark County Humane Society are our true unsung heroes. Theirs is a pretty thankless job that rarely gets press and publicity. And it's dirty and gut wrenching, too, but you'll never hear them complain. Alyssa (left), their Executive Director, is an inspiration to me. She's been on the job less than two months, knows the names of all of the animals there, and nothing seems to despirit her.

We here at 2 Dogs 2000 Miles have been blessed by whom Lincoln called the better angels of our nature, yet shelters and rescues see some of the most depraved and indifferent people and that's one of the ways YBD wants to try to help. But this is still all quite new to me and I'm still learning.

The Highway to Hope

Thursday June 19th around 4pm we arrived in Hope, Arkansas, the birthplace of, yeah, that guy (YBD tries to keep things non-partisan around here). Here are some photos and stories from this stretch of our journey. This is of the Lawrences home in Texarkana. Look closer at the pic and you'll see...

I awoke Saturday the 14th at 6am to the sense that something bad was brewing in the air and only minutes later, a violent wind storm hit and knocked down this 50' pin oak in their neighbors front yard, just a 100 feet from where me and the boys were sleeping. Whew!


Our first day out we were invited to pitch tent at the home of Mr and Mrs Howard. No wonder that we chose this spot under a gorgeous sycamore tree by their pond. Mrs. Howard had read about us in the Texarkana Gazette and upon seeing us on the road, stopped to photograph Hudson.

Hudson and I taking one of our frequent breaks. YBD just published our first video blog from the road. It's something we've always intended to do and can now that our operations are becoming more sophisticated. And YES, I know that (1) the Red River looks brown. It's the cheap camera I'm packing. and YES, (2) I know my singing is pretty rough but I included it because of the cute Hudson shot (I sound better live so again, it's the camera. Really!), and (3) I know the lyrics have this whole Brokeback Mountain feel to it and I haven't been on the road that long. Hope you enjoy!

Q&A II with YBD

Since we're getting all grow'd up now and we have so many new supporters, Yer Big Dog felt it's time to address some of the questions many of you have been asking.

1. How's Murphy doing?

Great. Not only is he no longer limping, he's ready to get back out on the road. Every time Hudson and I leave, he's right there raring to go. But he still needs time to heal and we want to be absolutely certain first. So I'm shooting footage of his recovery that we'll be publishing on youtube to share with vets, our experts, and others just to be sure. He's getting better - we're just not rushing his recovery - thanks for all the emails, well wishes, and prayers.

2. Is it a stress fracture and if so, what caused it?

First of all, we still don't and may never know that's what it is. The radiographs have been inconclusive and all we have is a negative diagnosis on everything else. It seems like the best guess. As to what caused it, we've ridden in the back of trucks in some pretty rocky terrain, shaken about like a couple of maracas. And since we're sort of at the mercy of the transportation of helpers and volunteers, we've also ridden with some, ahem, aggressive drivers. Either could be a possible scenario.

It's highly unlikely the trauma was caused by the low impact walking we do. Nor did Murphy sustain any sort of injury on the road which is why I didn't feel like this was the most likely of the three possible explanations at the onset.

3. Now that it's getting hot outside, what precautions are you taking?

I scout out each leg of the journey in advance to determine how far away we are from water at every point. If there isn't a convenient store or grocer every 10-12 miles, I leave bottles so that we're never at risk of running out of water. Next, I carry in my backpack (a) a rectal thermometer, (b) two chemical cold packs, and (c) isopropyl alcohol.

On a typical day, we'll walk up until about 2pm, enjoying the cooler morning temperatures then break until 4-5pm and try to pick up another mile or so in the evening. Our present pace is 7-8 miles per day and we expect that's about the most we can travel throughout the summer months.

4. What's the strangest thing you've found on the road?

Er... a breast implant. Seriously. Since Yer Big Dog has a shovel butt (gluteous minimus), he's been considering augmentation for years and was half tempted to pick it up. But since they have serial numbers, the person who lost it might come looking for it.

5. I see you're using a walking stick now. Pourquoi?

My dear uncle, Jamie, bought it for me when I was in Palestine, TX. I had resisted using one because (a) I was fearful of developing a Jesus complex, (b) people calling me Gandalf, and, (c) well, it's like a walking cane and while YBD isn't a spring chicken anymore he still has his pride. Good thing I swallowed it cause wow, what a difference it has made... especially on steep slopes.

6. Have you ever been attacked by dogs?

Surprising only once. This had been one of YBD's greatest fears and I used to carry a can of bear mace with me. But I had serious problems with this. As a dog lover, the mace is so potent and noxious it could potentially cause permanent damage so I got rid of it. I have found that the most powerful deterrant I have is my booming baritone voice. When dogs rush us, I bow out my chest and yell "GIT!" and it stops them in their tracks everytime. The one instance that we actually were attacked, we were rounding a corner and I was paying attention to Murphy's booties and I looked up and this Saint Bernard was just twenty feet away and already almost upon us. Murphy put an end to it and it was over in a few seconds. Fortunately, no one got hurt (including the Bernie).

7. Why don't you cut your hair or for crying out loud, shave?

I know, I know it's such a cliche... I'm sure I'm responsible for putting the grunge movement back underground but my hair protects my neck from the sun and the beard, my face. But if I get compared to Forrest Gump on more freakin time!!! :)

8. It must get boring on the road, do you listen to music?

Never. I must always be alert and aware of threats from all sides. I've almost been flattened twice by cars passing behind me. This is as taxing mentally as it is physically for that reason.

9. Do you accept ride? (redux)

My previous response was absolutely not. However, we have accepted rides to and from accomodations and while it's a policy to try to return to the exact spot where we were picked up, sometimes that's not always possible and on more than one ocassion, people have dropped us off where they felt like it. We also have been given rides to stores, once when my camel bak lost all its water. Another time when Murphy first started showing a slight limp. Also, we try as best we can to avoid walking in larger cities - most neither have good shoulders or sidewalks. Add traffic and all the other urban hazards, it's just too risky.

10. You're out there working with shelters and rescues so why isn't Hudson neutered?

When I lost Malcolm, I always regretted not having a son of his so I had this romantic notion of siring out Hudson when we completed our journey. However, now that I have met and talked to so many people working with rescues and learned the extent of the problem with overpopulation, I am now a changed man. I will never buy another dog (FYI - Malcolm was a gift and Murphy was a rescue) and I plan on becoming a foster parent when I get back to Boston. This is also part of the reason I have decided to take a day off of walking and volunteer at the animal shelters in the cities we walk through. I have considered having Hudson neutered now but we can't afford to lose several weeks while he recuperates.

Neo-Paws!

A wonderful company out of Canada called Neo-Paws has generously donated some smart looking shoes for The Boys! As you know, the first booties we had just weren't working out. Due to their short height, the Velcro strap tightened near the front dew claws causing constant irritation and oftentimes rubbing them raw. I had to stop using them and while we awaited the new ones we came up with the "Improvised Bootie Device" (pictured left). Psst... they were really just socks and duct tape.

What's great about Neo Paws is that they're much taller, allowing the tightest point to be higher up the legs. Plus they're made from Nylon Mesh, a soft and breathable material ideal for summer temperatures. But aside from the practical benefits, they just look good. Without fail, we get comments daily. A transit worker directing traffic just outside of Henderson saw Hudson and she whistled then said, "Damn, honey, those are some fine looking shoes!" I laughed for the next five miles.

Our thanks to Ronnie and Neo Paws - you guys are awesome!

Front Page News

Luke and The Boys made front page news in the Sunday, June 8^th issue of the Texarkana Gazette (please follow this link to the front page story by Terri Richardson). The article details what their journey is about and is accompanied by a nice photo of Luke, Hudson, and Murphy. You can even see Hudson sporting his stylish Neo-Paws booties (which, for the life of me, look like argyle socks). A special thank you to Terri Richardson for such a terrific write-up and to all the folks of Texarkana who helped make the event possible. And, of course, always many thanks to all the 2 Dogs humans who puppied up and made the event a reality!

Pictured above are Hudson, still in Texas, Luke, standing right on the state line, and Murphy, already well into Arkansas and gazing off in the distance at Tennessee. (Photo from Main Street Arkansas.)

Murphy: A Follow Up

We got the results back from the biopsy last week and thankfully, they're negative. But because we didn't drill into the bone to extract marrow, we can only be about 95% certain it's not cancer. Just to be sure, we took another set of x-rays and now all signs point to a micro stress fracture of some sort that's just not detectable.

Thursday, I took Murphy off his pain meds & Rimadyl to see how he's recovering from the biopsy. I'm happy to report he's doing great. He's still expressing slight discomfort, mostly in the morning (who doesn't?) but I feel it's a significant improvement. He's still on the injured list and won't be rejoining us on the road for a few more weeks. We'll keep everyone updated with his progress and re-conditioning.

First of all, I'd like to thank the families who have put us up and put up with us the last month while we've been trying to figure out what was wrong with him: Jamie & Judy, Sam & Pat, Wayne & Bonnie, and Lori & Silas. We couldn't have made it through this without all of you.

Next, I apologize for not blogging sooner - had tried on several occasions but just couldn't find the words. Einstein once said that life is like riding a bicycle - to keep your balance you must keep moving. And that we did - Hudson and I finally finished the stretch to Henderson but it took us 3 and a half days to make just 30 miles or so. Honestly, my legs were leaden, my backpack felt like a boulder, and my heart was heavy. It just wasn't the same without our third teammate and it was equally hard on Hudsy.

One night while we were out on the road, I received a call from Lori. I had left a shirt at their house so Murphy would have my smell with him. She told me that he was carrying it around in his mouth so he could sleep with it. The image of that nearly broke me but it was all of the support, prayers, love, and hope from all of you that kept me going. And for that, I'll always be eternally grateful. On Memorial Day, I wanted to walk by myself while we were waiting for the results and in two days, I closed the 41 miles between Henderson and Marshall.

Only 70 miles remain to the Arkansas border and there's nothing stopping us now.....