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Dog Walk for Cancer Will March On Despite Set Back Save Email Print
Posted: 5:46 PM May 9, 2008
Last Updated: 11:09 PM May 9, 2008
Reporter: Kristen Ross
Email Address: ross@kbtx.com


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Man's best friend is said to be his dog.

Last month, we first told you about a man and his two best friends walking from Austin to Boston to raise awareness about canine cancer. Their quest took them as far as East Texas.

Now, a sudden brush with the disease has brought them back to the Brazos Valley looking for help.

It's been a long journey for Luke Robinson and two dogs, Hudson and Murphy. Now, the journey may have just gotten a little bit harder.

"I found a lump on Murphy's leg last Friday, and this is after he had seen three vets in a very short period of time," said Luke Robinson with 2 Dogs 2,000 miles.

That's when Robinson made the decision to take a detour on their cross-country adventure and head back to a town they had already passed through. He decided to bring Murphy to Texas A&M's Veterinary School.

"His dog, Murphy, had suddenly begun to limp within the last seven to ten days," Texas A&M veterinary oncologist Dr. Kenita Rogers said. "Knowing his history, he was also concerned because he had another dog die of bone cancer, and he had been to another vet who had taken some X-rays and was concerned about that as well."

Dr. Rogers took some X-rays of her own, and came back with some good news for Luke and his two best friends. The lump on Murphy's leg doesn't appear to be cancerous at this time, but instead just some sort of injury, or infection he picked up along the way.

"In a dog of this breed, we're always concerned with bone cancer, but it was an unusual location for that. It's not painful for him yet," Rogers said. "So we're quite hopeful it's not cancer."

But to keep a watchful eye on it, Murphy will be seeing a veterinarian every two weeks to get his leg checked, and will also be taking some time off from his big adventure.

But the walk will go on.

"It certainly keeps me motivated, and I'm redoubling my efforts. Murphy has to rest the next two weeks, so Hudson and I are going to get back on the road and we're going to walk fast and furious," Robinson said.

Even though there's still a lot of ground to cover, Luke says one way or another, the three of them will make it to Boston.

Murphy will be staying with different families along the path to Boston until he gets the all clear to hit the road again.

Luke's walk is not just about raising awareness for canine cancer, but also human cancer as well. The two cancers have more in common than one might think.

"A lot of different diseases animals have, and cancer is a good example of that, actually have correlates in people," Rogers said. "So some of things we learn from animals with cancer are directly applicable to people as well."

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Posted by: Sandy Location: Austin on May 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Get well soon Murphy! You both are soooo loved by your Dad and all the people following you! In my prayers, Luke, Murphy and Hudson!

Posted by: Janet Location: Pyr Rescuer on May 11, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Hi Susan, yes Pyrenees do have a lot of fur and like all dogs they need to be watched for signs of overheating. But the Pyrenees is capable working in warm conditions such as desert locations or very hot southern summer days on ranches and farms, those dogs don't get the time out to come inside even or the frequent vet checks and they are fine. They are always outside in the elements. Check out the organizations website (2dogs2000miles.org), the precautions being taken are amazing. There are booties for the dogs to keep their feet safe and they have vet checks on a monthly basis. I work w/ this breed and have done research on the breed characteristics and personally have no concerns w/ this walk. These 2 dogs get more attention than a lot of family pets even do, so any changes in their health are noticed instantly. Personally my pyr would sell her double dew claws for a chance to get this much walking in. It's an amazing and extremely hearty working breed that needs 'a job'.

Posted by: Prayers and well wishes Location: Leon County on May 9, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Get better real soon Murphy, you have a good Pop that must love you very much. Mr. Robinson be safe and best wishes to you and your pups. My prayers are with you all.

Posted by: Susan Location: college Station on May 9, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Are we the only family that saw the original story about this guy walking his two Great Pyrenees dogs along highways to raise money for dog cancer and think he is "CRAZY"? This breed of dog has a lot of hair and walking on "HOT" Texas roads will make them over heat and burn the pads on their feet!! I sure hope someone from the local Animal Shelter will keep an eye on this guy and how he treats these poor dogs!!!