Besides euthanasia, cancer is the number one killer of domestic dogs over the age of two. Statistics suggest 1 out of every 4 dogs will develop cancer. Grim as it is, canine oncology is one of the fastest growing fields in veterinary medicine.

Numerous studies are underway to find new ways of treating the various manifestations of canine cancer. One of the most interesting ramifications of these studies is the discovery that canine cancers are of the same types from which humans suffer, making canine cancer patients the ideal models for research - without the need to use lab animals. Pre-existing canine cancer patients are plentiful. There is no need to induce cancer in animals for research purposes or support any organizations that harm or induce cancer for the sake of ‘research’.

Many foundations exist that sponsor the vital research on treatment that helps to save both human and canine lives. The fabulous project, 2 Dogs 2000 Miles is taking a different approach and conquering cancer from a new perspective.

Inspired by the loss of his beloved companion, Malcolm, Luke Robinson has started a 2,000 mile journey, accompanied by his two great Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy. Dedicated to finding the cause of canine cancer, the walk is generating money that will be used to finance the first ever nationwide epidemiological study on cancer in dogs. Finding the cause provides hope for man and his best friend that there will be a path to prevention and/or more successful and less invasive therapies.

Luke and his dynamic duo started their journey in Austin, Texas and plan to make the trek to Boston. They’ll be stopping along the way for press events and of course, plenty of rest! Luke’s top priority is the health and safety of his dogs and has drawn up thorough contingency plans in addition to traveling with a first aid kit. Luke expects this journey to last about 8 months, more if inclement weather or health issues arise.

The trio are receiving plenty of press in addition to a growing list of corporate sponsors and supporters. They are drawing positive attention to an issue that directly affects humans, helping to raise awareness and funds. The money will go directly to The Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) to be used in this revolutionary study. The ACF works to ensure that those afflicted receive the best possible treatment. They do not fund research that would either harm or induce cancer in dogs. The ACF has two major goals, the first to fund and develop research focused on the biological similarity of cancer in dogs and humans, providing insight and treatments to benefit both; the second goal is to provide information to the scientific community and public regarding the similarity of human and canine cancers, utilizing comparative oncology to provide state of the art treatments, prevention and ultimately, eradication of cancer.

For more information on this great cause, to donate or volunteer, please visit 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. You can also follow Luke, Hudson and Murphy’s journey by visiting their blog.

Good luck to Luke, Hudon and Murphy and wishing them safe travels and success in their courageous and meaningful endeavor!

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My mom always says she tries to copy my attitude. I am totally relaxed.

Wherever I go, thats where I am, whomever I am with, thats who to lick and cuddle. There is no sense getting stressed about things like car rides, baths or the vet…I pretty much just enjoy being me and whatever comes my way, I think its an opportunity to make new friends and play!

Plus, there’s always something new and fun to do!

New places and people to sniff, new places to mark my territory…and really, when I am at a loss for how to occupy myself, I just lick my nether regions for a while and then take a nap.

You humans could really take a cue from me. I believe smiling and tail wagging is the best policy - at all times.

My sister, Ella Bean doesn’t like change. She prefers a schedule - otherwise she gets all nervous and shaky. I always tell her to just chill…theres always more food, treats and people to love.

She claims this to be untrue and she comes from a doggie jail where there wasn’t good eats or lots of lovin’. I tell her, relax! That’s the past! Live in the moment and don’t waste a second enjoying all the great things that have come your way! If your busy shaking in the corner, you just might miss a really good treat.

Slobbers,

LR

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The fact is, all dogs have the potential to bite. Never provoke a dog by sticking your hand in a strange dog’s face or staring them directly in the eyes. Click here for a link on how to avoid being the victim of a dog attack.

Our dog loving culture depicts dogs as loyal and friendly, we know them to be man’s best friend! What happens when the tables turn and movies, media and print showcase the opposite of the friendly pooch we are used to? Here is a list of ten dogs whose fame was due to their anger and ferocity, rather then loyalty and love!

1. Cujo

OK, I know, Cujo is an obvious one. The Stephen King novel turned horror movie featured this friendly St. Bernard who becomes rabid and terrorizes the characters. Clearly, avoiding rabid dogs is a good idea. On a side note - I recently read a great article in The BARK Magazine where the voice actor, Alysia Gray Painter, who did the canine sounds for the movie Cujo explained the difficulty of turning the sweet, lovable St. Bernard actor into a monster. Between the sound effects and makeup - Cujo is still one dog I would not recommend making pals with!

2. Sam - Winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

The now deceased Chinese Crested, Sam, who won the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California three consecutive times (2003, 2004 and 2005). The pictures speaks volumes. I love dogs, but I know I’d run screaming if I saw this pooch approaching me! In spite of his appearance, Sam was well loved by his owners and his passing at age 15 was a devastating blow to his family. Rest in Peace, Sam!

3. The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is so famous for his unpredictable personality that many homeowners insurance policies won’t even include the breed! Anyone who caught the Chow Chow episode of Groomer Has It! on Animal Planet knows what I am talking about! One of the oldest breeds of dogs, DNA tests confirm that the Chow Chow was developed over 4,000 years ago. Chow Chows are cute and fluffy looking, however, when not properly socialized they can be aggressive. A distinguishing physical feature of the Chow-Chow is his purplish-blue tongue. That said, like any breed, a properly socialized Chow Chow can make a great pet and companion as long as the knowledgeable owner takes his charge seriously.

4. Puffy, the terrier from There’s Something About Mary (after he ate the amphetamine spiked treats)

Owned by Mary’s (Cameron Diaz) neighbor, Magda, Puffy had discriminate taste when it came to men. Both Mary and Magda relied on Puffy’s character judgment when dating. After Matt Dillon’s character fed amphetamines to Puffy, in effort to thwart Ben Stiller’s character’s attempt to woo Mary, the Puff-ster attacked and clamped down onto Stiller’s privates. Yikes. Amphetamines and terriers don’t mix!

5. Devil Dog: The Hound From Hell

This 1975 cult classic horror made-for TV movie about a family who adopts a dog - only to later find out their pooch is possessed by demonic forces…chaos ensues!

6. Trouble Helmsley

Trouble, the 8 year old Maltese, was left a $12 million dollar trust when her owner and companion, Leona M. Helmsley “The Queen of Mean” passed away in 2007. Taking after her notoriously nasty mistress, the uber-wealthy dog is the target of a lawsuit by Zamfira Sfara, 48, a former housekeeper for Mrs. Helmsley, who claims that Trouble caused permanent nerve damage after Ms. Sfara sustained multiple bites from Trouble. Trouble had been the target of multiple accusations for her biting ways! Meanwhile, Trouble’s inheritance has been reduced to $2 Million. I wouldn’t want to be in the same room as the dog when she gets news of her trust reduction!

7. A Pack of Angry Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have become extremely popular in mainstream culture, however, they aren’t famous for their kindness! In an extremely odd news story that took place in Fremont, California in December 2005, a pack of five chihuahuas attacked a police officer. The officer sustained bites to his ankle, however was able to return to duty later that same day. Ouch. Also of note, Chihuahuas tend to be ‘one person’ dogs and not really like children. My apologies to chihuahuas everywhere. I underestimated you.

8. The War Dog of Brittannia

A now extinct breed of dog, the War Dog of Brittannia is one of the progenitors of the modern dog breed known as the English Mastiff. Used in ancient battles, these dogs outmatched all other war dogs in neighboring regions. Immortalized in paintings and other memorials, these war dogs were intensely loyal to their humans. The modern Mastiff is one of the world’s largest dogs in terms of mass and while calm and affectionate with his humans, he will act protective and guard against any harm. In spite of his threatening appearance and guarding instincts, the breed is known to be gentle, calm and good natured with people he knows.

9. Frank, The Alien Dressed as a Pug in Men in Black

Frank, a pug in the 1997 movie, Men in Black, is actually an extra-terrestrial being in disguise. He is an alien dressed as a dog. Freaky! Frank also appeared in the sequel, Men in Black II. Frank was actually played by a well trained dog named Mushu and Tim Blaney provides the voice. Assuming Frank was real, I think its probably wise to avoid aliens dressed as dogs!

10. Son of Sam Dog

David Berkowitz, also known as Son of Sam told police upon his capture that a black Labrador Retriever, ‘told’ Berkowitz to go on a yearlong murder spree - resulting in 6 dead and 7 wounded. Eventually, Berkowitz would shoot the black Lab, whose name was actually Harvey. Harvey was saved from the shooting by a veterinarian.

In an attempt to plead insanity at his trial, Berkowitz tried to convince the court that demons had told him to kill through the dog, Harvey. The insanity plea was dismissed and David Berkowitz continues to serve his 365 year sentence in prison. I guess running into Harvey is only scary if Berkowitz’s claims were true…

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