A 2,000 mile journey is raising awareness about canine cancer

October 5, 10:18 PMPet ExaminerTeri Webster

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Luke Robinson and his dogs are walking
from Austin to Boston.


Luke Robinson was devastated when he lost his Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, to bone cancer in 2006.
"He wasn't my blood, but he was my boy; my son," said Robinson.  "That bond is eternal."
The loss of Malcolm spurred Robinson to begin walking 2,400 miles from Austin, Texas, to Boston, Mass.,  in hopes of funding research to help find the cause of canine cancer.  He has placed his consulting business on hold until he completes the trip,
2 Dogs, 2000 miles.
"We want to know whether it's multiple vaccines, a nutritional component or the pesticides used in yards," Robinson said during a recent phone interview. "It's spreading like a wildfire in the prairie grass. It's so predominant in pets."
It is unacceptable that disease has been around for at least a half-century and its cause is still unknown, he said.
Robinson's two other Great Pyrenees', Hudson and Murphy, are making the trek  with him. The two dogs are equipped with specially-designed, red "hiking boots" for all four paws.  The boots help protect the pads of their paws the elements and wear and tear.

With him 'in spirit'

Malcolm

Plans for the journey began last winter and it's expected to conclude in Boston in March 2009. The trio  recently crossed into Chickasaw State Park, 18 miles south of Jackson, Tenn.
Along the way, Robinson is meeting with pet owners and rescue workers to help raise awareness about canine cancer.
They also share stories of their memories and losses.
Malcolm was diagnosed with metastatic bone cancer in 2004.  As part of his treatment, Malcolm had his right front leg amputated and he received chemotherapy. 
The  treatments rarely cure bone cancer, an aggressive disease. At best, it slows the progression.  Often, bone cancer spreads to the lungs, as it did with Malcolm.
He found peace after a nearly two-year ordeal with the disease.
Robinson recalled that  Malcolm often appeared to be deep in thought.
"I used to call him my philosopher king," Robinson said. "He would look out the window, just studying and looking at things for hours on end."
The two also enjoyed golfing together, with Malcolm riding in the golf cart as a caddy.
As Robinson continues his journey, the memory of Malcolm is constant.
"His love and spirit with be with us all the way," Robinson said.

More information is available on the 2 Dogs, 2000 Miles Web site.
and blog.
 

 Related story:  Saving Zeus:  One dog's walk with cancer

Hudson and Murphy visit a farm