About the Dog - Marty (the Wonderdog) that is...
From as early as I can remember. Marty was always "the Wonderdog" to me. I remember picking him up as a tiny three-month-old puppy back in 1999. Discovering him at the rescue shelter together in a cage with three of his sisters from the litter -all three girls them beating the daylights out of him. How he instantly climbed up on my lap and started licking my face, nonstop - the licks that would continue (virtually nonstop) for the next 8 years.
Marty was a wonderful soul. Easily one of the most playful, loving and beautiful dogs I've ever seen. Nearly everybody who met him - after they'd had their face thoroughly licked by him - commented that he seemed like an ancient soul, put on this planet to be a teacher and a healer.
And when we first noticed the bump inside his mouth, the one that ended up being the tumor and ultimately took his life, I knew he deserved everything I could possibly do to help him. After all, he'd done it all, and more for me. So now it was my turn to give back to him and see what I could do to make his life is long and happy as possible.
The vet said that at most he had six months to live - and that was only if we put him on massive doses of radiation to shrink the tumor. They also said that that radiation therapy would cost $6,000 and have little chance of success. Actually no chance of success beyond the six month "remission" they thought they could create. It really wasn't an acceptable option for me.
So instead of following their traditional radiation therapy, I found alternative natural healing methods that kept Marty strong and alive for way longer than the vet thought possible. And I'm proud to say that throughout all he never once complained - and that he fought brave and strong, side by side with me for the next 18 months.
And I'm just as proud to say that throughout this time. He was living out his role as a teacher.
He was teaching me, so I can teach others how to care for their own dogs with cancer. And what they can do to get more time with their pets.
Even in his Death, I'm so Proud that
Marty (the Wonderdog) gets to Live On
as a Teacher and a Healer
I do so love the fact that Marty (the Wonderdog), even in his death, is getting to live on as a teacher and a healer - and that his memory continues through all the dogs he's helping to follow the path that he taught me in caring for his cancer.
And Now, I Get to Honor Him,
through the "Dog Cancer Ride Across America"
and the "Marty Miracle Fund"
An even better, now I can honor Marty's memory by creating the "Marty Miracle Fund" - a non-profit charity fund that helps other Wonderdogs and their owners pay for the care they so desperately need.
As much as I ride this summer for the thousands of dogs whose lives will be helped with the money we raise - in particular, I ride for the memory and honor of one dog - my Marty, the original Wonderdog
But as happy - and proud - as I plan to be when my bicycle hits Los Angeles, none of it will mean anything without your support... Because that's the only way to get these dogs - the sweet innocents who are dealing with a terrible disease - the much needed care they deserve...
That's why I'm asking you to visit my secure fundraising sponsorship page...
Just click on the "widget" below or go to www.firstgiving.com/dogcancerride
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help dogs get the care they need - so please, donate whatever you can...
And if you'd like, please consider a donation of $35 or more and you'll reserve a spot for your dog on the "Map of Heroes" - where you can post picture(s) of your dog cancer hero (living or passed) and create a tribute that you can share with the world.
To learn more, click on the map below
to visit the...
Click on the "widget" to donate today!!
July 1, 2008 - Portland, OR (Marty's home for the end of his life)
through August 1, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA (the place where Marty was born)
32 Days - 1,329 Miles
(one sore butt... and 100% worth the effort)
Please Click on the Link to Donate Now
