Murphy update

My apologies for not blogging sooner but after Murphy's treatments, getting the book proposal out and fleshing out the concept for a TV show have been my biggest priorities.

There's another reason, too. My mother's Alzheimers has overtaken her and she's gone. I wasn't prepared for it and though there's nothing I can do it's been breaking my heart. But I must focus on my pack and my mission now.

We're starting to see the effects of the radiation therapy on Murphy now. He's been losing fur around his eyes but just today he lost a big patch on his snout. This was expected but that doesn't make it any easier to witness.

The good news is Murphy's energy level is up & he's playful again. As soon as I arrived in Memphis, last Tuesday whatever 'issues' Hudson had with Murphy were resolved. He hasn't growled at him nor shown the slightest signs of aggresion. Papi put his house in order and I'm pleased our pack is back to normal.

We'll be traveling the next 2 months & have lots of things in store...

puppy up!

Luke & the Notorious Fuzzybutts

2011 Calendar Contest Winners!!

Congratulations! The following dogs have made it into the 2011 “Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” calendar!

Pete Morgan (Ginger Morgan) $2,240.00
Ruger Sowers (Cindy Sowers) $1,500.00
Bill Mann (Janice Mann) $1,460.00
North (Robert Cain) $1,380.00
Roxy (Heather Loflin-Miller) $1,300.00
Cassie Rose (Linda Rose) $1,270.00
Mr. Maxx (Marcia Siemsen) $1,207.00
Meatball and Shilo (Shari Lewis) $1,202.00
Salty (Lonna Coleman) $1,200.00
Maggie Riley (Karen Riley) $1,170.00
Sully Vachon-Lyda (Jennifer Vachon-Lyda) $1,130.00
Pepper Payne (Jonathan Payne) $1,125.00
Boudreaux (Jolie Banks) $1,115.00


We will begin taking pre-orders for the calendar in October and are hoping the calendars will be printed by mid-November. We need to verify pricing with the printer and will let everyone know what pricing will be this year. As in the past, we will be offering a discount on bulk orders.

Below is a list of ALL the dogs and Smokey, the cat, and the total number of votes (in dollars) they received. Please note -- we received a few votes after voting closed and the numbers do not reflect those votes because they did not count. However, the votes received after midnight did not effect the outcome of the contest.

Pete Morgan (Ginger Morgan) $2,240.00
Ruger Sowers (Cindy Sowers) $1,500.00
Bill Mann (Janice Mann) $1,460.00
North (Robert Cain) $1,380.00
Roxy (Heather Loflin-Miller) $1,300.00
Cassie Rose (Linda Rose) $1,270.00
Mr. Maxx (Marcia Siemsen) $1,207.00
Meatball and Shilo (Shari Lewis) $1,202.00
Salty (Lonna Coleman) $1,200.00
Maggie Riley (Karen Riley) $1,170.00
Sully Vachon-Lyda (Jennifer Vachon-Lyda) $1,130.00
Pepper Payne (Jonathan Payne) $1,125.00
Boudreaux (Jolie Banks) $1,115.00
Rudy Scott (Joanne Scott) $1,105.00
Ben Jamin Blues (Oscar Janssen) $1,025.00
Phoenix (Elissa O'Sullivan) $950.00
Max Large (Jodi Large) $860.00
Abigail (Judy Abare) $780.00
Wesley (Roseann Burrets-Baars) $678.00
Karly & Brandy (Deidre Tomkins) $635.00
Sergei (Deb Dolak) $615.00
Mac Duff (Chuck Christy) $610.00
Jagr (Michele Handte) $520.00
Gunner Nelson (Lesa & Dan Nelson) $510.00
Milo (Patty Hartman) $465.00
Murphy (Luke Robinson) $385.00
Luc Narro (Adrianna Narro) $375.00
Daisy & Lily (Hope Lisle) $340.00
Po (Lorraine Garaguso) $335.00
Gradie Mercer (Julie Mercer) $305.00
Sebastian (Angie & Josh Morris) $305.00
Ofi Guttenberg (Marilyn Guttenberg) $295.00
Tara Ling Tzu (Terri Greer) $290.00
Taz (Robin Brinkley) $280.00
Cemil James (Mary James) $275.00
Sunny Osborne (Dawn Osborne) $275.00
Tucker (Dan Bozik) $255.00
Bear McGarvey (Darlene McGarvey) $195.00
Bonham Scarborough (Linda Scarborough) $195.00
Kobe Arthur (Tom Arthur) $190.00
Fortis (Brett Hessenius) $185.00
Shelby Torrente (Melissa Torrente) $185.00
Rudy Birhanzl (Christine Birhanzl) $180.00
Thunder Bucklad (Mark Bucklad) $150.00
Riley (Doreen Buchler) $135.00
Gita (Heidi Oliveri) $130.00
Tyler Blue (Michelle Plourde) $130.00
Windsor Mitchell (Trish Mitchell) $125.00
Storm (Sylvia Griggs) $120.00
Tyson Conner (Megan Conner) $120.00
Buddy Ormsby (Michelle Ormsby) $110.00
Buddy Kelmelis (Shannon Kelmelis) $105.00
Brave (Sheila Rinks) $100.00
Cody Worthy (Tammy Worthy) $100.00
Hudson P. Wupperstein (Amanda Guth) $100.00
Maliboo (Issy Souto) $100.00
Smokey Wood (Bruce Wood) $100.00
Joy (Karen Robison) $90.00
Chance Reeder (Donna Reeder) $75.00
Sassy (Bekye Eckert) $75.00
Tigger (Kathy DeRay) $75.00
Cody Winebrenner (Jane Winebrenner) $70.00
Genie Derf (Neena Derf) $60.00
Grady Bowman (Aviva Bowman) $60.00
Womble Reynolds (Helen Reynolds) $60.00
Kirby (Bobbie Klimkowski Klimkowski) $50.00
Maggie Liles (Beth Liles) $50.00
Mason Eggleston (Kathy Eggleston) $50.00
Solar (Michele Handte) $50.00
Amber Gedek (Terry Gedek) $40.00
Shelby Ryan (Robert Ryan) $35.00
Colby McGinley (Keri McGinley) $30.00
Spanky (Lea Ann Goettsch) $30.00
Rigby (Elizabeth Marino) $25.00
Speedy & Scooter Lynett (Ramzey Rambles) $25.00
Trouper Menard (Gretchen Menard) $25.00
Zoe (Laura Williams) $25.00
Alex (San Mehta) $20.00
Brownie Schmidt (Donna Schmidt) $20.00
Callisto (Catherine Pfent Marrical) $20.00
Rori O'Connell (Jennifer O'Connell) $20.00
Sam Eilenberger (Cindy Eilenberger) $20.00
Skyler Blue & Kiara Jordan Pike (Eileen Pike) $20.00
Stella Feingold (Fonda Feingold) $20.00
Sandy Smith (kevin Smith) $15.00
Camden Rose (Cindy Corell) $10.00
DeePak (Terry Gedek) $10.00
Engorgs Aznar (Maria Aznar) $10.00
Luke Marino (Molly Marino) $10.00
Maggie Hobson (Deann Hobson) $10.00
Maxine Stout (Maureen Stout) $10.00
Missy Lynett (Ramz Rambles) $10.00
Monty Raab (Barbara Raab) $10.00
Riley Forristal (Keli Forristal) $10.00
Yoshi (Connie McCabe) $10.00
Angel Madeja (Lori Madeja) $0.00
Beauty (Nancy Crovetti) $0.00
Bo Fisher (Elaine Fisher) $0.00
Bridgit D'Angelo (Aileen D' Angelo) $0.00
Bucc (Nancy Crovetti) $0.00
Buttons Ottilo (Angela Ottilo) $0.00
Coltrane Cartier (C. C. Cartier) $0.00
Dena Oliver (Debbie Oliver) $0.00
Fabrizio (Rozan Ambrosino) $0.00
Heidi (Heidi Christensen) $0.00
Hendrix Doyi (Sarah Doyi) $0.00
Jada Van Dommelan (Amy Van Dommelan) $0.00
Jake Rae (Rachel Rae) $0.00
Kahlua Crovetti (Nancy Crovetti) $0.00
Kringle (Michael Reed) $0.00
Lady (Nancy Crovetti) $0.00
Loki Ruesch (Emily Ruesch) $0.00
Maggie Jones (Tracy Jones) $0.00
Misty Alba (Beverly Alba) $0.00
Mona Brand (Holly Brand) $0.00
Popeye (K. Tate) $0.00
Raven Rosenberg (Barry Rosenberg) $0.00
Sasha Laing (Sheila Laing) $0.00
Sparky O'Neill (Courtney O'Neill) $0.00
Stella Alba (Beverly Alba) $0.00
Stella Culp (DR Culp) $0.00
Tonka Drawdy (Shandra Drawdy) $0.00
Zachary (Sheila Laing) $0.00

Thank you for helping 2 Million Dogs in our fight against cancer.

Voting Ends SOON!

Voting for the calendar contest has been phenomenal!

This is just a quick reminder that voting ends for this year’s 2011 “Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” calendar contest at 12 midnight Central Daylight Time today, Sunday September 12th. For those of you who have trouble translating Central Time into your time zone, here’s some help:

voting ends in the Eastern time zone (e.g.: New York) at 1:00 AM Monday September 13

voting ends in the Mountain time zone (e.g.: Denver) at 11:00 PM Sunday September 12

voting ends in the Pacific time zone (e.g.: Seattle) at 10:00 PM Sunday September 12

Voting for many contestants is extremely close. Others have had absolutely no votes at all. Not even their own people! Can you imagine? What’s that about?

We had over 120 photos submitted this year for the calendar. In the past, we've devoted 2 pages in the calendar to showcase all the entries. This year we will try our best to do the same. However, we were pretty much at our limit last year with 100 entries. We may have to leave some of the photos out of the gallery if they will not all fit. If it comes down to that, we will base our decision on which photos to leave out based on how many votes the photos have at the end of the contest. The last time I checked there were over 34 photos without votes.

Voting is in real time, so when the voting ends at midnight (Central Time) you will be able to see the top 13 winners by following this link https://2md2m.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2011Calendar/FundraiserDirectory/tabid/229975/Default.aspx.

All donations are date and time stamped by Greater Giving (the company processing the payments). Greater Giving is on Pacific Time.

Ginger has been verifying off-line donations as she’s received them. Once the contest is over she will re-verify all off-line donations. Once those donations have been verified she will send out an email with the official winners listed early Monday morning. And I will post the winners on the Daily and to Facebook and our 2 blogs.

Good Luck to everyone! Thank you for your enthusiastic participation!

Faithfully

When I drove up into my parent's semicircular driveway in Temple, TX Friday evening my mom and dad were there to greet me. After all, their son had recently completed a journey of a lifetime.

I hugged my mom and the first thing I said to her was, "I told you I'd be here in a couple of days". It was the fulfillment of a promise I'd been making to her practically every week since we began our walk.

As most of you know mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's before we launched from Austin in 2008 making the decision to leave one of the most difficult I've ever made. Every week I phoned mom and every week she always asked, "When are you coming home?"

"I'll be home in a couple of days", was always my answer which seemed to settle her anxieties and sadness. That same exchange continued for 118 weeks.

More than walking into Boston Common with blocks and blocks of people behind me that final mile to Boston, seeing my mom Friday marked the end of my journey.

"I told you I'd be here in a couple of days."

Voting Has Begun!

Voting for this year’s “2011 Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” calendar has begun. We have another cast of beautiful animals and stories to share with you this year, so please follow this link to get started.

Voting for the Calendar Dogs (and Cat!) works as follows: each U.S. dollar donated equals one vote — if you donate $20.00 for Fluffy then twenty votes will go towards Fluffy. You can vote as often as you like, for as many dogs as you like, in whole dollars please. (For example, if you donate $21.74 only 21 votes will be applied.) Voting starts with a minimum of $5.00.

Voting continues until the deadline, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 at midnight EDT.

To keep track of voting check out the Directory Page

The thirteen dogs with the highest number of votes will be the dogs featured in the 2011 Calendar. However – and this is what makes our calendar so special – all of the dogs (and the cat) will appear in the calendar in the gallery! So everyone wins and all the contestants have a place in the calendar.

About the Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down Calendar:

Our calendar is in honor of and a memorial to our beloved companions touched by cancer, and a tribute to their spirit, undaunted courage, and the unshakable loyalty they have given us.

2 Million Dogs was formed with the singular aim of eradicating cancer in pets and people and it will work towards that end by educating people about and investing in comparative oncology studies. To learn more about us, please visit www.2milliondogs.org.

2 Million Dogs is a 501 C (3) organization that relies on the generosity of individuals and corporations to help us in our mission to eradicate cancer through education and investing in comparative oncology studies.

Thank you for your votes and participating in a great cause!

61 Stones: Postscripts

"You who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut; and to the quarry from which you were dug." Isaiah 51:1-2

We gathered our 61 stones today. As each week passes, I'll remove one of them.

Some of you haven't understood why I'm doing this but when I had Malcolm I worked nonstop usually pulling 14 hrs a day and sleeping in my office most nights. God only knows how much I missed of his life.

I won't make that mistake... not this time and not with Murphy and since he was diagnosed I've thought alot about how. Then I remembered reading about a workaholic years ago who one day counted up the number of weekends he had left in his life and put a marble in a bowl for each one...

I think it's important to have a daily reminder of the transience of life and this is mine. Every stone I remove I hope to counterbalance by a week filled with love and adventures. And when no stone is left, well, we're on borrowed time and I'll cherish every moment I have with Murphy.

The stones hold a much greater significance as well which someday you'll better understand.

61 stones

Sitting in the waiting room at Colorado State University after I got the news Murphy had nasal cancer, I kept playing and replaying his prognosis in my head like an endless video loop... 15 months to live. 15 months...

That's when you realize immortality becomes mortal... that the life of the one you love is now on a clock. It's an inflection point - the difference between the waxing and waning moon and that the sun that rose with you also sets.

But it's also the realization heaven and earth aren't that far apart. For Murphy and me it's 15 months. Tomorrow I am travelling to Platte River to collect rocks, one for each week they say Murphy has to live.

61 stones.

Murphy's Radiation Treatments Finished

And CSU gave him a green bandana that says something about hugging him because he just finished radiation there. That's sweet but I thought rather it should say: "I got zapped by lasers & all I got was this lousy bandana."

It's still a little too early to tell how he's doing. Last week was tough on him as the cumulative effects of daily doses and general anesthesia took its toll. He's still a little lethargic but after a week of GI distress, Murphy seems to be improving. I've been regulating his diet with drill sergeant discipline.

So what now? The full impact of radiation therapy isn't fully evident for four months his radiation oncologist says and so now we wait. At that point Murphy will get another CT scan and if the tumor hasn't been completely irradicated we have two choices. Hopefully it'll be small enough and located in an area that the residual tissue can be surgically removed. Otherwise, more radiation. Either way, looks like we'll be spending Christmas in Colorado.

Between now and then, the biggest side effect Murphy faces is damage to the inside of his mouth, more specifically a hole forming on his hard palate. As of Friday, the redness and irritation rated a 1-2 out of a scale of 4 and we'll have to keep a constant watch for more extensive tissue damage.

This is the place to get a thorough update but you can get the abridged version on either Facebook or Twitter.

The cost of Murphy's care at CSU amounted to $5,400 and we raised $4,700 in donations. The bill's been paid in total but if you'd still like to help out just click on the Donations Button nearby.

Thank you to everyone who made contributions and afforded Murphy the best care available.

'AND MURPHY SMILES' shirt

Thanks for all your advice on the mockup - it was well received and here's the revised shirt. This is the back view. The front has the text 'CANCER CAN'T KEEP A GOOD DOG DOWN'.

Cost is $28 and the proceeds will go towards Murphy's cancer care and veterinary bills. Click on the shirt to order. Thank you for supporting Mr. Murphy in his time of need.

puppy up!

Cancer and Nutrition

Once you get the Big 'C' diagnosis like Murphy recently did, care becomes the number one concern and traditionally that means Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgical, or Palliative or some combination thereof.

What's not part of the treatment plan is Nutrition. Surprisingly if not incredulously, there aren't a lot of studies out there about diet and cancer care. I asked my oncology team at CSU to get me all avalaible research and the results were pretty dismal.

But as most of you have encountered there's a whole host of theories, opinions, and more than a few snake oil salesmen selling 'holistic' remedies to the unfortunate desparate souls willing to try anything.

I don't have answers nor do I profess to. But what I want to do is start a serious thread on the prophylactic and therapeutic importance of nutrition for cancer dogs. That's a fancy way of asking that once your dog is diagnosed with cancer, what's the best diet for her?

I don't want this discussion to spiral into a disagreement about particular brands of dog food or kibble versus raw diet.

What it needs to be about is what vitamins, proteins, nutrients, etc. your dog needs given their type of cancer and what therapy they're undergoing.

What began this blog was a burning question I had about Murphy. What effect does the constant exposure to radiation and anesthesia have on his body & how can I offset that with his diet?

For cancer dogs, I cannot think of a more important and immediate question...

where's god now?

After I lost Malcolm to cancer I wrote a simple poem

"I left this place and head asea
Into the swells, ne'er alee.
No land I seek no shore no more
For me there is no galilee."

Press Release

Dog Who Walked Cross Country for Cancer Diagnosed with Cancer

August 12 2010 / For Immediate Release

Contact: Luke Robinson
Phone: 901.674.9621. E-mail: 2dogs2000miles@gmail.com

FORT COLLINS, CO ― After completing a two-year, 2,300-mile, cross-country cancer walk from Austin to Boston in June with his two dogs, Luke Robinson recently learned one of them, Murphy, has cancer and is now undergoing treatment at Colorado State University’s (CSU’s) Animal Cancer Center.

The walk, known as 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles (http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/) was inspired by Robinson’s loss of his dog, Malcolm, to metastatic bone cancer in 2006. Sharing Malcolm’s story and educating people about the link between cancer in dogs and humans was the primary purpose of the walk and now that it’s over, their mission isn’t.

“It’s kind of a cruel irony,” Robinson says. “Murphy, who’s nine, walked across the country so he’s in excellent shape for his age and he’s been on the best diet available to dogs. It just goes to show, cancer doesn’t always discriminate and that’s why it’s the greatest epidemic facing dogs ever. What started as a walk for me is now a war.”

This war started with a sniffle and took them to CSU. “At first I thought it was just congestion but when I noticed a trace amount of blood in his nasal discharge that concerned me,” says Robinson. A CT scan and biopsy were performed there and the diagnosis came back as adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer found in the glands of both pets and people. “It was trail magic that the cancer was discovered in Colorado. I came here after the walk to work on the book with my editor and CSU has one of the most advanced veterinary oncology programs in the world.”

Dr. Stephen Withrow, professor at CSU and founder of their Clinical Oncology Program agrees, “We have been proudly watching Luke’s journey with his two dogs, Murphy and Hudson, from afar for almost two years. Little did we know that Murphy would become a patient.”

Murphy’s prognosis is promising according to Dr. Susan LaRue, radiation oncologist at CSU. “We hope with Murphy’s treatment we can exceed the median survival for this tumor which is currently 12 to 15 months.”

Luke Robinson has higher hopes. “Murphy’s a fighter and as Winston Churchill once said, ‘In a fight always bet on the one who’s smiling.’”

And Murphy smiles.

Halfway Through Murphy's Radiation Treatments

We're more than halfway through the 18 radiation doses now. It's been hard for me to evaluate his condition without reference points. Murphy's continual congestion has been the source of some sleepless nights - I just don't want him to be uncomfortable

But today I met a Collie that received three massive doses of radiation for nasal cancer last November and not only had she lost the hair on her snout, she now has a sizable hole in her palate. By fractioning Murphy's doses over 18, the radiation oncology, Dr. LaRue, feels confident the long-term effects will be less drastic.

Only a few years ago, before IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) that uses 3D imaging to make precise adjustments to the location and intensity of radiation, in the words of one of the technicians, 'dogs looked like they had a perpetual sunburn'. I filmed Dr. LaRue going over Murphy's radiation plan with my Sony Digicam and had hoped to post it here but I'm having conversion issues. If you want to learn more about the cutting edge technology at CSU called the Varian Trilogy, here's the link.

It's because of advancements to veterinary medicine and generous donors that have made it possible for Murphy to undergo a less intensive treatment plan. Total donations raised through Paypal: $3,700 Checks: $900. Plus one pony & a couple of spare pairs of big girl panties for Mommy G.

Thank you everyone for your generosity and more importantly the emotional and spiritual support.

Postscript - healing prayers for the Collie

Don't know how to entitle this blog

Recently I received some comments to my blog 'Donations for Murphy' that someone tried to post 'Anonymously'. I rejected them at first but when I got this yesterday, well, it just needed to be dealt with. Here's their comment and my response:

"At this point, our organization is going to have to drop support of your cause - all we asked for was transparency and in return our comments are not being published and it makes the whole thing look shady."

So what is it you want me to be transparent about?

About Murphy's cancer? Well as much as I wish I'm faking his diagnosis you're more than welcome to contact CSU & find out if he's a patient. Not sure if they'll disclose much more than that but I did post a 3D rendering of the tumor in his head and also a photo of blood seeping out of his nose after a radiation treatment. Or maybe you think I photoshoped those?

Reporting of donations? I made a decision to setup a Paypal account only and not use ChipIn or Click and Pledge because I thought that would be sufficient and save time and money. Whether that was the right decision is irrelevant because the transparency you seem so intent on, they cannot provide.

While ChipIn can report the exact amount of donations, What it won't tell you is how I use that money. For all you know I could be spending it on hookers and heroin... or the pony I always wanted as a child. Season tickets to the Patriots wouldn't be bad either.

Or the money could be going towards the care of Murphy.

You need a history lesson - it took me a week to ask for donations in part because I really didn't want to ask all of the wonderful ppl who supported the walk to give more of themselves. It still bothers me but that's my own limitation as a person.

The only thing 'shady' here is people like you who feel they can make accusations and try to impugn one's character without repercussions because you do so behind the veil of anonymity. You could've posted these criticisms on my Facebook page where I have thousands of supporters but that'd mean you'd have to reveal yourself and your organization. What you would've found there is lots of folks who asked and wanted to donate.

You didn't because you're a coward and you lack the courage of your convictions. If'n when you ever have the stones to accuse me to my face - my cell is 901.674.9621. Or we're at CSU every weekday at 7:50AM for the next three weeks.

Or you can contact Ginger Morgan. Though if I was you, I'd give it a week because when I shared your comments with her, her words were, "You broke the last bit of elastic in her big girl panties and now you're going to see some ass". Her words not mine & I'm not sure I really understand what that means but it scares me... It should scare you, too.

Pete: Requiescat in Pace et in Amore

Pete just passed away. For those of you who never knew him, he was Mommy G's heart dog.

Pete personified simple happiness and my life is richer and fuller having met him.

He had this penchant for pink toys, I mean I watched in amazement as he nosed open his toy box & pulled everything out until he found a pink one. So great was his spirit and I will miss him dearly.

From everyone in the 2 Dogs family - our heart goes out to Ginger today.

Donations for Murphy

The outpouring of love and support has been heartfelt and helped us get through a few dark nights last week. Lots of you have sent requests to make donations and we're going to need it over the coming weeks. I've held off until we had a better handle on what we're dealing with and now that we got the biopsy results back last Thursday.

The estimated total cost of care for his adenocarcinoma is going to be around $6,000: $1,400 of which was for the initial CT scan and the balance for 18-20 doses of radiation. Any amount you could pitch in would be a tremendous help as this couldn't have come at a worst time (doesn't it always?). Boston was barely more than a month ago and I've been working on things in the background to provide an income for myself but just didn't have enough tarmac to launch them before this all happened.

I've opened a Paypal account which seems to be the most common way to do this but you can also send a check in c/o Ginger Morgan at 1902 Evelyn Ave Memphis 38114

In lieu of using ChipIn (which requires a Paypal account) I'll try to post donations daily so that everyone knows where we're at.

Donations received as of August 3rd: $1,400
Total Donations as of August 4th from 65 people: $2,250

Please Click on the 'Donate' button nearby

Murphy's tumor

This is an actual scan of Murphy's big ole noggin & the tumor is in red. Thank you Lynn for getting this to us so quickly...

Official Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma

Two things of significance happened today: (1) we got the biopsy results back and the news is good in that it could've been worse. Had the cancer been either osteosarcoma or squamous cell the prognosis would be less promising; (2) we had our first consult with the radiology oncologist, Dr. LaRue. She walked me through the radiation plan using their Varian imaging software.

I had previously seen the CT scan but it's difficult to fully appreciate the size of the tumor unless it's rendered in 3-D. I hope to get a pic of it up here soon but I assure you it is massive, occupying the entire left sinus cavity. No one can know for sure how long its been growing in my boy but the damage it has wrought is extensive.

Parts of the septum, the wall between the two spaces, has been eaten away by the cancer and it's spilling into the other side now. All of the bones used for filtering in the left passage have been consumed completely. Thankfully it was detected before it breached the brain barrier and invaded the occipital space.

This monster means business.

No Stephen King or Wes Craven could ever imagine a beast as absolutely sinster as cancer. It takes your own cells and turns them against you. And since the cells still look normal your entire defense system is rendered helpless. It's nature's perfect enemy.

Hell it even fooled me. I was so preoccupied with the tumor in Murphy's neck that turned out benign, the nasal congestion never seemed anything more than a URI. I was looking the other way. While on the walk, I came up with the 5 'L's for early signs of cancer: lumps, lesions, lameness, loss of appetite, and lethargy. There should be a sixth: the opposite of what Luke thinks.

Forgive me for the self-indulgent guilt but unfortunately, it's part of the process of coping. I should have been paying better attention but we are very, very lucky.

Tonight Murphy & I are camping at Horsetooth Reservoir, a basin at the foothills of the Rockies. We're out in god's country where Murphy loves to be with his papi. An evening out here with my boy is all I need.

Radiation Therapy Starts Today

In a few hours I'll be taking Murphy back up to CSU for his first dose of radiation. While I'm still learning everything I can about it all, the 'Gold Standard' of Care seems to be 18-20 doses of radiation over three to four weeks.

Dr. La Rue will be the radiation oncologist caring for him. The tumor sits atop his hard palate so the biggest concerns from radiation are mouth ulcerations and the outside chance that it'll burn a hole in his sinus.

Things happen so fast in life and my head is swimming in scientific data, informed opinions, and my own hyperemotional state. I think back to one of the lessons we learned on the road.... crude... crass perhaps, but one that not only served us well on our travels but may have saved our lives.

Just outside Buffalo TX there are a series of three bridges which I affectionately referred to as the 'bridges of death' - there's a blog & photo in the archives here. It was the first time I was truly terrified on the walk. Narrow shoulders, supersized semis coming from both directions on a two lane highway, surrounded by mudflat marshes filled with water moccasins preventing any flanking strategies.

After thirty minutes of analzying traffic patterns, running calculations in my head on how to safely cross these bridges, I realized I was petrified. But I knew I had to act so I turned to Hudson & Murphy and said, "Well, boys, we can't stand around all day holding our peckers in our hands"...

Life demands decisions and even though Buffalo TX seems light years away, I find myself back on that bridge again.

After reading extensively and consulting with thought leaders this seems the best course of action. Thank you to everyone who sent us alternative ideas and treatments.

Murphy Has Cancer

Looking at murphy's blood stained snout from the biopsy that was performed some hours ago, I could ask why. Why give him cancer, my boy who walked across the country for all others who suffer from this horrible disease. It may seem a cruel irony that just over a month after its completion he was diagnosed.

I choose not to ask because the answer is as unknowing as it is extraneous. What I felt when I awakened this morning was truly blessed. God's love for us is so great that he held the cancer at bay until after our mission was completed . He got us from Austin to Boston safely fulfilling his promise.

From what the vets said yesterday, nasal cancer can come in several varieties so we're awaiting the results of the biopsy. While I am still digesting all of the information and articles that were provided to me it seems the 'gold standard' of care is radiation therapy over a three week period. The prognosis of nasal cancer especially caught this early is promising even though the tumor has invaded part of Murphy's bone.

I want to thank the staff at Colorado State University Vet School for taking good care of Mr. Murphy yesterday, especially Drs. Woorley and Venable and Jennifer who's a fourth year student.

I'll post regular updates here... puppy up!

'Way Leads Unto Way'

Yesterday it became perfectly clear to me what the first cancer study we'll work on is and it's not going to be an easy one.

A little historical context first. After reading an article that pathogenic infections are more and more likely suspects in causing some cancers in humans I talked with several physicians about it. HPV is thought to cause the majority of cervical tumors and it seems now that lung cancer is not caused by the tar and nicotine from smoking but the repeated respiratory infections from diminished lung capacity.

I took this notion to several veterinarians I met on my journey and their response was that dogs are not susceptible to all of the same pathogens humans are. They don't get sick like we do. True but we know dogs have a different threshold of pain and they don't tell us when they have a slight case of the sniffles like the other snowflakes in our lives. Diagnostics in dogs is different than humans.

I think there's something there. Since Boston I've been meditating on what's next - now that the walk is over the work begins - and the correlation between pathogens and cancer has always been one of the possibilities.

Touring Lily's Haven outside of Colorado Springs yesterday convinced me completely. Lily was a gorgeous Italian Greyhound whose unfortunate fate landed her in a puppy mill. Lack of dental care amongst other atrocities later, Lily was rescued but by then she was completely toothless and had suffered countless oral infections.

As I listened to her story it astonished me that Lily was diagnosed with oral cancer which metastisized throughout her jaw bones and surrounding soft tissue. While I don't know all of the facts about her circumstances, it re-awakened my curiosity and confirmed what I had previously suspected.

The road from Austin to Boston to Colorado is more than about the book now. As Robert Frost said in his poem, 'Way leads unto way'. I was lead to Lily's Haven for a reason.

What we're going to study first is the causal relationship between infections, immune response, and cancer. It'll take us a little time to put this together but in the interim, we welcome your feedback, input, and involvement.

repost - Midnight with Malcolm

*This is something I wrote whilst in the basement of a host family in Bowling Green KY on the 3rd anniversary of Malcolm's passing. I hadn't read it since I originally posted it over a year ago*>

January 11th 2006. I still remember every moment of that day with absolute clarity. The cancer that began in his bones had spread to his lungs and besieged his beautiful body. At the time, he was on both Rimadyl and Tramadol which I had stopped the day before so that I could better assess his quality of life. I'm glad I did because I discovered his mobility in his hind legs was markedly diminished something the meds were concealing.

The tumor had grown so large in his lungs putting him into congestive heart failure which caused a secondary condition known as hypertrophic osteopathy. His body was succumbing and he was tired from the long struggle. But I wasn't ready to let go of my boy.

When his cancer first metastisized I wondered daily how I could possibly establish the criteria to know when it was time to let him go. It's not purely a scientific question unfortunately. How could I let him go? We had this saying that helped get us through the tough days when he wasn't feeling well. "We don't give up, we don't give in until the end, my friend."

I can't recall where or how I came up with that and I'm sure I said it mostly for me... to keep me from breaking down. Not once did I cry in front of him... not when his leg was amputated nor when the cancer spread. To do so, I believed, would've been tantamount to telling him that it had beaten me and I wasn't going to go the distance with him.

You see, Malcolm just didn't have quit in him... it was amazing to see the rugged determination in his eyes and the unwillingness to give up. He was that way about everything and that was apparent from the first day we met.

When he first came into my life, a present from an ex-girlfriend which should've automatically sent off alarm bells in my head, he was a wee lad. I sat him down for the 'father-son' talk. "If you respect my rules in this house and behave yourself then I'll treat you with respect. Oh, and, I don't do baby talk. That's for girls." That's what I told him.

He broke me in less than a fortnight. I started singing him good morning songs, planning my day around him, and looking for excuses to stop by the pet store and buy him yet another toy and more treats. I recently saw a shirt that said, "You had me at Woof". Indeed he did and in retrospect, I'm quite sure that was part of his master plan.

My family had animals all throughout my childhood. Jenny, a beautiful black lab, and a supremely cool cat my brother Jon named Wally are two of the ones I remember most vividly. I've always considered myself a dog lover but up until Malcolm, I had never experienced a deep and profound bond with one. Such a thing just wasn't possible from my upbringing. "Dawgs is dawgs". That's what a nice and well intentioned fellow from Arkansas told me when I was traveling through there. He just couldn't believe I was walking across the country for canine cancer.

Dogs are dogs sure enough but Malcolm was my boy, too. My day rose and set with him and it was three years ago today I knew it was time to let him go and that the sun that had filled my life with so much joy and simple happiness was going down forever. I held him in my arms as he was given rest and he left this world as he lived it with a strong, quiet dignity.

It's because of his strength and courage that I began this walk and some 900 miles and nine months later, there have been times when I've faltered, doubted, and even despaired but I won't give up, I won't give in, until the end my friend. And today, I give thanks to Malcolm for that and toast that spirit which was his. I miss you, mate.

Malcolm would be proud.

On behalf of the entire Tripawds community – now 1,400+ members strong and growing – we are honored to give Luke and the Boys a big three paws up for completing their epic journey, and embarking on their new challenge to end the scourge of cancer in dogs!

We have been walking by their side in spirit every day since the kickoff barbecue in Austin nearly two and a half years ago. Every step of the way, their courage, passion, and determination never ceased to amaze us.

Words cannot describe the pride we share knowing we played just a tiny role in the 2 Dogs 2000 Miles adventure – except to say we know Malcolm would be proud. We're sure he and Jerry are both smiling down on the entire 2 Dogs crew from the Rainbow Bridge.

And to think, this is just the beginning... Big Dog, you will always have our support. We can't wait to see you again. The Tripawds Colorado contingency will be waiting.

The 2 Dogs - Tripawds Connection

For fuzzybutt fans who may not know, we met Luke after discovering his first first 2 dogs 2000 miles video. We had hit the road in an RV with our dog Jerry when he was diagnosed with bone cancer to enjoy the time we had left together roaming the country as a pack. Sound familiar?


When we learned about Malcolm and this amazing man's mission to keep a promise he made to him – needless to say – we connected immediately. The timing was right, so we planned a party and headed for Texas. Thousands of miles later, Jerry is no longer with us. But inspired by Luke's relentless resolve, we have grown his little three legged dog blog into the largest support community for those faced with a cancer diagnosis or amputation for their dogs.

Find out more about the evolution of Jerry's blog by reading our How do you .com? contest entry, then please vote for Tripawds to help us prove to the world that it's better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.

And don't forget to Puppy Up!

We Made It Malcolm... We Made It

Two weeks later and I'm still wrestling with how I want to talk about Boston. That may surprise you since it was without doubt a spectacular way to celebrate the final day of this amazing journey.

Just before Boston a reporter asked me if I had accomplished everything I set out to and I still don't know how to answer that question.

The short answser is - I got Hudson & Murphy from Austin to Boston safely which was the single most important part of my mission. Against all odds I did that, defying countless skeptics and disbelievers. Some said we'd never make it 100 miles... others said we'd never make it out of Texas.

But this journey was never about proving myself or my abilities to anyone. I leave that to people like Bear Grylls and Shaun White. So what did I hope to accomplish with the walk?

Sharing Malcolm's story and educating thousands of people about canine can.cer and comparative oncology was a big part of it. It brought together so many from disparate backgrounds and distant lands that I'm only beginning to understand the implications and possibilities. Even still that wasn't why.

I set out from Austin some two and a half years ago with a simple hope - to find out what took my boy from me and until and when I accomplish that there will be no rest. As long as cancer is the greatest scourge known to mankind it can count me as its greatest enemy.

Boston wasn't a victory lap for me. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I suppose some people after an endeavour of this magnitude congratulate themselves. I am not one of them. I was born in the Year of the Dog. Nuf said.

But I do owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all those who made this walk possible - a debt that can only be repaid by fulfilling Malcolm's legacy.

'Is Eram Meus Filius'

Blessings

The Blessing of the Animals, officiated by the Reverend Pattie Handloss.

Hudson and Murphy being blessed.

More From Boston

Here's Angus. He's walking for Rita Cook.









Waiting for the festivities to start.












Twiggy already enjoying the day.

Today’s The Day!

It’s been 826 days and 2301 miles in the making, but today’s the day Luke, Hudson, and Murphy have walked their final mile into Boston. Earlier this morning the Memorial Service was introduced by our long time friend and supporter, Lydia Best, who lost her own dog, Princess Daisy, to cancer. (Princess Daisy was the cover girl of our first Calendar.) Luke then spoke briefly, welcoming everyone to the Memorial and Final Mile walk, then introducing the Reverend Pattie Handloss. The Reverend, retired associate vicar of the Old North Church in the North End and Animal Rescue League of Boston overseer, gave a moving service, reading the prayer of St. Francis. Later today she will be officiating at the Blessing of the Animals. There’s a nice article about Reverend Handloss here.

After the Memorial Service, Luke and The Boys led the Final Mile to the Boston Common, followed by friends they’ve made from over 20 states. As the Walk progressed more and more people and dogs joined them. What a thrilling accomplishment! As he spoke to the crowd, all spoke of all the Angels who are on the Memorial Shirt. He said they watched over them and inspired him to continue when he thought he couldn't anymore. And he thanked Malcolm: "It's been some grand journey and today we will fulfill Malcolm's legacy. I just wish he was here to welcome us home."

After the Final Mile, people will share an afternoon of fun at the Puppy Up! Festival in the Boston Common. After posing with The Boys for photos, Luke will have the ceremonial cutting of the hair, which will be donated to Locks of Love. He’ll then be whisked off to get a proper haircut and get spiffed up for the Gala. In the meantime Puppy Up! partiers will enjoy a Boston Police K9 Demo, Top Hat and Tails Canine Freestyle Performance, Owner/Dog Look-Alike Contest, Children’s Pet Show, and lots of vendor and sponsor booths. The weather so far is looking good for the whole day!

Check out the special shirts The Boys got for the event!

And then of course in the evening the Puppy Up! Gala gets underway. Dinner, cocktails, the Puppy Up! song sung by Luke, more live music, silent and live auctions, dancing – well, a regular pawrty! Murphy will give a live demonstration of his passion for The Honest Kitchen food, there will be a few speeches and much congratulation, and Luke will tell everyone about 2 Million Dogs, our next project.

It's turning out to be a full and wonderful day for everyone.

Lone Star Pyrs and Paws already set up at the Puppy Up! Festival. All the way from Texas!

On The Way to Boston

Here is Chief, a tripawd in his special wagon, getting ready to head to Boston and his dad Kerry. Robbin Sneddon writes, "Kerry has been practicing packing early for our Boston trip, just to be sure all the items will fit on the back of and inside the Honda Element! Us with 2 Pyrs inside, with most all our luggage AND the wheelchair AND the yellow wagon, on the outside. I just went out to see how he made out and things are fitting together wonderfully! Check out the special license plate a friend made for the event!!

And here's Lily Lisle, also a tripawd, catching a nap on the way from Colorado to Boston.

Congratulations!

Luke, Hudson, and Murphy hit the Boston city limits June 16, 2010 at approximately 11 AM EDT! Congratulations, Boys! Well done!

Sometimes It's Good To Be Dirty!

The Sandy Paw in Winthrop, MA has been following The Boys' journey and Stephanie Vamos wanted everyone in the Boston area to know that, in honor of Hudson & Murphy, "We want to give anyone associated with Puppy Up! a free self-serve dog wash for the rest of the month. All they have to do is come into the store and say 'Hudson & Murphy sent me.' We are so proud of what you have done and want to give something back to everyone that has supported you. See you soon!!!" Thanks to all the generous folks at The Sandy Paw!

The Sandy Paw is located at 44 Woodside Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02152 and their number is (617) 846-7297.

And don't forget to tell them 'Hudson and Murphy sent me!'

Puppy Up!