This weekend there are over 23 Puppy Up! walks across the country, a few have been rescheduled due to Sandy.
The fuzzybutts and I are headed to Little Rock today on our way to Texoma tomorrow. You can find a puppy up walk near you at our website. Wish we could clone ourselves and be at every walk this weekend... have a ton of fun, spread the spirit of hope and belief, & always...
Puppy Up Baby!
Book it... Done
October 23, 2012, 12:10 pm
The first part of the Summer of Murphy Tour is complete.... 25 cities, over 9,000 miles so far, dozens of media interviews, and tons of new friends made....
I gotta say, one of the things that touched me the most is meeting people in towns we didn't walk through and never even met that are putting on Puppy Up! Walks this year. It's truly humbling to witness first hand the ripple effect...
I haven't fully processed the enormity of the experience yet but it was markedly different than the Austin to Boston walk. The countless stories we heard and filmed from all of the people touched by cancer were profoundly effecting.
When we started out, I thought I knew how to tell the Summer of Murphy documentary but now I am uncertain. I thought I knew exactly what I was up against and the nature of this fight but it's bigger than what I anticipated.
But we captured all of it on film in the hopes that we can tell this, our story, all of our stories, in a way that's never been told before. Though it appears Fish & I have two weeks off til Texas, we have a ton of meetings and filming in the interim.
Tomorrow, we're heading to the city (NYC) to film people on the street and find out what they know about comparative oncology a la Jay Leno's Jaywalking. That'll be interesting. Then we're going to Hartsdale Pet Cemetary and a number of other places.
Next week, we'll be shooting and interviewing in DC. I've contacted the FDA to discover exactly what their policies are on imported pet food and plan to meet with an advocacy group there as well. I'm trying to setup a press conference there but it seems everyone's distracted with a presidential election or something. Don't get me started...
Then we'll make our way to Denison for the November 4th walk and will spend the following week with additional interviews for the documentary.
Thank you to all of the city organizers who were gracious hosts and did a great job of setting up events and interviews. Puppy Up! Y'all... Yer Big Dog... and a very tired one at that.
Tour Events - the Nutmeg State
October 20, 2012, 6:35 am
We're at the tail end of the Tour with only a few more opportunities to see the fuzzybutts.
Today October 20th, we'll be at the Modern Dog in Madison from 11:30 til 1pm and following that we'll walk a few doors down to the RJ Julia Book Cellars Cafe and Bistro for some coffee and conversation until 2 pm.
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Sunday October 21st
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
A benefit for 2 Million Dogs in New Milford CT at the New Milford Green. Registration begins at 12:00 and the parade begins at 1:00.
Hudson on the Hudson
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Poughkeepsie NY
Not technically in the Nutmeg State but we'll be at the Walkway over the Hudson for a Meet and Greet. We'll congregate on the Poughkeepsie side and then cross the Hudson river
Denison Ho
October 18, 2012, 1:31 pm
And no, I'm not referring to the lovely ladies there...
The Texoma Puppy Up! Walk is where the fabulous fuzzybutts will be on the last stop of the Summer of Murphy Tour November 4th.
Outstanding job to everyone this year and to Pam and Jeri for their hard work and dedication to the cause.
I have something very special planned this year and you'll want to be there so sign up for the Texoma walk and come out and join us.
Tour Events - New Jersey
October 14, 2012, 10:47 pm
Monday, October 15th
Clinton, NJ
Event Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm Event Location: Barkleys Gourmet Marketplace Event Address: 79 Main St. In Flemington, NJ Event Details: Meet and Greet
Event Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm Event Location: Clinton Book Shop Event Address: 12 East Main Street; Clinton, NJ 08809 Event Details: Meet and Greet
Tuesday, October 16th
Jersey City, NJ
Event Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm Event Location: Carmine’s Pizza Factory Event Address: 366 8th St. (Corner of Brunswick) Jersey City Event Details: Meet and Greet Pizza Party with Luke and the boys, Pizza Toss and Puppy Up! sing a long
Wednesday, October 17th
Event Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Event Location: Joe’s Crab Shack Event Address: 405 Allwood Road, Clifton, NJ Event Details: Meet and Greet with Luke and the fuzzybutts to crack crabs and kick cancer’s butt! A portion of your dinner check will be donated to 2 Million Dogs.
Upcoming Tour Events - Pittsburgh
October 10, 2012, 9:41 am
Wednesday, October 10th Meet and Greet Burton's Total Pet Event Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Event Location: 1025 Washington Pike. Bridgeville, PA Friday, October 12th
Meet and Greet New Castle, PA Event Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm Event Location: Zambelli Park in downtown New Castle That's definite - rain option will be at Lanigans across the street Event Address: Corner of Washington and Mill Streets,New Castle, PA 16101
Saturday, October 13th
Western PA Humane Society Family Reunion! Monessen, PA 11am-1 pm Round Hill Park in Elizabeth
Rain or Shine... Please dress appropriately for the weather! Please register in advance to be assured a goody bag!
Hayrides through the farm (people only) Blessing of the Pets at noon Food, vendors, games Ask the vet, ask the Humane Officer, and more Agility Demonstrations Try-it-yourself agility course for you and your dog
Saturday October 13
Event Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm Event Location: The Pet Market Event Address: Rostraver Shopping Center; 1741 Rostraver Road; Belle Vernon, PA 15012 ( 724.243.3202) Event Details: A Meet & Greet with Luke, Hudson & Indy
Sunday, October 14th
Puppy Up! Walk Monessen, PA Event Time: Registration 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Event Location: Monessen City Park Walking Track Event Address: 1925 Grand Blvd; Monessen, PA 15062 Event Details: The 2012 Puppy Up! Walk. The Puppy Up! Walk will take place from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Closing ceremony to take place from 3:15 – 3:30 pm. Luke Robinson has been invited to speak at both the opening and closing ceremonies.
The 14th Of
October 3, 2012, 8:38 am
So I had this idea a ways back.
If 2 dogs could walk 2,000 miles for cancer we could get 2 million dogs all over the country to walk. On the same day and at the same time. I'm a very visual person and the impact of that would send shockwaves across the nation. Literally - if we had a bunch of big dogs pounding the pavement in synchronicity.
We chose the first Sunday in November for no reason other than auspicious weather in most parts of the country and out of respect for other walks.
This year, we have 25 cities walking on the exact same day (the others are rebels) but the Fuzzybutts can only be at one of them. And this year, it's the final stop on the first Summer of Murphy tour and I have something special in store and you don't want to miss it.
But it's not up to me. It's up to you. The city that raises the most money by October 14th is where we'll be and you can click here to sign up for your local walk, start a team, and start fundraising.
Upcoming Tour Events - Ohio
October 2, 2012, 5:25 pm
I love the buckeye state especially Cincinnati, the city of 7 hills. It has the Purple People pedestrian bridge (pictured nearby) and it's where, when we walked through Over-the-Rhine, Hudson almost got a cap busted in his ass.
It's the first time that the Tour has returned us to familiar territory and I can't wait to see our old friends there.
Friday, October 5th Cincinnati, OH
Pet People Event time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Event Location: PetPeople Pet Store 7341 Tylers Corner Drive Event Address: West Chester, OH 45069 Event Details: It's Grand Opening Week at Pet People. Join Us for a Meet and Greet with the Fabulous Fuzzybutts
Saturday, October 6th
Miami Whitewater Forest Event Time: 10:00 am — 1:00pm Event Location: Miami Whitewater Forest Event Address: 9001 Mt. Hope Road; Harrison, OH 45030 Event Details: ‘Coffee with Luke’ A Meet & Greet which will be held at the Harbor area patio.
Animal Friends Event Time: 3pm - 4:30pm Event Location: Animal Friends Humane Society Event Address: 1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 Event Details: Meg Stephenson, the director of Animal Friends and the lady in the bright yellow shirt in the pic nearby, was a big, big help to us when we walked through Cincy and I look forward to spending time at their new shelter that was in design phase back then.
Sunday, October 7th Columbus, OH
Event Time: 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm Event Location: Village Green in the heart of downtown Olde Worthington Event Address: Corner of 161 and High St in Worthington Event Details: Worthington Organized Off-Leash Friends (WOOF) is excited to host the 4th Annual Fido Fest to benefit the new dog park at Godown Road.
Monday, October 8th
The Murphy Mobile will be at the two locations and times:
From 3-5 PM. Petco. 3251 Seajay Dr. Beavercreek, OH From 6-8 PM. Pet Supplies Plus. 987 S. Main St Centerville, OH
Half Time
October 2, 2012, 11:52 am
Things are measured mostly by time and by space and geographically and temporally, we're right at the half way mark of the Summer of Murphy Tour here in Chicago.
It's been one helluva journey so far and thanks a zillion to the city leaders who have been most excellent hosts. Every meet and greet, interview, and heart-to-heart we've had has been informative, affecting, and inspirational.
I've learned so much since we set off on the Tour in September, some 6,000 miles ago about myself and this mission. I don't have time to go into it in depth - all of you have done such an exceptional job of scheduling back-to-back events that it has left little time between towns to write and reflect about the many, many experiences we've had but rest assured, none of them have been lost.
Tish has filmed almost a terabyte of footage for the documentary. That's about 1/75th the amount of data publicly available at the Library of Congress. It's not really a fair comparison since that's mostly text but you can get a sense of how many hundreds of hours of video and thousands of photos we've amassed.
We're trying to be more consistent in posting and sharing our adventures from the Tour in real time but we may just have to settle for now with periodic updates. But no doubt about it - a great story is unfolding and here's a sampling of some of the episodes so far: 'Poops on Parade', 'Sniffy and Donut', 'Hand on Balls', 'Meat Bill and the Fuzz', 'Fish and Squid', 'Call Steve' and 'Karma bit me in the Ass'. Writing this just now it almost sounds like we're shooting 'Fuzzybutts Gone Wild'.
But that's how fun, fascinating, and exciting the Summer of Murphy Tour has been. And we still have a dozen or so cities to go... The Murphy Mobile moves on... Next stop Indianapolis.
Upcoming Tour Events - Liberty Missouri
September 27, 2012, 9:30 am
It's a Fuzzybutt Fall! Come out to meet the notorious knuckleheads at and see the Murphy Mobile:
Liberty's Fall Festival
The Murphy Mobile is the booth for the festival !!!
Event Time: 11am-5pm
Event Location: Liberty Fall Festival
Event Address: Corner of Kansas and Main
Event Details: Ribbon cutting is set for 1:30PM - at the booth location with the van - Kansas and Main Streets.Liberty Fall Festival is an annual event drawing thousands of people.
Join us for an intimate Wine and Cheese gathering with Luke, Hudson & Indy. This is an invitation only event for our sponsors, vendors and volunteers. For sponsorship and vendor informatrion contact Robinmassey@att.net.
This is a free event, but donations to the foundation will be gladly accepted. Please leave your personal dogs at home.
Enjoy an informal meet & greet with Luke and his dogs. This event is open to the public and personal dogs are welcome.
This is a free event, but donations to the foundation will be gladly accepted.
Belton TX
September 26, 2012, 7:50 am
The Small Animal Clinic was where Yer Big Dog's family pets were taken back in the day and some 20 odd years later it was fitting that our third Tour stop was the town of my youth.
It was great to be back for a meet and greet there, seeing old friends and making new ones like Denni, an enterprising young gal who raised money for 2 Million Dogs by selling Snow Cones.
We also met Tami from Taylor who recently and unexpectedly lost her dog, Lucchese, to cancer, and Chrissy a vet tech there who lost two of her companions as well.
Bittersweet was my time in Belton because I wish my return there was of a different nature. Many thanks to Dr. Brown and Deborah with the vet clinic for hosting the event and to Robin for leading the Puppy Up! walk there this year. And Amy Bickel for the powerful and poignant photography.
Eastward Ho! Upcoming Tour Events
September 21, 2012, 7:46 am
The Summer of Murphy Tour has reached it westernmost extent in Las Vegas and now we're slingshoting back east. Our first stop is Colorado and here are three really cool upcoming events:
Saturday Sept 22nd. 9AM until 11:30AM
Fuzzybutt Fight Club - Training Day
Street's Fitness
12520 W. 64th Ave. Arvada CO
Details - You need to be fit to fight cancer so come out and sign up for a membership at Street's and they'll donate a percentage to 2 Million Dogs Foundation.
Sunday Sept. 23rd. 10 AM to 1PM
Brunch with the Fuzzybutts
Barkly Manor Canine Daycare
5010 E. Colfax Ave. Denver CO
Monday Sept. 24th. 6:30 PM
Art Appreciation at the Ark Gallery
Woof in Boots
719 W. 8th Ave. Denver CO
Details - Come out and see the artworks of local pet artists.
For more information about these events, please contact Hope Parker at hope.puppyup@gmail.com
Tour Update - Las Vegas
September 17, 2012, 12:25 am
Tuesday, September 18thLas Vegas, NV
Bark and Greet
Event Time: 10:30 am -12:30 pm
Event Location: Snooty Pets
Event Address: 8560 W. Desert Inn #D4, (Directly in front of Vons @ Desert Inn and Durango), Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A, 89117,(702) 396-5510
Event Details:Bark & Greet! Come out and meet Luke Robinson, founder of 2 Million Dogs and the notorious "fuzzybutts", Hudson & Indiana - during his stop in fabulous Las Vegas! Learn about early cancer warning signs, share your stories, meet new friends and say hi to old ones. Each "fuzzybutt" will receive a free Snooty treat - handmade, with love, on the premises. See you there and ... Puppy Up!
Upcoming Tour Events This Weekend
September 14, 2012, 4:15 pm
Event: Bark in the Park
When: Saturday Sept 15th 10AM - 2PM
Where: Olympus Park - 500 Quantum Rd SE. Rio Rancho NM
Details: Come check out the newly wrapped and christened Murphy Mobile and stop by to meet the Fabulous Fuzzybutts at the 2 Million Dogs booth.
Event: Yer Big Dog Doing Standup
When: Sunday Sept 16th 3PM - 6PM
Where: Kasbah Restaurant - 4801 Central Ave SE. Albuquerque NM
Details: While I was fasting last year, I sketched out a comedy bit and this is the first time I've had to try it out. Join us for food, fun, and stories from our travels
Denison TX
September 13, 2012, 11:55 am
The North Texas leg of the Summer of Murphy Tour was a whirlwind stop, fitting since Denison lies in the middle of tornado alley. We were there less than 24 hours and my head's still swimming.
It started with a meet and greet at the Hickory House where I met, among many others, a sports photographer who teaches animal control officers and shelter volunteers how to take pictures of dogs that better depict their personality. He showed me a simple example in a photo he took of Hudson taken from above and the on the ground and the difference in the emotional response. Fascinating stuff and it's cool to see the many different ways people express their passion for their companions.
The party Jeri and Pam had planned spilled over to a club house where I gave a power point presentation about our mission. Ice cold Margaritas cooled the scorching 105 degree temperature as I shared stories of our adventures and vision of the future.
The following morning we were honored to be Grand Marshals at the Bark and Paws Parade in Denison though it's doubtful we'll ever be asked to return. Walking behind a firetruck and some fifty yards to the finish line, Indiana was, well, acting like he had to poop. I tried encouraging him to wait just a little bit longer but it became obvious it wasn't going to.
I asked Mommy G to take him off the street and as she pulled one way, the poop popped out the other splitting the parade of people like Moses and the Red Sea. Embarrassed as I was I couldn't stop laughing and ladies and gentlemen, we now how Indy's Native American name.
As you may recall, Murphy's was 'Poops on trees', Hudsy 'Poops on 3 Legs' and now we have 'Poops on Parade'.
But that wasn't the end of surprises at Bark and Paws Saturday. I was speaking to one of the vendors when all of the sudden I looked up and from her fiery red hair, recognized and old friend and person very important to our story, Lori Lacy. She had driven three hours from Edom. I cannot recall the last time we saw one another but God it was good to see her. Thank you Lori and Delilah is in our prayers. (That's her & Jeri -far left - never figured out what was up with the Jimmy Buffet lookin Clauses tho)
And I especially want to thank Jeri and Pam who were most excellent hosts for our North Texas Tour stop, and all of the new friends we made there. Hope to see you November 4th!
Upcoming Tour Events: Monday Sept 10th
September 9, 2012, 3:36 pm
I love the Riverwalk. The Tex-Mex restaurants, tawdry bars, and randy ambiance. And even more so when I put lil' Nana over my shoulder like a sack of taters last year and all the girls were oohing, aahing, and aawing. Gentlemen, take note.
Don't think I can carry the mad moosey anymore but he and Hudzers will be at La Gloria Pearl Brewery tomorrow at 6 PM for dinner and a Meet and Greet.
Also, we'll be formally christening the Murphy Mobile, thanks to Christy with Toki Poki.
Bring yer puppers for some hoots, hollerin, and howling on the Riverwalk!
Little Rock
September 9, 2012, 11:03 am
The first two Tour stops were a down and outright success. Nearby is a photograph of Luke talking with Petco customers about 2 Million Dogs. Thanks to Derrick, the manager for giving us a table and a place to promote our mission and to Tracy Roark with Little Rock Animal Village for providing us with the facilities for a presentation.
We met a lot of passionate people in Little Rock, all of whom who were gracious enough to take time out to talk about how they've been touched by cancer for the documentary.
We interviewed Dr. Sonya Lavergne at Hillcrest Animal Hospital and Mike and Deanne, parents of this year's Puppy Up! Grand Marshall, Marshall, a canine cancer survivor. One of our other supporters there, Donna, was kind enough to share with us about her recent loss of Tubby. Thank you to all of our friends there who made our first Summer of Murphy Tour stop a success. God bless, Keep the faith & Puppy Up!
Upcoming Tour Events for September 7
September 7, 2012, 11:56 pm
Things are starting to kick up on the Tour...
Tomorrow from 10 til 11:30 AM, the fuzzybutts and I are the Grand Marshals in at the Denison, TX Bark and Paws event at Waterloo Lake Park.
After that we've got a four hour drive to a Meet and Greet at the Belton Small Animal Clinic from 5 til 7 PM.
Little Rock AR
September 5, 2012, 10:23 pm
Tish and I made it to our first official tour stop and we're staying with Sierra, one of the city organizers here, her husband Shannon, and their six chihuahuas who aren't too enthused about their house guests.
That's Sierra and Duke, a decidedly friendly and unflappable little feller.
Fran and the folks here have a busy schedule tomorrow with a live TV interview at 6 AM, a couple of radio shows, and two public events. The first is a meet and greet at PETCO at 4221 East McCain Blvd 72117, from 3-5 PM. The second is at Little Rock Animal Village, 4500 Kramer St 72204 from 6-8PM where I'll be doing a presentation and Q&A.
If you're in the area, come out and meet the Notoriouz Fuzzybuttz and since we're filming this as a documentary, be a part of the story as well.
If there are any changes due to weather or circumstances, check back here as this is where we'll post it.
Summer of Murphy Tour Trailer
September 2, 2012, 6:33 pm
Tour Stops and Events
September 2, 2012, 7:11 am
Sunday, September 02nd
Nashville, TN
Event Time: 3:00 pm Event Location: Jackson Bar & Bistro
Event Address:4221 East McCain Blvd; North Little Rock, AR 72117
Event Details: Come out to PETCO to meet Luke Robinson & the Notorious Fuzzybutts in the Summer of Murphy Mobile!
Event Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Event Location: Little Rock Animal Village
Event Address: 4500 Kramer Street; Little Rock, AR 72204
Event Details: A Meet & Greet including a speech from Luke Robinson.
Saturday, September 08th
Denison, TX
Event Time: 10:00 am
Event Location: Bark & Paw All-American Dog Event Event Address:Heritage Park at the corner of Main & Burnett; Downtown Denison Event Details: A fun dog festival sponsored by the City of Denison on Main Street in Downtown Denison. Luke Robinson has been invited to speak at this event along with leading the “Struttin’ Our Stuff” dog parade with his canine companions, Hudson & Indiana. The 2 Million Dogs Texoma Puppy Up! will be a vendor with a booth at this event.
Saturday, September 08th
Belton, TX
Event Time: 5:00 pm Event Location: Belton Small Animal Clinic
Event Address: 2607 North Main Street; Belton, TX 76513
Event Details: Meet & Greet.
Monday, September 10th
San Antonio, TX
Event Time: 6:00 - 9:30 pm Event Location: La Gloria, Pearl Brewery Event Address: 100 East Grayson
Event Details: Come out & meet Luke Robinson, founder of 2 Million Dogs, & the Notorious Fuzzybutts, Hudson and Indiana during his San Antonio stop on the tour to share dinner, reflection & a walk along the river.
Thursday, September 13th
Austin, TX
Event Time: 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Event Location: Pet Sitter’s International Conference
Event Address: Hilton Garden Inn Austin
Event Details: Presentation by Luke Robinson
Saturday, September 15th
Rio Rancho, NM
Event Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Event Location: Olympus Park
Event Address: 500 Quantum Road SE; Rio Rancho Event Details: The 14th annual ‘Bark in the Park’ sponsored by ‘Enchantment Pet Resort’ Bring your dog and family for doggie games, music, parade, door prizes, shopping, food and fun! Proceeds will benefit the O.S.C.A.R. Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create awareness and raise funds for specialized care for animal rehabilitation. Call 505-891.4100 for information. 2 Million Dogs will have a booth.
Event Address: 4801 Central Avenue SE; Albuquerque, NM
Event Details: To benefit 2 Million Dogs Foundation. Join us on Sunday and enjoy tasty complimentary bites, refreshing beverages, and “On the Road” stories that will grip you with excitement. The fun continues throughout the afternoon with hourly giveaways, dance music, and a pet friendly environment. Meet Abigail, Puppy Up! New Mexico’s 2012 Cancer Warrior of the Year! This beautiful Black Lab has been a determined fighter since puppyhood and her successful battle to beat cancer is an inspiration. Luke Robinson, founder of 2 Million Dogs, and his two best friends will share tales of his epic journey across the country to keep a promise to spread the word about cancer.
Tuesday, September 18th
Las Vegas, NV
TBA
Thursday, September 20th
Las Vegas, NV
The First Annual Puppy Up! Golf Tournament
Event Time: 8:00 am Shotgun Start
Event Location: Boulder Creek Golf Course
Event Address: 1501 Veterans Memorial Drive; Boulder City, NV 89005
Event Details: The first Annual Puppy Up! Charity Golf Tournament. It is a 4 team member scramble, $125.00 which includes: green fee, cart, golf goodie bag and lunch. Mulligan’s will be available for purchase.
Bittersweet was my time in Belton because I wish my return there was of a different nature. Many thanks to Dr. Brown and Deborah with the vet clinic for hosting the event and to Robin for leading the Puppy Up! walk there this year. And Amy Bickel for the powerful and poignant photography.
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