It's a blow when you hear your veterinarian say, "Mickey, it's cancer."  It knocked the wind out of my sails.  But lucky for me, Dr. Paula Cameron scheduled surgery the very next day after the pathology report came in.  At least I didn't have to wait a long time for surgery. We're almost sure she was able to remove the whole thing, but the  procedure set me back for several weeks.  A five-inch incision is not to be sneezed at when you weigh only 12½ lbs. 

Before that, I was sympathetic to any person or dog who had cancer, but I didn't feel fighting mad to do something about.   However, Dr. Cameron's words hit me in a way that made me resolve to help stop the cancer monster's rampage.

My big chance came this week when I was asked to be on the Eastern Shore Relay For Life 2001 team. I jumped at the opportunity.  Maybe I could enlist dog friends and dog-lover friends to give money for cancer research.  After all, that's the only way we'll ever get rid of cancer.  Although this Relay For Life effort benefits humans instead of dogs, the same findings will help animals in the long run.  Research, research, research. That's what will turn up the answers. 

There's not time before September 8 when the 2001 Shore Relay For Life drive comes to a close for me to work out a live walking dog relay. Instead, we'll settle for asking dog lovers to dig deep in their pockets for cancer donations in memory of or in honor of loved ones.  Next year, we'll have a bone-afied dog walk.  Meanwhile, I'm posting info on my website and asking Internet visitors to respond to their own Relay For Life races or to the Eastern Shore's Relay For Life by September 8th..

Please write your check to Relay For Life and send to Paula Belote, P. O.Box 894, Parksley, VA 23421.   On the bottom corner of the check or on the envelope, denote "Great Cancer Dog Chase."  If people and dogs join hands and paws, we can lick cancer! - - - -