Remembering Malcolm

Driving to the beach Sunday reminded me of a Malcolm story. Thanksgiving 2005 we were on a return trip from the coast, his cancer had already metastisized to his lungs and I knew our time together was limited.

The highway I was on was under construction and in trying to follow all the detour signs, I wasn't paying attention to the road and a car had stopped ahead of me. Braking hard and fast is a big problem when you have a three-legged dog in your SUV but I didn't really have a choice. Malcolm held fast though but I can't say the same about the luggage. It went everywhere.

Thankfully I stopped short of the car's bumper but I pulled off the highway to make sure everyone was good anyway. I turned to check on Malcolm. He was smiling as he always does in the midst of adversity yet he was completely covered in pink curlers from a cosmetics kit that had spilled. Have you ever seen a Pyrenees covered in pink curlers?

It was the last time I remember laughing for a long time but God it felt good.

Final Calendar Totals for the 2010 Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down Calendar

Congratulations to our top 13 winners of the 2010 Cancer Can’t Keep A Good Dog Down Calendar Contest and a sincere thank you to all who made this an exciting contest. And of course a special thank you to all the beautiful dogs who took part! Remember, every dog's photo will appear in the calendar.

Below is the list of the final totals. Thank you all for your patience in waiting while we double and triple checked our figures.

Emails have already gone out to the three universities receiving a percentage of the donations for their veterinary oncology programs informing them of the resounding success of this year’s calendar, thanks to all of you.

I will be sending the top 13 contestants emails within the next couple of days asking them where on the calendar they want their dog. Please have a preference and two alternative selections in mind. We have the cover and 12 months to fill. Also, if you submitted a photo that was less than 1MB, please look through all your photos for potential 1Meg or greater photos we can use. We will be talking with our calendar artist later in the week and he will be able to provide more specific details. But if your photo was less than 1MB, please be looking. The quality of photo reproduction on the calendar depends on the highest possible resolution (>MB) photo you can provide us.

Thank you all again for your participation, enthusiasm, patience, and generosity.

Congratulations again to our top 13 finalists and thanks most sincerely to ALL the beautiful dogs and heartwarming stories you shared with us!

Puppy Up!
Luke, Ginger, & Erich


1. Lucie G 1255
2. Tigger S 835
3. Abby T 787
4. Maggie S 780
5. Lexie E 759
6. Lucy R 735
7. Bandit C 663
8. Trouble A 660
9. Solar H 646
10. Katie H 642
11. Moses R 641
12. Casey C 617
13. Bailey F 614

Rocky T 610
Beardog C 586
Mini A 541
Becca W 507
Buddy M 496
Odessa F 417
Maddie M 381
Chase R 296
Abby G 240
Buddy B 236
Thunder S 221
Chance L 219
Dozer T 180
Fera P 175
Bear L 146
Huckleberry T 141
Gracie O 129
Brother C 100
Marley R 86
Willie G 80
Daisy L 73
Mali P 73
Jake C 68
Biscuit C 67
Sena G 65
Bella S 63
Harvey B 63
Barney M 62
Charlie O 60
Floppy L 59
Albion L 55
Humphrey N 53
Meggie T 52
Emmett W 51
Kraemer A 49
Lily F 47
Treynor Z 46
Keno H 45
Mack H 43
Sage A 41
Sebastian C 41
Murphy S 36
Chico L 35
Gryphon R 34
Woof D 31
Cheyenne S 30
Jessica M 30
Darcy L 25
Annie G 24
Turbo S 21
Trouble H 20
Lily L 19
Jake L 15
Keyeagan D 14
Kipper A 14
Lady A 14
Skye A 9
Grusa A 8
Kelly Lyn A 8
Nova Z 8
Koda W 6
Sophie F 6
Alyce and Moose C 5
Baxter M 5
Brewster R 5
Buglet B 5
Cupcake N 5
Delaney B 5
Duke H 5
Gambit H 5
Henry S 5
Hope M 5
Huck R 5
KC S 5
Kobe H 5
Kobie A 5
Max S 5
Meatball M 5
Ollie L 5
Roc S 5
Rudi H 5
Schultz C 5
Shilo M 5
Sophie A 5
Trance B 5
Wooley B 5

Messrs. Hudson and Murphy Go To Washington

The Boys Puppy Up! In DC.

A Word About the March on DC from Yer Big Dog

Yesterday I walked the actual DC route and it's powerful and humbling both the historical significance and the breathtaking beauty.

When we walk together this Friday the 18th, we'll cross the Potomac River, pass the Lincoln Memorial, stroll alongside the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument, and assemble just across 15th street on a raised grassy area, the Folk Festival Site, where we can see Capitol Hill and God willing, they can see us, too.

There's a good chance of rain on Friday but we'll walk anyway. The whole area is under construction and traffic will probably be horrific. It's a Jewish holiday, too, that evening. I don't think I could've possibly picked a more problematic place and time for this march on DC.

And yet people are traveling all across the country to participate - from Dallas to Boulder to Bowling Green to Cincinatti to Pittsburgh

More On DC! -- Updated September 17th

Canine Cancer Caucus -- Friday, September 18, 2009 -- Washington, DC.

Latest news will appear here at the top of this blog.

[September 17th, 2009]: This is just a quick confirmation of where and when from Ginger, who has been in touch with the DC Parks folks ...

Location: Lady Bird Johnson Park at the LBJ Grove. The Columbia Island Marina is located next to the park. The address is 1 George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The only access to the Park by going SOUTH on George Washington Memorial Parkway.

When: We will begin gathering at 10am and the walk will start at 11am.

Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles from LBJ Park to the Old Folk Life Festival Site (Constitution & 15th).

Parking: Limited Parking is available at Lady Bird Johnson park. However, I would encourage anyone not bringing a dog to take the Metro.

Metro: The Smithsonian Metro stop is the closest to the park. If you are not bringing a dog with you and can find parking at the Old Folk Life Festival Site (where we will end up) you can take either the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle Metro to the Pentagon.

Please bring water for yourself and your dog.
Please remember to “scoop to poop” if you are bringing a dog with you.

[September 15th, 2009]: After meeting with the DC Parks Department it has been determined that we should start the walk at the The LBJ Memorial Grove which is in the same area as the Columbia Island Marina at 1 George Washington Memorial Parkway. This area can only be accessed by going SOUTH on George Washington Memorial Parkway. Once participants turn in to the parking area for the Marina they should turn right in the parking lot and will see us.

We suggest that anyone driving first Google the marina’s address, which is 1 George Washington Memorial Parkway, or enter it in to their GPS for the exact location and directions.

If people are going to take the Metro they should take the Blue Line and get off at the Pentagon stop. There is a pathway through the parking lot at the Pentagon to the LBJ Memorial Grove.

The walk distance is now approximately 2.5 miles. Anyone who does not think they can walk the distance to the Old Folk Life Festival Site at Constitution and 15th and then back to where they parked should just meet us at the Old Folk Life Festival Site. There is a huge blue concessions tent at the Old Folk Life Festival Site. We will be set up behind the tent.

Featured Speakers: Two of our featured speakers are listed below.

Dr. Ashley Hughes, DVM -- Dr. Hughes enjoys all of veterinary medicine but has a special interest in Surgery, Emergency/Critical Care and Shelter Medicine. She is also the author of the Friendship Tails, a blog that provides an insider's view of life at Friendship Hospital for Animals, and lots of great pet health information. She graduated from the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. She surrounds herself with loving animal companions that include four dogs and three cats: Westin, Tia (a Brittany Spaniel), Sparkle (a Rat Terrier), Lilly (a Chihuahua mix) and Furla, Vegas, and Breaker - all Domestic Short-haired cats.

Chand Khanna, DVM, Ph.D. -- Dr. Khanna's training in cancer research includes a PhD in Pathobiology from the University of Minnesota, where he studied the immunotherapy of metastatic cancers, and a Senior Staff Fellowship with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Khanna is currently the Head of the Tumor and Metastasis Biology Section of the Pediatric Oncology Branch at the National Cancer Institute. His primary area of research interest is the biology and treatment of cancer metastasis. Dr. Khanna has been able to couple his training in veterinary oncology with his interests in cancer research through the development and leadership of the Comparative Oncology Program, within the National Cancer Institutes Center for Cancer Research. This program aims to improve outcomes for cancer patients through the integration of pet animals with cancer into the study of cancer biology and treatment. Dr. Khanna is the Chair of the Biology Subcommittee of the Children's Oncology Group, a founding member of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium, and President elect of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Oncology.

Must-See Video on The Walk on DC – Luke has put together an excellent video promo (you can view it here on the blog or on YouTube) and we encourage you to send the link far and wide. You can find it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rGd-79UhuM Please send it to your dog clubs, vets, rescue groups, friends, family, colleagues – anyone who has companion pets. Remember, it says Canine Caucus but this walk on DC is about cancer in all companion animals. The more people aware and involved, the better our chances of making a positive impact on legislators. Many Congress people have pets but few understand the issues of cancer in animals, much less the importance of comparative oncological studies. Please help spread the word.

Meet-up time. It will take time for people and their dogs to congregate, so we're meeting at 10AM EDT and will begin the walk at 11AM. This will give us plenty of time to walk, visit, network, and then listen to speakers.

Where does the walk actually go? The walk will begin at 11 AM EDT and begin at the The LBJ Memorial Grove which is in the same area as the Columbia Island Marina at 1 George Washington Memorial Parkway. This area can only be accessed by going SOUTH on George Washington Memorial Parkway. Once participants turn in to the parking area for the Marina they should turn right in the parking lot and will see us.

We suggest that anyone driving Google the marina’s address, which is 1 George Washington Memorial Parkway, or enter it in to their GPS for the exact location and directions.

If people are going to take the Metro they should take the Blue Line and get off at the Pentagon stop. There is a pathway through the parking lot at the Pentagon to the LBJ Memorial Grove.

How long is the walk? The walking distance is now approximately 2.5 miles. Anyone who does not think they can walk the distance to the Old Folk Life Festival Site at Constitution and 15th and then back to where they parked should just meet us at the Old Folk Life Festival Site. There is a huge blue concessions tent at the Old Folk Life Festival Site. We will be set up behind the tent.

When deciding whether you or your dog are able to walk the distance please take into consideration that you may have to park some distance away from the beginning of the walk.

Are pets allowed at the Walk? Yes! Canine companions are welcome. But please note the following guidelines:

For their own safety, pets other than dogs are not allowed.
All dogs must have current rabies vaccinations. **
Dogs must wear an identification tag and be kept on a leash (6 feet or shorter) at all times. **
No retractable leashes.
Participating dogs must be friendly and of good temperament.
Puppies less than six months must have two rounds of the parvo-distemper vaccination.
The Walk is approximately 2 miles long. Walkers and their dogs should be in suitable physical condition.
Clean up after your dog. Please bring pet waste bags.
Do not leave pets in parked cars at any time.

** In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally. Also carry a photo of your pet.

** Health certifications are required for airline travel. Please note: If you are bringing a dog who is undergoing cancer treatment, or, upon the advice of your veterinarian is not receiving vaccinations, please consult your veterinarian, the airline, and/or the hotel for the necessary documentation you will need.

For more information on traveling with your dog, visit Petswelcome.com.

What should I bring to the Walk? We suggest that you bring:
Pet waste bags
Water for yourself and your dog.
Appropriate attire for the weather.

What about Parking? General parking is available along Ohio Dr. between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Limited handicapped parking is available at the Lincoln and FDR Memorials. If you are not bringing a dog, or if you are bringing a small dog (20 lbs or less)*, we strongly encourage you to take the Metro as parking is very limited in DC. [*The Metro permits small animals to be carried free of charge, provided they are securely enclosed in a pet carrier sufficiently small enough (20 lbs. or less) to be carried without danger or offense to other passengers.] The Arlington Cemetery Metro Stop appears to be the closest stop to Lady Bird Johnson Park.

You will need to walk across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to Lady Bird Johnson Park if you park close to the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.

Do you have Hotel Information? The Hotel Monaco in Washington DC is offering a discount to those attending the First Canine Cancer Caucus. In order to receive the discount you must mention 2 Dogs 2000 Miles when making your reservations. The Hotel Monaco allows dogs. The Hotel Monaco is located at 700 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 (202) 628-7177. To receive the discount, reservations need to be made by Sept. 4, 2009.

The Hotel George is somewhat near The Hotel Monaco and a little less expensive. It also allows dogs. It's located at 15 E Street NW, Washington DC 20001 (202) 347-4200.

When making reservations at any hotel, please be sure to tell them you will be bringing your dog(s).

Also you can check out Pet Friendly Hotels in Alexandria by following this link.

General Information: Dogs are allowed at the National Mall, which consists of open space and green parks. Many of the memorials are located in and around the National Mall. Your dog can visit the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials with one caveat. According to the National Park Service, which maintains the memorials, well-behaved dogs are allowed on leash except in the covered chambers where the statues are located.

Registration: Because we cannot register people at the Lady Bird Johnson Park, but merely have you check in, we're asking you to register with us now if you're planning on attending The First Annual Canine Cancer Caucus. Register through DC@2dogs2000miles.org. Here are the things we would like to know:

1. Your name
2. Your dog's name
3. If you'll be bringing your dog(s) and how many
4. Your email address

Optional information:
Whether you have or have had a dog with cancer
What type of cancer the dog had/has and the age he/she was diagnosed.

We ask you to provide this information so we know who will be coming so we can plan ahead.

If you'd like a PDF or DOC file of the press release for your organizations, local newspapers, shelters, rescues, and vet clinics, please email Ginger at ginger@2dogs2000miles.org and she will be happy to send it to you. Please spread the word!

Luke has also designed and made available special shirts for people AND dogs through Café Press. We hope everyone attending (and even those who will only be able to attend in spirit) will wear one of these shirts to show solidarity and support. Besides, they're really cool:
Shirts for people
Shirts for dogs

Luke and Rusty

Here is Rusty, one of the everythingandthedog family, with his newest and bestest friend, Luke. Rusty is trying to convince Luke that he could fit into Luke's back-pack and join him on this final leg of their journey.

It might be true that he would fit (and at 17 pounds, he doesn't weigh very much), but Rusty probably wouldn't like the life of a camper. According to Rusty's family, he's pretty spoiled and likes his own little bed at night with all of his very special blankies arranged just so.

Our friend Bob the Bloginating Pit Bull puts it this way: "Whereas we have had a wonderful time with Mr. Luke staying in our home this week, I think that he will need to leave the Rusty-Man behind when he leaves. Rusty has his Puppy Up T-Shirt, as you can see, and he'll make sure he continues to spread the word about Luke, Hudson, Murphy and the wonderful work that they are doing.

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 12th) is the big Dog Swim at Ida Lee and the Charity Dog Wash at Bark n' Bubbles in Ashburn, VA., so there are still lots of great events to attend so that you can meet Luke and da'Boys. I'll be at the events tomorrow in my own Puppy Up shirt, but Rusty will need to stay here. I would just be too sad for words if he snuck off with Mr. Luke.

Love and Licks,

Bob"

Thanks to everyone at everythingandthe dog for making The Boys' stay a memorable one!

Do Pyrenese Dream of Porcelian Pigs?

With apologies to Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"

Caption This

I came across this curious sight outside of Williamsport MD and put it up on Twitter and Facebook for people to caption. The responses were so hilarious I wanted our beloved Bloginator to post them. Alas, he's on holiday, the loafer...

• Jimmy Buffett method of bird dog training
• The State Bird of Madison City Wisconsin!
• They saw Murphysarus & Hudzilla coming and they are playing dead to survive!
• Daily hunting limit -- Florida version
• The Party is over :-(
• Where old flamingos go to die...
• Flamingo graveyard eh?
• Rage against the lawn ornaments!
• Ethnic cleansing!
• West Nile Virus strikes massive flamingo population
  

I'm Too Sexy For My Fur ...

One of Murphy's beauty secrets -- mud baths.

Canaries in Our Coal Mines (From HaloPets)

I was recently forwarded this OP published on Halo Pets' Blog. Very insightful and informative and it echoes a lot of what I'm hearing and learning on the road.

Dogs and cats may be the proverbial canaries in the coal mine
by Dr. Donna Spector

High levels of industrial chemicals are showing up in American pets. A fairly recent study performed by the Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/reports/pets) has documented that pets were positive for 48 of the 70 chemicals tested. On average, dogs had 40% higher and cats had 96% higher levels of these chemicals than were found in people. These chemicals are known carcinogens or toxic to the reproductive, endocrine, or neurologic systems.

This study did not prove that these chemicals were causing illness in pets, however, these chemicals have been linked to serious human health problems. The numbers are even more alarming given that pets have much higher cancer rates and endocrine disorders than people.

This study documents that dogs and cats are exposed to a complex mixture of industrial chemicals. Since pets breathe in, ingest or absorb the same chemicals that are in our environment, exposures that pose risks for pets pose risks for human health as well. This is a wake-up call that stronger safety standards for industrial chemicals are needed to protect ALL members of American families.

Help decrease your pet's exposure to chemicals:

• Bathe your pet more frequently (with a natural herbal oil grooming product) to remove chemicals that may be airborne and deposit on their fur. Avoid grooming products with ingredients such as "paraben", "-eth", and "fragrance" as these are chemicals which can be absorbed through the skin.
• Wipe down your pets coat, feet and legs every time they come in from outdoors. This will decrease their chance of ingesting chemicals during their normal daily grooming.
• Remove your shoes at the door to avoid tracking in harmful chemicals. Dust and vacuum (with a HEPA-filter system) frequently to remove dirt and dust which has been documented to be contaminated with fire-retardant chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides.
• Wash your pet's bedding frequently and select bedding that is not treated with flame-retardant chemicals.
• Avoid stain-proofing furniture, carpets and car upholstery. The chemicals used in stain-proofing contain high levels of dangerous perfluorochemicals.
• When cleaning surfaces that pets walk or sleep on, rinse off or remove any cleaners to avoid skin absorption.
• Minimize usage of lawn or garden chemicals and pesticides.
• Avoid the use of Teflon (non-stick) cooking pans as the fumes contain toxic and dangerous chemicals
• Avoid drinking water contaminants by removing them with a reverse osmosis filter system.
• Avoid plastic containers or chew toys. Plastic products may contain chemicals (called phthalates) which raise the risk for cancer. Replace plastic toys with fabric or natural materials. Food and water bowls should be made of glass, steel or ceramic.
• Choose a natural pet food to limit your pet's exposure to synthetic dyes, colorings, preservatives and other potentially harmful additives.
• Many cat owners feed strictly fish diets and I would recommend alternating between fish and other meats as a cat's protein source to avoid potentially dangerous mercury exposure.
  

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, ,is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist who has practiced at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and other leading institutions. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Spector has written and lectured extensively on topics including nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and respiratory disease. She is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets, her TV appearances with Ellen DeGeneres and her widely-quoted pet health advice in print and on radio. She currently works in Chicago, performing independent internal medicine consultations for dogs and cats.

Somethin' On Your Mind, Hudsy?

2010 Cancer Can't Keep A Good Dog Down Voting Instructions

How will we decide which dog represents each month? Well, here's where you come in. Everyone gets to decide. Everyone gets to vote. So please pass the word to friends, family, co-workers, vets, shelters, rescues, groomers, Great Aunt Bessie in Duluth – well, everybody!

Here's how voting works. Photos and stories are up on our web site. For 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 Sparkles, you would click on Sparkles' photo, donate $10.00 for Sparkles, and she would then get 10 votes. Or you can split your votes. If you like several dogs (of course you do), 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 multiple dogs, or any variation thereof, and come back throughout the voting period to keep your favorite dogs in the running by casting more $1.00 votes. The 13 dogs with the largest number of votes win their months on the calendar.

It's really very simple: $1.00 donation* = 1 vote and you can vote as many times as you want for as many dogs as you want until voting ends September 20th at 12 midnight EDT..

Now here's the other great news. No dog loses! While there will be only 13 dogs on the main calendar, (one for each month and one on the cover) all the other dogs in the contest will still have their photos published in the photo galleries in the calendar. Every dog's photo will be in the calendar!

Each calendar is a lasting tribute to those beautiful dogs who struggled with and are still struggling against this disease, so please give them as gifts to vet clinics, rescues, shelters, and groomers, as well as family, friends and colleagues.

*A percentage of your donations goes directly to the veterinary oncology programs at Texas A&M University, Colorado State University, and Tufts University.

Last year we donated 10% of the gross sales to Morris Animal Foundation. This year, since we're donating to three veterinary oncology programs, the percentage will be determined by the total proceeds raised. Finally, what doesn't go into paying for the cost to print and ship the calendars is used to support all of the education and awareness 2 Dogs 2000 Miles does for canine cancer.

PLEASE NOTE: We recently experienced some problems with Click & Pledge. Originally Luke has set the page to load all 99 photos and stories at once. This made voting for more than one dog easy since you didn't have to move from one screen to another, and you needed to process your credit card only once. However, it was taking so long for the page to load for some people the process timed out before all the photos and stories were loaded, making it impossible for some people to vote! So we changed it to reflect the same photo galleries as on our web pages. This made the process of loading Click & Pledge faster but it also created a new problem. Now each time you vote for a dog on a different screen, you have to resubmit your credit card number. For example, if you want to vote for Dog X on page 1 and also Dogs Y and Z on page three, you have to enter your credit card for Dog X then re-enter your credit card for Dogs Y and Z. The question is, which arrangement is less problematic for people? Please send us your feedback and let us know which setup you prefer. We can go back to the entire 99 dogs loading on one page, which slows the page loading and may interfere with your voting, or we can keep it as it now is but you may have to enter your credit card several times if you are voting for several dogs on different pages. We'll take comments to feedback@2dogs2000miles.org today and tomorrow and based on your feedback, leave well enough alone or go back to the original set-up.

Important Notice: 2 Dogs 2000 Miles has filed for a 501 c3 status. According to the IRS while we are waiting for approval from them we may operate as a tax-exempt organization. Although donors have no assurance that contributions are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes until the application is approved, contributions made while an application is pending would qualify if the application is approved. However, if the application is disallowed, contributions would not qualify. According to the IRS the approval process can take up to 6 months. Please direct questions to ginger@2dogs2000miles.org.

2010 Cancer Can’t Keep A Good Dog Down Calendar Entrants

Here are the calendar contestants. If you DO NOT see your dog’s name here or if something is spelled incorrectly, please email me ASAP at erich@2dogs2000miles.org.

Thank you to all who entered. You have broken my heart and warmed my soul with the stories you have shared and the love you have shown your dogs. Would that every dog should know such love and devotion.

Voting will be live soon. Until then, you can check out all the gorgeous faces here. There are four pages, so don't forget to click through them all. Soon their stories will be up too and voting will then begin! Instructions for voting to follow.

Abby T.
Abby G.
Albion L.
Alyce & Moose C.
Annie G.
Bailey F.
Bandit C.
Barney M.
Baxter M.
Bear L.
Beardog C.
Becca W.
Bella S.
Biscuit C.
Brewster R.
Brother C.
Buddy B.
Buddy M.
Buglet B.
Casey C.
Chance L.
Charlie O’Brien M.
Chase R.
Cheyenne S.
Chico L.
Cupcake R.
Daisy L.
Darcy L.
Delaney B.
Dozer T.
Duke H.
Emmett W.
Fera P.
Floppy L.
Gambit H.
Gracie O
Grusa A.
Gryphon R.
Harvey B.
Henry S.
Hope M.
Huck R.
Huckleberry T.
Humphrey N.
Jake C.
Jake L.
Jessica M.
Katie H.
KC S.
Kelly Lyn A.
Keno H.
Keyeagan D.
Kipper A.
Kobe H.
Kobie A.
Koda W.
Kraemer A.
Lady A.
Lexie E.
Lily L.
Lily R.
Lucie G.
Lucy R.
Mack H.
Maddie M.
Maggie S.
Mali P.
Marley Rasta Dog W.
Max S.
Meatball M.
Meggie T.
Mini A.
Moses R.
Murphy S.
Nova Z.
Odessa F.
Ollie L.
Roc S.
Rocky T.
Rudi H.
Sage A.
Schultz C.
Sebastian C.
Sena G.
Shilo M.
Skye A.
Solar H.
Sophie A.
Sophie F.
Thunder S.
Tigger S.
Trance B.
Treynor Z.
Trouble H.
Trouble A.
Turbo S.
Willie G.
Woof D.
Wooly Bear G.

The Epidemic of Canine Cancer Part II

September 18th 2009 we're attempting to organize the largest dog walk in history to march across the Potomac & assemble in the National Mall. This isn't a fundraising event for any organization including 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. The sole purpose is to bring national attention to the number one killer of adult dogs.

While I personally view the March on DC as the culmination of my own cross country walk, I have applied to Guinness Book of World Records to make it reflect all of our efforts to end canine cancer.

Here's a video about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rGd-79UhuM

All of you have helped in various capacities to make this possible. And now I am personally calling for your help to make the March on DC successful. This country needs to see both the size and scope of the epidemic of canine cancer and to hear our collective voices.

There isn't any federal money earmarked through the NIH and NCI that goes towards comparative oncological research and this is our one shot to change that. I'll be meeting with congresspeople while in DC but we need large numbers there to convince them to listen. And that's not going to be done with petitions but with puppies & people, too.

You know, some of the experts I've talked to have said politicians just aren't interested in non-human cancer and it can't be done. But some said the same thing about me. They said you'll never make it 100 miles. And when we did they said you'll never make it out of Texas. And still we kept on walking.

And we'll keep walking, all the way to the doorsteps of the White House. Whatever it takes. As leaders in the animal community, please help spread the word.

Hudson, Murphy, & Luke

The First Annual Canine Cancer Caucus

We're on our way to Washington DC to lead the largest dog walk in history across the Potomac to the National Mall. September 18th, 2009 we're meeting at the LBJ Grove in the Lady Bird Johnson Park at 10AM. This time has changed a bit and we're still putting together all of the details. Erich will post them later. We just finished a Press Release (thank you, Kelley!) and finally, I finished the promo video for DC! Gotta get back on the trail - we have 220 miles still to go!

The Epidemic of Canine Cancer Part I

I never really believed I was the right man for this mission. Before Malcolm I hadn't had a spiritual bond with a dog and prior to the walk, never spent a second in an animal shelter and my experience with and understanding of canine cancer was limited to just osteosarcoma.

The ideal person would've been comprised of equal parts Steve Irwin, Bear Grylls and veterinary oncologist. Nonetheless, I left Austin in March 2008 without a clear understanding of my mission, what I wanted to accomplish, or even where the most pressing needs are with canine cancer.

Now well into the back nine of our cross country trek and with our March on DC fast approaching, I find myself oft reflecting about such things. I have met with thought leaders, academics, and an odd lot of animal lovers along the way who through their vast insights and experiences have taught me a lot. But mostly I've learned from the ones who should be doing the teaching.

Either in person or spirit, I've gotten to know hundreds of dogs touched by cancer and here's what they have taught me:

(1) We Get Cancer, Too. Most of you have absolutely no idea how few people out there know that dogs get cancer. Having walked across 8 states thus far the vast majority I've met don't.

(2) You Say Tumor, I Say Tuba. Not fluent in dogspeak yet but I assume when dogs tell me they have a tuba, they mean tumor. And what science teaches us is that it's the same as in humans. Dogs get brain cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, etc., and using them as a model to help not only pets but people, too is an area of research called comparative oncology. Learn more about it here from the National Cancer Institute.

A veterinarian oncologist I met in Louisville called dogs our 'Canaries in the Coal Mines' and what they're getting at a much more accelerated rate, we're going to get, too.

(3) I'm Only 3, Why Do I Have Cancer? During the last month alone several of our supporters have lost dogs to cancer all under the age of four. Just like in people, canine cancer is no longer a disease of old age.

(4) In a Few Decades I'll Only Live to Be Five Years Old. You won't find any statistic or organization that'll back this statement but what I've seen and heard supports it. The trendlines are frightening. Even now the lifespan of certain large breeds are being downgraded from 8-10 to 6-8 years.

Awareness and education are our absolute number one priority now and there's nothing more important than the March on DC

Much Richer for the Experience by Abby Kirkland

Canine cancer is a terrible disease that touches and has taken the lives of many of our four legged family members. No one knows that better than Luke Robinson who lost his Great Pyrenees to osteosarcoma in 2006 after a long two year battle. Luke is committed to raising awareness to determine the causes of canine cancer, as well as promoting 'comparative oncological' studies (a fancy word for using the experiences of canines to learn more about both canine and human cancer). To promote awareness, Luke and his two Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy, are committed to walking from Austin, Texas to Boston, Massachusetts, stopping along the way to educate the public on his cause. It is during his trek through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that I had the pleasure of meeting Luke and his 'boys.'

It began in February when my husband came across Luke's website, www.2dogs2000miles.org and mentioned it to me. After viewing it and noticing that they would be walking through Pittsburgh, I emailed his 'coordinator' and 'commander in chief, Ginger Morgan to offer our house for a night or two as they passed through, something totally out of character for me---but yet something I felt compelled to do. She graciously accepted and as the time grew closer to Luke's arrival in late June, Ginger mentioned that Luke was hoping to touch a lot of people in the Pittsburgh area. I became determined to help Luke in his endeavor.

Luke arrived in Pittsburgh on June 29 and our family was introduced to a very focused, compassionate man, who was determined to make a difference in advancing our understanding in the causes of canine cancer. He was a very outgoing man with several funny stories about his travels and clearly a man who loved his dogs---those with him and the one that had moved on. During Luke's week with us as he attended various events and walked around the Pittsburgh area, I was not only touched by Luke's compassion to those people he encountered, but also by the people who encountered him. People would come up to him on the street and begin pouring their hearts out about how their lives had been touched by canine cancer and Luke would listen and offer words of condolence and encouragement. They would pass by and hand him money, 'blessing' him as he continued to further his cause. And they would take the time to ask how they could help him going forward.

For me, what started out to be offering a man and his dogs with a mission a place to stay became much more. It was a wonderful example of the goodness and kindheartedness of the human race and how we all can pull together to support one cause. I was able to meet and work together with people that I never would have otherwise met--people who believed in a common cause. And Luke was able to offer understanding and comfort to many. However, it seemed to me that he got comfort from them as well as they shared their stories of illness and loss. Luke set off on the next leg of his journey this week and many of us will go back to our lives. I for one will go back that much richer for having this experience.

So, I urge you, as you see this man on his journey with his two white dogs, take some time to stop and offer words of encouragement, share your story, or just stop to chat. You won't be sorry that you did.



Abby Kirkland is a Brokerage Director and her husband Kevin Kirkland is a Features Editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They live in suburban Pittsburgh with their 2 boys, 3 labs and 2 cats.

Photos from the Yough River Camp

Thanks go to Marei Burnfield for taking these shots of Luke and The Boys while they were camping out Wednesday Morning 7/15/09 on the banks of the beautiful Yough River in Blythedale, PA.

The Yough (short for Youghiogheny) River Trail is part of the Great Allegheny Passage Luke and The Boys are traveling. The Passage occupies abandoned corridors of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad and Western Maryland Railroad. When completed, the Great Allegheny Passage will stretch 150 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Point State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a 52-mile branch to the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The Yough River Trail is a non-motorized multi-use rail trail that stretches 43 miles between McKeesport, PA and Connellsville, PA. It is part of the Great Allegheny Passage that will one day allow cyclist to bike from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C.
It is named after and runs along the Youghiogheny River. The trail surface is composed of crushed limestone.

During the colonial era and in the early United States , the valley of the river provided an important route of access through the mountains for settlers and military forces from Virginia to western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Country. In 1754, as a militia officer of the British colony of Virginia, George Washington followed the river in an attempt to find a water route to Fort Duquesne, then held by the French.

From Pittsburgh to DC

Yesterday (Sat) while making our way down Rte 51 to Elizabeth PA, a guy in a van stopped us. He'd heard about us and suggested we take the Rails to Trails hiking path from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. It wasn't the first time I'd heard about it but since our mission is about awareness & education, I never seriously considered it. Afterall, this isn't a nature walk we're on.

He made the case that not only are there a ton of people on it this time of year but lots of cities lie on its path, too. So I gave it a hard look and consulted with a few knowledgeable about it.

In many ways its ideal for us. (1) It's a fairly direct route to Leesburg VA which is our next major stop and (2) As it is basically a converted railroad line, the grade of the hiking trail never exceeds 2% despite that it starts at 850 feet, climbs to over 3,200, and back down to sea level in DC.

Third and most importantly - no cars! Like some live version of Frogger the Video Game, we've been battling traffic for the past 1,300 miles and honestly, we could use a break.

Tuesday, we'll start back in Elizabeth PA, continue down Hwy 51 to Cedar Creek Park where we'll pick up the first leg of the Trail called The Great Allegheny Passage. This stretch is approximately 150 miles and ends in Cumberland, MD where we will connect with the old C&O Canal that'll take us right to Leesburg VA.

We have big plans for the area and can't wait to get there!

If you'd like to meet up with us at any point of our travels from Pittsburgh to DC, please contact ginger@2dogs2000miles.org and she'll tell you our exact location.

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.

the Fourth

Last nite was bittersweet. I watched a magnificent display of fireworks atop the Western Penn Humane Soc building. This brilliant show was staged at the 'Point', the confluence of 3 rivers, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. These awesome explosions of light were amplified by reflections off the rivers and it was truly something to behold.

But it was bittersweet because this past week 3 of our supporters' dogs were touched by cancer, two of them passed & another just diagnosed. All were under 4 years.

My heart's afire...

What rage must've burnt deep inside the souls of the Revolutionaries and last night, witnessing the fireworks from dowtown Pittsburgh, I really felt it. Happy Fourth.

Welcome to Woody's!

Losing a pet is tough. When my beagle died at the ripe old age of 14 it was harder than I ever realized it would be. Woody was the greatest. He was there with me when the kids grew up and he was a part of our family. Ten years later I opened my dog wash and named it Woody's. The store revolves around relationships with your dog ... bathing your own dog so you can spend time together, selling healthy pet items, and working with shelters for advocating adoptions. Dogs are treated the way I would have wanted my dog to be treated. Woody is gone but his memory lives on.

Luke has gone much further and it is obvious that losing his dog has been a life changing experience. Hopefully this walk will benefit awareness & research of canine cancer. His walk from Texas to Boston is proof of the strength of the relationship between people and their dogs.

I am totally looking forward to meeting Luke & his boys on Thursday at Woody's Dog Wash & Boutique. Murphy & Hudson will be getting bathed and fussed over and should be looking dapper for their evening at the Humane Society. This is an experience that most of us will never have the resilience to do, but we can all relate to Luke's love and dedication to the dog he lost. He is an inspiration to the rest of us. I know that Woody would be happy to know how much good has come out of our shop and that Luke, Murphy & Hudson will be visiting.

Ann Cipriani
Woody's Dog Wash & Boutique
5843 Brownsville Road, Unit 1
South Park, PA 15236
412-714-4644
412-714-4633 (fax)
info@woodysdogbath.com
www.woodysdogbath.com
"Conveniently Located Near South Bark!"

Pictured above: (1) Ann and Emily; (2) Hudsonhead "gettin' a good scribbin'."

2010 Cancer Can't Keep a Good Dog Down Calendar II

Last year we published our first Cancer Can’t Keep A Good Dog Down Calendar. We received 82 submissions and because of its success, we were able to donate $1,100 to the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in support of their Canine Cancer Campaign. MAF is one of the leaders in funding comparative oncological studies.

Going forward, we want to recognize other institutions and individuals who work tirelessly for the advancement of companion pet cancer research and this year, we've designated two that have played an important part in 2 Dogs 2000 Miles:

Tufts Veterinary School Harrington Oncology Program. Not long after Malcolm was diagnosed with osteosarcoma I spent months trying to understand canine cancer. I met two pivotal people at Tufts, Shelly Rodman and Dr. John Berg who not only provided me with the latest research articles, they gave me insight into how I could one day help.

While walking through Jacksonville Texas last year, we almost had another brush with cancer. Murphy was limping and we got a consult from Dr. Kenita Rogers an oncologist with Texas A&M Veterinary School. Thankfully it wasn't cancer but not only did the folks at TAMU take excellent care of Murphy but they shared their vision of their Imaging and Cancer Treatment Center

You can learn more about how to be a part of the 2010 Cancer Can't Keep a Good Dog Down calendar here.

Come Walk With Us

You are invited to join Luke, Hudson, and Murphy Tuesday evening, June 30th, as they walk across the West End Bridge and head into Pittsburgh and PNC Park for Pup Night with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Luke and The Boys will be accompanied across the West End Bridge by a police escort and they hope everyone and their pups from the Pittsburgh area will join them. Folks are to meet at 6:15 PM EDT at the south side of the bridge, walk cross the bridge with The Boys, and enjoy Pup Night together.

Make sure if you plan to attend Pup Night after the walk across the bridge that your bring your dog’s proof of vaccination, as that will be checked where tickets are purchased at Federal Street ($20.00 includes one people and one pup).

It should be a great night of new friends, baseball, and more dogs than you can throw a stick for! We hope to see you there.

Should the weather look iffy, please check the Pirates’ web page to see if the game is a go or has been canceled. If the game is canceled, Luke and The Boys will not be crossing the bridge. (Murphy HATES water, remember?)

Let’s hope for great weather, lots of company, and a great game!

For some interesting info and photos of PNC Park, click here.

Batter Up … Puppy Up!

(Check out the photo Luke took of the West End Bridge -- somewhere amongst the clouds. A follower on Twitter posted the comment: The views from the Bridge are awesome. It's not that high, and not that long. Pittsburgh will embrace you! Let's just hope the weather holds!)

The Holland Working Dog Hospital

While on break I toured the new $15 Million Holland Working Dog Hospital at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio TX.

Lackland has the largest of two training centers in the country for military and service dogs, with some 800 trainees at any given time and the hospital's charter is caring for them. Colonel Vogelsang, a vet surgeon who runs it, was kind enough to spend a couple of hours showing me around.

I've been fortunate in visiting many veterinary facilities while on the road and Holland is truly impressive. It boasts $3 Million in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and their protocols are equally advanced. All female trainees being spayed receive prophylactic gastroplexy which essentially removes the risk of bloat.

Providing the best care for dogs seemed to be factored into every aspect in the design of the hospital and it should serve as a model for the entire animal community.

Following the tour, Colonel Vogelsang gave me a Challenge Coin from the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp. I'd never heard of these before but he said they're given in recognition of service and he wanted us to have it in honor of our mission for the betterment of dogs.

It was totally unexpected and I was so surprised I almost got teary eyed - how embarassing that'd been, me getting all weepy in front of a soldier. But it's a tremendous honor and this coin will travel with us all the way to Boston.

O.L.G.F.

Okay, since Robin Williams' rant on golf was a little less than PG, I moved it to my personal blog, Midnight with Malcolm, http://midnightwithmalcolm.blogspot.com/2009/06/olgf.html

Upcoming Events in Pittsburgh

Luke and The Boys will be back on the road soon and have three events back-to-back in the Pittsburgh area they’d like you to know about:

The Boys will arrive in the Pittsburgh area Tuesday, June 30th. They plan to walk across the West End Bridge to PNC Park (115 Federal Street) at about 6:30 PM where they will appear at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pup Night, Tuesday, June 30th. How cool is this?? And entire night of baseball AND you can take your dog. Look for Luke, Hudson, and Murphy there.

This is the 3rd Annual Pup Night with the Pirates. Before the game there are always great activities and things to do. Pup Night at PNC Park starts about 7PM local time (EDT) Tuesday, June 30th. It’s Pirates vs. Cubs. Enjoy a night of baseball and festivities with your pup on the Southwest Flight Deck! Watch the game, socialize with the other dogs and their people, visit the animal shelter booths, enter the doggie costume contest and raffles, eat ballpark food. (Yes, there is a special doggie potty area to keep your canine companion comfortable during the game. They also supply water for your friend.)

The $20 ticket includes your ticket and your dog's ticket (limit one dog per person) and a portion of the proceeds benefits Animal Friends and the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. If you want to attend all six Pirates Pup Nights, the season can be purchased for $108 (one person, one dog, six games).

Proof of vaccination must be presented upon entry. All tickets must be picked up at the Pup Night table on Federal Street starting 2 hours prior to game.

Please be aware that Pirates homeruns and victories are celebrated with a small fireworks display.

They’ll then have a Meet and Greet the next day, July 1st, at Market Square from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you’re in or near the Pittsburgh area, please come out and meet the trio. There are some great restaurants in the area as well, so plan to make a day of it!

Additionally, Luke will be visiting with the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society at the Mall at Robinson, Thursday, July 2nd, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. You’ll find them at center court in the Mall.

A lot going on! We hope to see you there.

Toxic Twinkie Shock

"Everyone knows there are only two things that can survive a nuclear holocaust: cockroaches and Twinkies." Family Guy

Um, yeah, about that...

I started my morning the other day with a power bar, a shot of wheat grass, and a bowl of organic berries... Nah, just kidding. I'm on vacation so I picked up a coupla Twinkies at a C-store.

I snarfed the first down in mere seconds and it tasted a little off -chalky, crusty, a bit like aged sheetrock. But operating under the assumption that Twinkies are immortal, I didn't think anything of it. Upon unwrapping the second I was shocked to discover I had just eaten a rotten Twinkie. Take a look at the green mold on that little cowboy. Yikes!

I thought I'd encountered about everything on the road and then I ate the fetid Twinkie. I survived but just barely and I have to admit I've had nightmares about gigantic Twinkies chasing after me and Hudson and Murphy since. From here on out, I think I'll stick to hoo-hoos....

It’s Time for the 2010 Calendar Submissions to Begin!

2010 Calendar Submission Instructions

We’re collecting submission for the 2010 “Cancer Can’t Keep A Good Dog Down” Calendar. Here are the basics:

Where to send your submission(s): calendar@2dogs2000miles.org

Photo: 1 photo per dog. Please make sure the photo is at least a minimum of 300kb resolution. We will not be able to accept any photos under 300kb resolutions as these do not duplicate well on the final calendar.

The following file formats are acceptable: .jpg and .gif. Please do NOT send them in a PDF or Microsoft .doc or .docx file as we cannot use these.

Story: Preliminary story length must be limited to 1000 characters or less. That’s 1000 characters not 1000 words. Winners will be asked to write longer stories for the calendar, but for your initial submission we must limit you to 1000 characters because of the restrictions of Click-n-Pledge.

If you have more than one dog you’d like to enter into the contest, please do so! Same rules apply.

Deadline for submissions HAS BEEN EXTENDED to August 22 at 12 midnight EST.

If you have any questions, please email me at: erich@2dogs2000miles.org.

Dogs 'puppy up' in canine cancer walk

Thanks to Linda Fuoco of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for this great article published June 6, 2009.

Two dogs are walking more than 2,000 miles from Austin, Texas, to Boston to raise awareness, and maybe some money, for canine cancer research.

Murphy, 8, and Hudson, 2, are expected to arrive in Downtown Pittsburgh June 30. They hope to make a grand entrance by walking across the West End Bridge to PNC Park, where they will attend a Pirates game. It's one of those really cool "Pup-Night" events in which dogs get to go to a baseball game with their people.

It would be hard to miss these two, for they are very large, very white Great Pyrenees.

Murphy and Hudson are traveling with their owner, Luke Robinson, 38. He conceived the Texas-to-Massachusetts trek after the death of a beloved dog "changed my life," he says.

"Luke and the boys," as their fans and followers call them, have been on the road for about 1,000 miles and 12 months. People follow their progress at www.2dogs2000miles.org and on Twitter. Mr. Robinson carries their sleeping tent and other supplies in a giant backpack. The dogs wear much smaller packs.

They walk 8-10 miles a day, when they're moving. The trio makes frequent rest stops, such as in Pittsburgh, where they plan to stay for two weeks. They've done volunteer work at animal shelters along the way, met with veterinary cancer specialists, and lined up "meet and greet" events to raise awareness about cancer research.

Their Pittsburgh schedule includes a meet and greet in Market Square 11:30 a.m. July 1 and an appearance with the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society 5-9 p.m. July 2 at center court in the Mall at Robinson.

Mr. Robinson (no relation to the west suburban mall) also plans to walk homeless dogs housed at the North Side shelter, as if he hasn't done enough walking in the past year.

Malcolm, his first Great Pyrenees, was a healthy, active 6-year-old when he was diagnosed in 2004 with osteosarcoma. Mr. Robinson was devastated. He was also angry and puzzled because "no one could tell me why."

"Why are so many dogs dying from cancer? Why are so many dogs dying at younger ages? What are we doing wrong?" he asked in a cell phone interview from the road. "Is it diet? The environment? Pesticides?"

Osteosarcoma is bone cancer, and some of the large breeds of dogs seem to be particularly susceptible. Malcolm's cancer was in a leg bone. Amputation and chemotherapy prolonged his life for two years, but the cancer ultimately spread to his lungs, and he died in 2006.

"I sold my truck and put my stuff in storage and got in shape for this trip," Mr. Robinson said.

Born in Galveston, Texas, Mr. Robinson grew up in Austin. He operated a consulting practice for biotech companies first in San Antonio and then in Boston, where he moved in 2003. He put the business and the rest of his life on hold to walk with Murphy and Hudson.

"I'm just an average guy" not an athlete, he noted. "I had to get in shape for this trip. I'm 6-foot 2 and I was up to 250 pounds. When we started the trip, I was 195 pounds. I consume about 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day, and my weight has fluctuated between 184 and 215 pounds on this trip."

On the trio's Web site, visitors can follow their progress on a map, their blog or on Twitter, where "we have 1,800 followers," Mr. Robinson said. The Web site also includes a shop where you can buy a variety of merchandise, including canine cancer survivor T-shirts.

"This is not so much about raising money as it is about raising awareness," Mr. Robinson said. "We do accept donations to help defray the cost of travel," but he indicates they don't need much.

"When we get back to Boston, we will concentrate more on fundraising."

Kind-hearted strangers put Luke and the boys up in their homes. Other times they sleep in a tent. "I'd say it's about 50-50, sleeping in the tent vs. staying in homes."

The boys are having a great time.

"I think this may be the ideal life for dogs," Mr. Robinson said with a chuckle. "The biggest challenge so far has been ticks in Ohio. I counted 120 ticks that I picked off the boys. An upcoming challenge will be crossing the Appalachian Mountains."

High up on Mr. Robinson's wish list would be the chance to meet someone from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I have a great deal of respect for your quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. I took a day off to watch the Super Bowl, and I thought, 'Wow! What a team!' I'd love to give the Steelers some of our 'Puppy Up' bracelets" for cancer awareness.

Tickets are $20 for you and your dog to attend Pirates Pup-Night. Part of the ticket price will benefit local shelters. The June 30 and Aug. 25 Pup Night games benefit Animal Friends in Ohio Township. The July 21 and Sept. 22 games benefit the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. You must present proof that your dog is up to date on inoculations. To order tickets, call Kevin Roach at the Pirates, 412-325-4797.

To assist Luke and the boys during their Pittsburgh stay, e-mail ginger@2dogs2000miles.org. That's Ginger Morgan of Memphis, Tenn., a friend of Mr. Robinson's, who helps with their schedule and logistics. Watch the Post-Gazette for updates on their itinerary.

Pet Tales appears weekly in the Saturday Home & Garden section. Linda Wilson Fuoco can be reached at lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3064.