It was 11:00 A.M. on a Tuesday, in March 2007, when I got the phone call that changed my life. It was the vet, calling to tell me that the bump we'd noticed in my dog Marty's mouth was, indeed, the late stages of full blown cancer.
And so began my journey into the world of Canine Cancer care.
Because as much as the vets tried to convince me that Marty had only 3 - 6 months to live, max - I was lucky to have some friends who knew better. They taught me natural treatments that helped me care for Marty and keep him strong and healthy for almost 18 months - amazing "bonus time" that I got to spend with my friend and companion of 8-1/2 years. And with Marty's success I began my journey as a dog cancer author and mentor. I wrote the book Curing Canine Cancer as my "one stop" guide to teach other dog owners what we'd learned, and help them care for their dogs in need.
Until then I was just your average "Corporate Lawyer... turned Massage Therapist... turned Internet Marketer" (you know us, a dime a dozen - from Michigan Law School, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and one of the top law firms in the country... to giving massages at day spas and typing away on my laptop computer at Starbucks coffee houses in my hometown of Portland Oregon - Trust me, my mother wasn't exactly thrilled...).
Now I was Working for a Higher Cause
But now I was working for a higher cause. Helping, as best I can, dog owners face their own times of need and despair. And loving that I could help, and the grateful messages I receive in the process. (Last Thanksgiving, one of my clients actually wrote to tell me that "this Thanksgiving we're giving thanks FOR YOU - and all that you've done to help us with our dog... " Now that's cool!)
But as many people as I can help, the same problem keeps coming up over and over again - Clients who desperately want to help their dogs - to give them the same chances that I gave Marty - but who simply can't afford to pay for their dog's care.
So, while I'd do my best to console them, donate a copy of my book "Curing Canine Cancer" to their dog's care, and point them to the few, underfunded charities that they could petition for assistance - I finally decided that I needed to do something about it...
I Finally Decided That I Needed to
Do Something About It
And that's why I'm riding this summer across America - 4,281 miles in 82 days - Pacific to Atlantic - to raise money to help these dogs - these sweet innocent victims of this terrible disease - get the care they deserve.
As I write this message (April, 2008) I've still got a LOT of training to go. And while I'm definitely nervous, I'm sure I'll make it in the end. I'm a pretty athletic guy, after all - in the the past I've completed a marathon (Los Angeles back in 1993) and rode my bicycle 572 Miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles as part of charity fundraising events in 1998 & 1999. But nothing compares to the challenge of this ride. It's the most ambitious thing I've ever done - and in many ways it's also the the most satisfying and exciting.
But none of what I do this summer will mean anything without your support...
After all,
I'm just one man, who cared for 1 dog - and, alone, there's only so much I can do to help.
Together, There's So Much That We Can Do
That's why I'm asking you to visit my secure fundraising sponsorship page and help to make a difference... 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...
But if you'd consider a donation of $35 or more, you'll also 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.
Thank you all, for your kind words - and for your generous support. These dogs need your help - and I'm just happy I have the bicycle to get it for them.
To learn more about the Map of Heroes,
just
click on the map below...
Or click on the "widget" below to visit my secure fundraising page and make your donation to save a dog's life...
Click on the "widget" to donate today!!
The Dog Cancer Ride Across America
May 25, 2008 - Astoria, OR (right toe in the Pacific)
through August 14, 2008 - Atlantic Ocean (left toe in the Atlantic)
82 Days - 4,281 Miles
(one sore butt... and 100% worth the effort)
