2 Dogs 2,000 Miles
Visit the Official Site: http://www.2dogs2000miles.com/
Follow 2 Dogs, 2,000 Miles on Twitter
Introducing: 2 Dogs, 2000 Miles
DOG TALK® and CAT CHAT® will be following Luke every week and rooting for him and his handsome Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy, as they take a 2,000 mile journey on foot to bring attention to the epidemic of canine cancer in the United States. They want to help fund research to find solutions to the heartbreak of cancer, and also along the way to reach out to folks who have lost dogs to cancer - as Luke did with Malcolm, who inspired this walk. Please go to the www.2dogs2000miles.com website and pledge what you can for a terrific cause.
UPDATE: July 2009
2 Dogs, 2,000 Miles on Pittsburgh News (Video)
UPDATE: June 2009
Did you hear the interview with Luke thanking Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins for arranging complimentary Vectra 3D to protect his dogs from ticks on their 2,000 mile walk? Well then you heard him say how ticks were crawling off the dogs at night and onto Luke's hair? So this is a picture of grumpy Luke wearing the hair net he had to get to protect himself. But now that Hudson& Murphy are protected by Vectra 3D, Luke can sleep at night. And Dr. Elizabeth has arranged a baseball cap with permethrin (like Vectra 3D has in it) to keep him safe during the day. Luke said on the air that if the Vectra had not come on board that he was seriously considering abandoning the 2 Dogs 2000 Mile walk because of the tick infestations they were walking through and attracting by the hundreds. Now tick free, we can all shout "Hurray for Vectra 3D!"
UPDATE - May 2009
This came in from Luke, who is walking to raise awareness of canine cancer and help raise money for a cure:
Dear Tracie - When we first met and you learned about my 2,000 mile walk with my Great Pyrenees from Austin to Boston, you started calling me the 'Johnny Appleseed' of canine cancer. Man, I've been wrestling with that for sometime but I've finally accepted my role in all this. You saw it from the very beginning.
I wish I would've called into DOG TALK® yesterday & talked to your expert on the topic because we're walking in one of the worst tick seasons anybody's ever seen. They're not so bad in the south because we have fire ants — now it's like I traded fire ants for ticks & I don't think it's a fair trade anymore.
We've had a tough week on the road - Murphy's been very sick but it seems he's on the mend now. At least he's well enough now to pull a prank on his papi http://twitpic.com/4vekx
Puppy up!
Hudson, Murphy, & Luke
Hudson on the road, taking a breather. Note his hiking boots.
How cool is this: my newest website sponsor, the organic biscuit company Wagatha's (in my new home state of Vermont) are not only supplying Luke's dogs Hudson & Murphy with an unlimited supply of their delicious biscuits to keep them happy on the road, but they are also donating large boxes of the biscuits to all the shelters Luke visits during his journeys. They're also sending samples for Luke to hand out wherever there are gatherings of people supporting his mission to raise funds and awareness for the cure of canine cancers.
And if that synergy weren't wonderful enough, my new pen pal Princess Daisy (funniest damn blog I have ever read), got a whiff of Wagatha's through my intervention and is now their most enthusiastic ingester and biggest cheerleader (have a look at that blog on the page I have on the website for Wagatha's). And then when she found out about 2 Dogs 2000 Miles she was all over that like fleas on a cat - have a look.
Daisy & Bob's "Puppy Up!" Blog Entry
So the other day when I was not feeling all that well, and frankly feeling a bit sorry for myself, I thought about my Auntie Tracie Hotchner and that she would be sad if I lost my spirit so early in the race. She reminded me about our friends, The Big Dog, Hudson & Murphy who are currently walking 2000 miles from Austin to Boston (yes really) to make people more aware and to raise money for the benefit of cancer research in dogs... Read Daisy & Bob's entire "Puppy Up!" Blog here.
My wonderful new online partner, Dogster.com and Catster.com (my Daily Tips will be appearing on both sites soon) completely embraced Luke's mission.
Here is what founder Ted Rheingold said to me - followed by the link to his really heartfelt blog on Dogster.com.
Thanks for letting us know about Luke and Dogs. We'll be doing regular updates and promoting from other places on the site. Sharing heartwarming stories is one of the things we enjoy the most. Ted's blog post.
Dogster.com Embraces the 2 Dogs 2000 Miles Walk
Dogster.com founder Ted Rheingold recently wrote a lovely blog (see it on this page) about Big Dog Luke's walk with his Boys, as he calls Hudson and Murphy. And this was Luke's note back to him - all of which captures the essence and heart of this extraordinary trio as they trudge eastward.
Ted,
Thank you for capturing both the spirit and intent of our walk in your blog today. I could not have conveyed it better myself. As well, I appreciate that you realize how little I try to make this about me and my boy, Malcolm other than the he was the initial inspiration. As I tell everyone, Hudson and Murphy are the real celebrities - I'm just the guy carrying their luggage.
Indeed, we could not face the many challenges on the road ahead if it wasn't for all of our supporters, the loved ones they have lost, and the angels who not only walk with us but watch over us. Thank you for bringing us into your community.
Very truly
Your Big Dog and Hudson & Murphy, too!!!
puppy up!*
Website http://2dogs2000miles.com
Blog http://2dogs2000miles.blogspot.com/
Forum http://forums.delphiforums.com/2dogs2000miles
Map http://www.communitywalk.com/2dogs2000miles
* puppy up is a registered trademark
Tracie,
Hope this finds you and yours well. Everyone at 2dogs2000miles is doing great. I wanted to take a moment of your time to let you know that I have been in contact with Norman Levitz of Wagathas. If you don't mind I'd like to brag about this gentleman and his generosity. Not only is Wagathas providing organic doggie biscuits and treats for Murphy and Hudson, they are also donating 10lb bags to *each shelter* that Luke works at along the way. I can't tell you how much fun it was to call the Humane society of Clark County and the Texarkana Animal Shelter and ask them to keep an eye out for their package. Not only does Wagathas have great products, they also have great big hearts too.
As I type this Luke is braving triple digit heat and a summer thunderstorm on the Arkansas HWY 67. Due to the heat, Murphy and Hudson are cooling their paws at a volunteer's home. Luke will be on the west side of Little Rock by tomorrow. That puts him right on schedule for Memphis. Speaking of Memphis, I heard you on the show asking for details about the events. On Saturday Aug 2nd, Luke Robinson and his dogs have been invited as guests to the Dog Days of Summer 5k event and 1-mile fun run at Shelby Farms Park Conservancy to benefit Fayette County Animal Rescue. Registration starts at 7AM and the race begins at 8 AM. Later that day, friends and supporters of the walk as well as area animal lovers are invited to participate in a ceremonial walk with Robinson and his dogs starting at 4:45 pm from the corner of Main Street and Court
Square to The Majestic Grille to celebrate Hudson's second birthday and party in downtown Memphis. "This is our second major milestone and we plan on spending a few days here celebrating, exploring the city, and meeting some of its wonderful people" says Robinson. Walkers should arrive by 5pm and are encouraged to bring their dogs.
Then Sunday, the 3rd, he and his Pyrenees will be at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County(935 Farm Road, Memphis, TN 38134) for an afternoon of fun, food, and games. Events begin at 11am and include musical entertainment, an old style auction, vendors, and a presentation on Robinson's adventures. Anyone interested in being a vendor, give me a call. Thanks again for all you do to help Luke and the Boys on their quest.
Lori
P.S. Please feel free to include my number 903-714-6193 and email lori@2dogs2000miles.org for vendors, sponsors, affilliates. Volunteers (walk with the boys, water drops, housing, helping with research,,etc) please contact kathy@2dogs2000miles.org. Or, of course any of us can make sure they find the person to help them.
I just got this lovely letter from a man who met Big Dog Luke and the Big Dogs on their journey:
My name is Jim Knight and I live in Texarkana, Texas and listened to your show on the 14th with the interview with Luke of 2Dogs2000 Miles. I just wanted to give you a little background on that place called Texarkana, as I heard on your show. My town is divided by the Texas-Arkansas state border which runs through the middle of the town. One of the big photos shoots in my town takes place at the U.S. Post Office here as they are located directly in both states with a photo island out front that gets a huge amount of tourists. They are able to be photographed standing in two states at once and this is a big attraction. I would send you some photos of Luke and his boys doing there walk down the state lines but it would not do much good for radio.
One of the big events on this walk of Luke's was this was his first official state crossing and we had a fair turnout when he made the crossing on June 7th,2008. I was there at our gathering so I could meet him and his boys as this is a worthy cause he has undertaken. Since the cancer in dogs is almost identical to humans, he is trying to get medical research to take in dogs that have cancer which will give the researchers a model to work with, reduce the number of other animals that have to be sacrificed for lab experiments, and hopefully lead to cures for both dogs as well as humans. So this is a win win situation for everyone especially the researchers. It is great that you have decided to support his cause and get the word out to people, I would like to "Thank You" myself for being a champion on the animals. There will a special place for you when our time comes as you care for these wonderful creatures that bless our lives. I know mine is better because of my special Boxer friend. Having lost a Boxer before the Boxer I have now to a tumor, Luke and his boys are special to me. It was an honor to meet him and his kid's when he crossed over the state line into Arkansas in our place called Texarkana. My Boxer got to meet his kids also and it was great having him around town as he worked at our animal shelter while he was here as he has a true love for dogs. I support him wholeheartedly as not many people actually do something for these wonderful 4 legged friends of our and is fantastic what you are doing for him. Also I love your show as you seem to be a true champion for dogs as well thus I admire you for being a spokesperson. Keep up your wonderful work and being a champion for our animals, God bless you! Have a great week.
Dear Jim
What a lovely man you are - your open-heartedness is a pleasure to encounter, in a world where people don't really express themselves freely much of the time.
Your support of Luke and Hudson and Murphy means so much - I feel for your loss and I know that this walk is going to take us to the day where it is the rare exception when a dog gets cancer and not the predictable rule that they will be stricken, as is now the case.
You'll be proud to know that your support is being joined by the most prestigious research foundation in the veterinary world - the Morris Animal Foundation - who are going to support 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles in every way they can, and will eventually be the recipients of the money Luke raises,
Thank you for your kind words and for being part of what inspires this walk.
—Tracie
Tracie,
Thank you as well for your kind words. It is fanastic news you have delivered a research facility to Luke and the boys. I know you have played a major part in this happening. Anyone that listens to your show would definitely want you backing them and "Thank You" for being able to line up the best research facility to back the 2Dogs 2000 miles cause. You are a special lady and as I said before there will be special place for you. Thank you!
Jim Knight
I didn't even know how many people have volunteered to guide and shepherd and supply and support Luke and dogs on their journey. I got this lovely letter from Kathy, the volunteer chairperson, and you can see why everyone is so enthused about Luke's walk:
Hi Tracie~
I know you're busy, so I'll try to be brief and relatively personal. :)
I just wanted to drop you a line to say "thank you" for all that you are doing for us on many levels. The belief in our mission that you've shown(and publicly demonstrated) means more than words can say, both professionally and personally. The professional level can mean that we finally find the cause(s) of cancer; find ways to prevent it as well as cure it.
On a more personal level; for those of us who have battled this dreaded disease and lost loved ones, and those who are still in battle (such as Mark with his dog Marshmellow) it means the world to know there is hope. True-maybe not for those of us who lost the battle, but in their memory and for those going forward; we can give others something to hold onto-give them a fighting chance, and for that; I cannot thank you enough.
On Jan 31,2008 when I lost my beloved Maggie to Hemangiosarcoma not even 2 short weeks after diagnosis; my world changed forever. She displayed virtually no signs of anything wrong till after Christmas (long story, but I believe it was somehow food related since my other dogs became sick as well, though they recovered) and then suddenly she has this "alien" inside her attacking her spleen, liver, intestines, and ultimately attaching itself to her stomach and abdominal wall, forcing me to give Maggie her Wings rather than saving her life-at least for a while.
She was my world - that "one" dog who taught me what real love and devotion means...one like none other that I've found in rescue or animal advocacy-we were half of each other. She taught me to always try to strive to be a better person, and, well; I stumble a lot in that arena-but I remember her mission and I try again. :)
Tracie; short of abuse, I can't think of anything I hate more than cancer now; and I know, I know the answer is out there-and we (together) just have to find it. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for facilitating this search.
With Respect,
puppy up!
Kathy
Volunteer Chairperson
kathy@2dogs2000miles.org
Website http://2dogs2000miles.org
http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=876643
