Robin continues to thrive since completing his radiation therapy for cancer in November.

But, Willow, Robin's mother, and the mother of many other great Goldens, recently left my side. With much sadness, I regret to have to report that my most amazing Search and Rescue (SAR) partner ever, "Willow", now holds a respected place at the Rainbow Bridge.

My heart dog, and Robin's mom Willow left us on 5/31/11 to meet her brother Badger at the Rainbow bridge. The best Search and Rescue dog ever, she was even requested to 9/11. This cuts so deeply. Have fun at the bridge with all your friends and family my sweetest girl. I will be with you again someday . . .

For those that did not have the pleasure of knowing my beloved Golden Retriever Willow, AKA Ch. Nitro's Blaze of Glory, she was an amazing dog. She taught me so much about SAR, and more importantly, what I didn't know, yet needed to know about SAR!

There was the time that she came back to tell me she had found the lost subject, carrying an open bag of Cheetos in her mouth. It's kind of hard to do a bark alert and re-find that way! So I told her to "out" the Cheetos, which she did. She then gave me her obligatory bark, then jumped up, grabbed the Cheetos bag, and ran back to the victim with the bag in her mouth. Only when her job was complete did she feel free enough to start eating all those Cheetos she had dropped!!! Yes, with all the successes, Willow taught me what a great SAR dog SHE was...

Much larger than that, I will share an amazing lesson Willow taught me about humility that I will never forget. Willow and I were called in the dead of winter in two feet of snow, to do a river/water search in -20 degree temps. Willow, forever the Walmart greeter, was taken to the boat on lead for fear she would have to say hello to everyone at the scene. (Willow was quite the talker!) Two hours of water searching by boat turned up nothing. I took her back to my patrol car, which was parked at the boat launch, again on lead to avoid too much 'happiness' by Willow at a solemn scene.

I had decided to put out a small cadaver find after the search, to give Willow a chance at a little success on an otherwise unsuccessful day. For those of you that knew Willow, she LOVED her work, yet each time I tried to get her to search, she ran back to our patrol car. I finally took her to the area of the find and practically dug it out of the snow myself to get her to alert on it.

We never found the missing woman that day. Two weeks later, our local forest ranger, also the incident commander on the search, called me to meet him at the boat launch. They had found the body, under two feet of snow...less than 5 feet behind where my patrol car had been parked that day.

Yes, Willow WAS one of the great ones. I will miss her terribly. G-d speed dearest Willow, and in your grand fashion may you welcome all who follow you to the Rainbow Bridge. "Good girl Willow, Free dog!"

Willow enjoying the garden on May 31, 2011
 

Well here I sit seven months since Robin was diagnosed with cancer. I am happy to report that thus far, I have a very healthy dog sitting next to me vying for my attention. It has not been an easy road with the long drives, even longer nights away from home, and the endless hours of preparing his meals. With that special diet, I have cooked and Robin has consumed almost 200 pounds of Salmon as well as all those fruits, vegetables, and vitamins! I have to tell you it was worth every hour and every mile.

Robin continues to amaze me and his veterinarians with his vim and vigor, and his boundless energy through all of this. He continues to get acupuncture treatments from Dr. Stein and his wonderful staff in Amherst, NY; and at his check-up today at Cornell University he amazed his oncologists once again. In fact, the appointment went so well that Robin does not need to return for a checkup until July 17th.

Robin has not been called back to Police work yet (although I am once again working for the local Sheriff’s Dept), but his social calendar would never give evidence to that fact. I addition to being my demo dog for our dog training academies at Extreme K-9, he has been busy appearing at fundraisers for two different stray animal organizations, dutifully carrying the donation basket throughout the day. The next few months are filled with community day appearances, as well as several Relay For Life appearances as a cancer survivor.

We are still doing demonstrations for the school children, and had the funniest one ever last month when Robin accidentally set off the fire alarm while trying to get to where the drugs were located! Throughout all those alarm bells going off, he just sat there patiently waiting for me to give him his reward toy.

Most importantly, he has also been called several times to assist with the rehabilitation of children who have been the victims of sexual predators and domestic violence. In retrospect, I have to believe that Robin lost his job and survived this cancer to be able to answer to this higher calling.

Words can never express the gratitude I feel for all who helped in the fight for my beloved Robin, and it is my hope that we can continue to not only pay, but “paw” it forward for many years to come!

This puppy party should have been all about Robin, but Mary just couldn't resist having Robin's mom Willow tell the story. "Only 9 months to live from October 2010, HA! We've got news for you cancer, we are gonna kick your ass!"

This is one of Mary's favorite photos from the Jamestown High School's Will Rogers Follies musical, Robin collecting money from the audience for the benefit of Ryan Malarkey's chapter of Alex's Lemonade Stand. Over $4000 was collected by the cast members and through lemonade sales to benefit childhood cancer.

Mary spoke before the performance about Robin helping with the fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade stand to raise monies to fight childhood cancer.

 

This is an audience member's video of part of Robin's March 12 Will Rogers Follies performance.

 

From Robin: "This is Lillie Gabreski, my expert trainer/handler in the musical. I LOVE HER. ALWAYS AND FOREVER! She said she has never worked a dog before but I know better. She is a natural, and I think she is pretty hot too! I Love you Lillie ♥ ♥ ♥"

 

Here is Robin and Lillie in action.

 

Here's Robin with some of 'his' girls from the show.

 

Robin, Lillie, and the entire cast of the Will Rogers Follies

 

Robin is shown here with his award he received last night for "Community Spirit" in the Will Rogers Follies. He says: "Hey mom, look what I got at the show! Is this that guy Tony you were talking about?"

Will Rogers was a great humanitarian, helping numerous causes during his life and giving much of his fortune away to charities.

So it's only fitting that during the Jamestown High School musical production of ''Will Rogers Follies,'' a worthwhile cause will be supported.

Funds will be raised for Alex's Lemonade Stand, an organization benefiting pediatric cancer research, during this year's musical at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, March 10 through 12. Locally, the cause of Alex's Lemonade Stand has been championed by Kim Malarkey and her 8-year-old son, Ryan.

Ryan was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in March 2006.

A rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, nearly 70 percent of children diagnosed with the disease before the age of 5 - as Ryan was - make it to adulthood.

But Ryan is a lucky one, his mother said, thanks to new cancer research that is only being made possible because of foundations such as Alex's Lemonade Stand.

She said that because of the influx of money being provided to pediatric cancer research in recent years thanks to Alex's Lemonade Stand and other such fundraising organizations, her son was able to mark four years of being cancer free on Dec. 8.

''The research money has helped Ryan because it provided him with a therapy that wasn't available 20 years ago,'' Mrs. Malarkey said, adding after other treatments failed, her son received mouse antibodies that have forced his cancer into remission. ''That's why organizations like Alex's Lemonade Stand are critical. ... I'm just so grateful Ryan is here, but he's one of the lucky ones.''

During the four productions of the musical at the Reg Lenna Civic Center - Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. - a stand will be set up in the lobby offering lemonade, coffee and baked goods in exchange for donations to the cause. In addition, musical director Michele Constantino said she will bring Mrs. Malarkey and Ryan onto the stage before the show to tell their story and speak about the organization.

Ms. Constantino, who said she is also marking five years of being in remission from cancer, said that making the community aware of important issues is vital.

''Without people really thinking about this, things don't happen,'' she said. ''Awareness is a really important thing.''

The Malarkeys first hosted an Alex's Lemonade Stand at their home in 2007, then hosted one at the Foote Avenue Quality Markets later the same year.

In 2008 and 2009, they expanded their efforts to the entire Penn Traffic Corporation, which owned Quality Markets, and raised more than $100,000 for the cause.

Mrs. Malarkey said she has always been impressed with how Jamestown and the surrounding community has been willing to offer its support to those in need.

''It just blows me away that people are just so giving and want to help kids like Ryan,'' she said. ''I'm probably going to cry on the stage.''

AN AMAZING DOG

Dec. 8 was a big day for Ryan Malarkey, as it was his four-year anniversary of being cancer-free.

Dec. 8 was also a big day for Robin, a trained golden retriever and former Salamanca Police dog - it was the date of his last radiation treatment at Cornell University in his battle with cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma.

And, like Ryan, he's been cancer-free since.

Robin's trainer and handler, Mary MacQueen, said that her prized pup has had a positive attitude ever since his October diagnosis.

''There hasn't ever been a bad day,'' she said. ''The side effects (of his radiation) at one point were like third-degree burns all along the bottom of his chin and his neck, and on his worst day ... it was going from carrying four toys to only carrying three.''

Robin will show his toy-carrying skills and much, much more to the ''Will Rogers Follies'' audiences as he will make an appearance during the musical's St. Louis Exposition scene. Mrs. MacQueen has been working with JHS junior Lillie Gabreski to teach her to work with Robin on stage, and she says the student is a natural.

''I told Lillie, 'You have the hottest guy in this whole play out here working with you. You have to be proud of him, you have to be happy. If you're up, he's up,''' Mrs. MacQueen said. ''And she's just so good, she takes every single word I say to heart.''

Ms. Gabreski said that although she has never done any animal handling before - beyond simple commands such as ''sit'' with her own dogs - she is finding Robin to be an amicable co-star.

''Robin is the most amazing dog I've ever met,'' she said. ''Besides being a wonderful police dog and helping the community with that work, he just listens to everything you say.''

Robin has appeared on NBC's ''Today,'' Animal Planet and on the front cover of Dog World magazine. He has received numerous awards for his talents in the police world and as a show dog.

While he is not a "trick" dog, Mrs. MacQueen said, getting him to do stunts for his role in ''Will Rogers Follies'' isn't a problem. Robin will do pretty much anything that is asked of him, she said, so long as he is directed to do it in a positive way. Rehearsals, she said, have been about training Ms. Gabreski to properly do that.

''I don't think it's going to be a problem with Lillie directing him - she's learning really quickly,'' Mrs. MacQueen said, adding that the main things to remember when commanding a dog is to maintain tone of voice and presence. ''As long as you have the right attitude, the dog will be like, 'Hey, whatever you want.'''

Mrs. MacQueen and Ms. Gabreski are working on a routine with Robin that will last about five minutes, the handler said, and will have the audience entranced. Ms. Gabreski said that she's sure that once the crowd lays eyes upon the dog, they'll be putty in his paws.

''Anyone who sees him falls in love with him,'' she said. ''He's such a beautiful dog, amazing and friendly, and wonderful to work with.''

General admission tickets to see ''Will Rogers Follies'' as presented by the students of Jamestown High School are available for $8 at the Reg Lenna Box Office or by calling 484-7070.

FAIR USE NOTICE: Some of the articles indexed through this page contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material available in my efforts to advance understanding of social justice and human bond issues, among others. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.

From Robin: "Here we are at Cornell, waiting for our appointment. Me and the big Stinky P made it thru PT just in time yesterday. Wish us luck today."

From Robin: "Hey guys, eat your hearts out, I AM the man! It's K-9 Officer Robin here with my new friend Melissa Holmes from News Channel 4 WIVB-TV in Buffalo, NY. (Sometimes you just have to make sacrifices.) See, CHICKS DO DIG SCARS!"

Depigmentation on left lower lip in December 2008, opposite side cancer was first discovered on. This side did end up showing cancer on second biopsy on November 5th, 2010.

Right lip lesion visible in a photo from December 2009. This is the lesion that ended up first showing cancer when biopsied on October 11th, 2010.

Robin checking into the Holiday Inn in Ithaca today. He's a Priority Club member don't you know!

Robin got some special gifts from his BFF from down under, Aunty Lynn & cousin Ros!

I received a check from the Land of PureGold Foundation on Monday, and Robin has already deposited it into his account. The girls at the bank were just thrilled to see Robin again after his treatments, and just revelled at how great he looked!

Thanks go to Rochelle for taking the time to sort all those emails out of folks wanting to divert their donations to help with hotel & medical travel expenses. She will never know how thankful I am for all she and her foundation have done for Robin. I know it has been very trying and a monumental amount of work. Robin and I can only hope one day soon to meet Rochelle to thank her personally for all she has done.

I especially wanted to share with you a special letter I recently received. It was addressed exactly like this:

To "Robin" (Hero) c/o Mary MacQueen

Inside I found a Christmas card which said "Robin, I wish you well, you are my hero!! :) and the same for your family". It was signed "Love, an admirer, Merry Christmas 12-25-10".

Also inside the envelope, was tucked a crisp $50 bill. No return address, no signature, just a card filled with love. I am now a bowl of pudding.

How can I ever let these people know how much their support has meant to Robin and me? The human spirit is amazing. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing support system.

Here are two photos that you will love. One is of Robin with his two top-notch Cornell Radiation staff technicians, Laura (on the left) and Jean (on the right), taken before his appointment on December 22nd.

These girls loved Robin like their own and it showed. He gladly went with them each and every day, trusting in the journey that they were about to take him on.

The other photo was taken of Robin delivering Christmas gifts to Dr. Stein's Pain Management Center on December 29th. Rice Crispy treats, of course, because they are nice and light, and easy to carry!

Robin's appointment last Wednesday, Dec 22nd, went off without a hitch, and he passed each test with flying colors. We go back to Cornell next Thursday for another two-week check up.

A Holiday Message from Mary: To all Robin's wonderful friends, we couldn't have done it without you. Merry Christmas and G-d bless! Have the Happiest of Holidays, we love you all!

AMAZING PROGRESS
By Mary MacQueen

Here's Robin back in Ithaca at the hotel waiting to go to his recheck appointment at Cornell on Tuesday, December 22nd.

It's been a great last few days. Some children who made get well cards were at the local restaurant Tuesday night. I beat feet home to get Robin, his Santa hat, and his basket with trading cards which he hasn't been able to carry for a while. When we got there, I put on his hat and he literally jumped up and grabbed his basket, and ran inside!

Below, Roving Reporter "Stink Pup" shares a few videos of Wednesday's appointment in Ithaca for Robin's first check after radiation. I just spoke with Dr Malone who says everything looks A-OK, with no lymph node enlargement or abnormalities noted. WOOHOO! So far so good. Merry Christmas to Robin . . . AND me.

I met with the vet after Robin's checkup today and she just raved about how well Robin is doing. She said she is absolutely amazed at his progress and doesn't ever remember a dog rebounding like this. She also checked him over with a fine-toothed comb and at this point can't find any evidence of cancer! He will stay on all pain meds etc. for two more weeks until his next appointment. Merry Christmas to all!

To cheer folks up after seeing such horrid radiation photos, check out Robin in the snow. This is one week post radiation. Those pain meds must be doing the trick, that's for sure.

On another happier note, here is K9 Demo video from the 2010 GRCA National Specialty in Colorado, about two weeks before Robin was diagnosed.

Animal Pain Management Center: Pain has Lifelong Consequences

Painful events can have profound lifelong impact. The pain system has its own memory. Painful events can make future injuries and surgeries more painful than they should have been and they can create patients that are often much more fearful when visiting the veterinary practice. Compassionate practices manage stress and pain from the first puppy or kitten procedures right through the lifetime of the pet.

Our cherished pets deserve the most comfortable life that we can provide for them. Pain and stress management, from their first surgical experiences, is required to provide the optimal quality of life. By doing so, you minimize adverse associations with your practice and maximize the delivery of timely healthcare.

Pain and weakness can be the reason we lose a pet. With age comes many health concerns that have the potential for pain or weakness of such intensity that we consider putting our pets to sleep. Severe arthritis or back pain and cancer pain are a few of the pain entities that we commonly view as life ending. When the pain associated with these disorders is effectively controlled we can enjoy a wonderful extension of time with our loved ones.

The timing of patient intervention is crucial. Too often we are presented with patients that have end-stage osteoarthritis or are unable to stand at all on their own. It is remarkable that we can so often make a huge difference for these challenging patients but osteoarthritic, back pain, and weakness patients must be seen early in the course of their disease in order to make the best possible impact on long term patient outcome.

Cancer and the pain it causes can often be controlled. Our director has over 30 years of successful cancer management experience. You may be surprised to know that chemotherapy is usually very well tolerated by our patients. In addition, pain strategies, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and anticancer herbals can all be useful tools to extend patient comfort and longevity.

The average veterinarian lacks the knowledge needed to treat tough pain and dysfunction. This is not a criticism, it is a reality in both human medicine and veterinary medicine. Most doctors are unaware of the best medication combinations or doses needed for effective pain control (multimodal analgesia), the critical need for early rehabilitative care, and the potential benefits from acupuncture. There is too much dependence on NSAIDs (the class most likely to cause liver, kidney, or GI issues) at most practices. There is little to no consideration for the inclusion of physical rehabilitation unless the owner requests it.

Dr. Stein helps other veterinarians due to the limited programs in pain management (still the norm in small animal general practice) by creating the Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia Support Group website, a site that currently hosts about 20 thousand visitors monthly. Dr. Stein is also one of a select group of anesthesia & analgesia consultants on the Veterinary Information Network, a provider to over 31 thousand veterinarians and veterinary students worldwide. Do share Dr. Stein's fabulous March 2008 article: Newer Options for Chronic Pain Management, which we created in PDF (printable) form so that folks could readily share it with their own veterinarians. Dr. Stein can be reached at (716) 839-1100 or drstein@vasg.org.

Effects thus far from radiation, and the gifts given to Robin, good and bad, by the radiation staff at Cornell.

From Mary: "Dr. Robert Stein of the Animal Pain Management Center in Amherst, NY is a genius. Look at how well Robin is doing on his new meds. Not groggy at all and full of life. Thanks for the Christmas miracle from Doc Stein, Robin's new personal trainer of the veterinary world!"

Another beautiful sunny day for our drive home from Cornell, the difference is WE'RE ALL DONE! Wow! No snow here in Ithaca, but my husband says we have over four feet at home! I can't wait to see it. I love the snow.

Well, Robin just finished his 16th radiation treatment, but continues to amaze me with his incredible spirit and great heart, acting as if nothing has happened to him. He is, however, getting some fairly angry looking radiation burns on the inside of his mouth, under his tongue, and under his lower jaw.

The radiation staff members at Cornell are amazed at his resilience considering how painful the inside of his mouth looks. They are doing their best to keep him pain free with nerve blocks, pain meds, antibiotics, prednisone to keep his appetite up, and antihistamines to prevent swelling. They are also sending him home with a Hyperbaric Oxygen spray to help his skin wounds heal faster. Sounds pretty cutting edge to me! He has only lost three pounds throughout the whole course of treatment, which they feel is pretty good.

This Friday, Robin has an appointment with the Animal Pain Management Center in Amherst, NY for a consultation for pain control. In addition, we will be consulting with a Holistic vet to try and attack Robin's cancer treatment from all angles. All these vets will be working in concert with Cornell to assure that Robin's best interests are kept at the forefront.

Once Robin's radiation is complete, we will be returning to Cornell for an all-day follow-up appointment on December 22nd, to insure that his healing is progressing well and assess the effects of the radiation. They will be doing more testing, blood work etc. After that, he will be checked monthly until May when he will have another abdominal ultrasound. Then he will have to go back every two months. If anything new pops up, we will then have no other option but to go with chemotherapy. As the oncologist said, it could pop up again somewhere in two weeks or two years. It's just the nature of this nasty form of cancer. As they predicted, Robin's facial hair has gotten much whiter from the radiation. Personally, I think it gives him a distinguished look!

I have been reluctant to do so, but I've included below some photos of what the outside of Robin's mouth looks like right now. It doesn't look great, but I also don't want folks to think it looks worse than it is. Just be sure not to show these to Robin. Although, he doesn't seem to care how it looks!

Here are all the medications that Cornell is sending home with Robin to keep him healthy. They said all 15 items are mandatory! Mary thought the Hyperbaric Oxygen spray and especially the toys, were extremely cutting edge.

Here is Robin at Cornell waiting for the bus. This soft lunch box his girlfriend sent him is easy on his mouth, and does the trick. Please don't tell Robin it's empty. Only two more days to go!

Robin's Cancer Starving Diet Plan

Daily Diet to consist of:

16 ounces (1 pound) Cooked Salmon (Atlantic, wild) 3 cups of vegetables/fruits – cooked, boiled, steamed (Broccoli, carrots, green beans, sweet potato, tomatoes, apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, mango, pomegranate, watermelon) 0.5 cup of ground Almonds 1.5 cups of cooked, long grain brown rice 1 tablespoon of Salmon oil 5 teaspoons of Safflower oil

Daily supplements: (to be mixed in with one or more meals):

1/2 generic vitamin B12 tablet (typically a 250 mg tablet with 250 micrograms of vitamin B12) 2 tablets of Caltrate 600mg calcium supplement 1 generic Choline tablet (typically 500 mg tablet with 250 mg of choline) 1 generic Zinc Gluconate tablet (typically 250 mg tablet with 30 mg elemental zinc) 1 generic vitamin E capsule (typically 400 IU) 1/4 teaspoon of Morton Iodized Salt

This diet formulation contains approximately 2091 kilocalories and should be enough to sustain Robin, however, all dogs are different. Please weigh him in one month's time to see if he has lost or gained weight. If noticeable weight gain or loss is observed, please contact us so that we may adjust the diet appropriately.

Given the diagnosis of epitheliotropic lymphoma, we have developed a higher quality protein and specific fat (oils) diet, while limiting carbohydrates (yet still allowing for the value of complex carbohydrates). This is appropriate for Robin since it will maintain his lean muscle mass and increase the palatability of the diet. The above vegetables and fruits have been chosen for their specific antioxidant and vitamin/mineral properties. The amount of Safflower oil that has been added equates to approximately 180 milliliters weekly, which is the dose that has been researched and shown to limit neoplastic cell proliferation (particularly epitheliotropic lymphoma). Please take a week to two weeks to increase to the full dose of 5 teaspoons daily.

Regarding any other additives (herbal in nature) such as green tea, turmeric, etc., the veterinary medical community does not have enough evidence at this time to advocate their use in a therapeutic manner, particularly since most research suggests they may prevent cancer rather than being useful as a treatment for cancer.

Please use the supplements suggested by adding them directly to his food or feed them close to his meals to maximize absorption of the nutrients. Many of the supplements can be crushed and added directly to one or more of his meals each day. The ration above is designed to be mixed together and partitioned out into two meals or more each day. Some choline tablets can be very bitter so it may be best to tray and get him to take it in pill form rather than crushing it and adding it to the food. ... The ingredients can be made in larger batches and then mixed together and frozen or refrigerated into daily portions that can be fed out over a week's time, if so desired.

Mary's new part-time job: 15 hours cooking Robin's new diet + 2 hours cleaning up

Recently, Mary received a special necklace from Suzi Beber, of Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund. Suzi is an artist who has an entire jewelry line at her site to help in raising monies for canine cancer. For those diagnosed with cancer, the embodiment of Hope remains critical, Suzi's necklace creation a perfect way to keep this belief burning bright.

A hefty 80lb weight, 5¼" x 7¼" quality ivory linen card, is paired with a matching 70-pound linen envelope. The card is blank inside to allow for your own message. However, the left side provides the famous hope-themed quotations shown here. A precious sleeping puppy sticker is enclosed with each card as a free gift! They are great to affix to envelopes as an embellishment or as a type of seal.

Find out about ordering these cards here.

Since it has been awhile, I wanted take the time to update everyone on Robin’s progress. But first, I have something that I feel is much more important to share.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped in even the smallest of ways to keep Robin’s body, and my mind healthy throughout this difficult time. I have received so many amazing get well cards and letters from folks just wanting to express in some way, how much they care about this dog. I have had countless stories shared with me about how Robin has touched their hearts and reminded them of their own dogs in some way. Or about all the good they feel Robin has brought to this world and now it was their time to give back to him.

As several people have reminded me, many of us have dogs, and they are ALL special; but somehow to them, Robin has made a difference in some extra-special way. There have been so many cards, photos, powerful prayer chains, and well wishes; many times from folks whom I have never even met. I am humbled by all of this, and it certainly has helped us to keep a positive attitude through this journey. For this, and to all of you, we shall be forever grateful.

We had been anxiously waiting to hear of the results from Robin’s additional biopsies since his surgery on November 5th. I received the call I had been waiting for from Cornell’s Oncology department yesterday.

Dr. Erin Malone informed me that the tissue they removed from the left lower lip (the original cancerous area was on the right lower lip), also showed signs of the disease. The good news is that the right lymph node they removed showed some involvement, but not to the extent originally thought. And even better, the left lymph node is CLEAR so far.

Dr. Malone asked me how Robin’s incision site looked, as they are always concerned about slow healing when the patient has cancer. I told her the site looked beautiful, clean, dry, and without any signs of irritation. Robin hasn’t even had to wear the giant martini glass because he has left the area alone…Good BOY! Due to this fact, they have decided to start Robin’s radiation phase of treatment on Monday November 15th.

Monday will be an all day stay at Cornell for CT scans etc. to help with the decision on exactly where and how to conduct the radiation treatments. Tuesday will be the start of his daily treatments. It will be almost a full day stay due to getting things set up, making calculations, etc. After that we will be going every day through Friday. On the following week, Robin will be receiving radiation Monday through Wednesday, and then will be off for the Thanksgiving weekend. Dr. Malone said it will actually be beneficial to give him some rest time before the next round, which will start again the following week. This will continue until Robin has received all 16 treatments, somewhere around December 9th.

Cornell’s nutritional staff has compiled an awesome anti-cancer diet for Robin that includes one pound of wild salmon each day along with nuts, fruits, vegetables, rice and oils. And let me tell you, it is DELICIOUS…of course,more than a half  I tried it! He is also on about 15 different vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements to keep his mind, body and immune system strong. He will be taken off most of the supplements on actual radiation days so as not to interfere with the efficacy of the treatment.

As for finding a job there, it doesn’t look like it will be an option at this time, and perhaps for good reason. Most employers I spoke with about working there said they don’t do such short term hiring, and they were already fully staffed for the holiday season. In reality, it will give me the time needed to spend with him, and allow me to pick him up from his treatments on a timely basis each day.

Today is Saturday, and Robin and I will be doing one last demo before starting radiation for a Cub Scout troop today. I was originally going to cancel it, but seeing how well Robin is doing made me decide to keep the appointment. He so loves doing them, and once radiation starts he may not be up to it.

Well, I think that is enough for now. I will keep updates coming as they become available. Wish us luck on this next phase of our journey…

We are concentrating on only positive energy now. Only good thoughts and vibes are allowed to come our way. Everything else will get the world's biggest delete button. Sound like a plan? Great, let's start now!

Fairly good news from Cornell today. Robin's test results came back from his surgery last week. The tissue they removed from the left side of his lower lip looked suspicious, but the left lymph node aspirate was totally clear, and the right one they removed showed very little involvement.

Now, the next step. Because his incision is doing so well, they want to start his radiation next week. I have to have him at Cornell Monday Morning for a CT scan, then they want to start radiation on Tuesday thru Friday for the first round. Second round Monday thru Wednesday Thanksgiving week.

Knowing the concern that so many have expressed, I feel it only fair to keep you updated on Robin’s current health situation. I am hoping that you will share this information with anyone whom Robin's life may have touched. (Learn a bit about Robin's history by reading “A League of His Own”).

For those of you not yet aware, on Monday October 11, 2010, Robin went to the vet to have two recently discovered masses removed, one on his rib-cage, and the other on his lip – two days before his eighth birthday. Two days after that, Cornell University’s Pathology lab confirmed a diagnosis of Cutaneous Epithelialtropic Lymphoma in the lip mass. This is a fairly rare, but often aggressive form of cancer found in dogs.

The morning of October 25th brought another blow. I was contacted by Cornell University, and learned the lymph node aspirate test results showed Robin’s cancer having metastasized to the right mandibular lymph node. Cornell felt that the best course of treatment now would be to remove the lymph node and start radiation soon afterwards, to hopefully stop this disease in its tracks. Robin has an appointment with Cornell on Thursday November 4th to have his lymph node removed.

I must confess, I’m really struggling with all of this. I’ve been in the field of dogs for many years. During that time, I have heard of others of my colleagues and friends whose dogs have become ill with one thing or another, and my compassion for them was flecked with the feeling that I wouldn’t know what I’d do if it were MY dog. I was so naïve, and now, here I am.

I don’t get it. This is my beloved Robin. Robin, who over-achieved at everything I have ever asked of him; Robin, who helped me through my own serious illness. Robin, who is still so young and has so much yet to accomplish, so many lives yet to touch, and what I assumed to be so many more years yet to serve.

I have heard that grief has several stages, one of which is denial. I find myself repeating that while the statistics are grim, Robin is no ordinary dog. He does not know that this will be the fight of his life, and it will be a prohibitively expensive process. Somehow in my struggle, I find myself taking momentary comfort in believing that somehow, this whole thing will be a big error and that Robin isn’t really sick. But, as soon as I sell out and feel that few seconds of comfort, reality comes back and drives a blade between my ribs and reminds me that Robin is in the cross-hairs.

Right now Robin and I are involved in a battle for his life, even though he is not yet showing signs of his illness. Robin's type of cancer can have a variable prognosis, and Cornell has informed me that the initial treatment for his lymph node removal and radiation will cost somewhere in the vicinity of $8,500 to $10,000. If subsequent treatment is required, the costs will escalate from there. We are desperately trying to raise enough money to save him, and we need your help. Whether it be fundraising ideas, or personal donations, every little bit will help. For those of you who have already generously donated, I THANK YOU!

I don't understand how we ended up in this place. Not my partner! Not my hero! Not my friend! I keep rehashing all of this over in my head and just can't seem to grasp it. You see, Robin, my Police K-9 detection dog (aka Ch. Nitro's Boy Wonder) and I are sitting in the waiting room of Cornell University's Small animal Hospital, 200 miles from home, waiting to see an ONCOLOGIST!

How could this be?? It is unfathomable to imagine that a horrible disease like cancer could possibly strike a dog that has spent his entire life giving of himself. But, that is the nature of this dreaded disease. It plays no favorites; it knows no boundaries; and, it has become starkly apparent that no dog is exempt from the possibility of contracting this terrible disease.

It is so hard not to just crumble under the pressure of this news, yet I feel I have to try and keep it together for Robin. He is so sensitive to my every mood, that I cannot afford to have him feel down too―thus being less able to fight this formidable foe.

As we are called in to our appointment, we are met by a fourth-year student and Dr. Erin Malone of the Oncology Department. In Robin's usual style―as if greeting old friends―he is happy to entertain them, laying on his back and kicking his feet in the air in sheer delight as they reach down to pet him. Both doctors are very thorough in their questions and physical exams of Robin, and extremely compassionate about taking the time to explain everything to me.

The news is not good: a confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma, an aggressive cancer of the skin known to quickly metastasize to other locations in the body. I can hardly speak, my ears are ringing, and I fight to hold back an inevitable flood of tears that would surely ensue if I let the dam burst.

I am advised that Robin would need to stay all day for additional testing. What they called "staging"... Lymph node aspiration, chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, blood work, and urinalysis, all geared towards finding out the actual extent of his disease. I complied, handed over the leash, and watched with tears in my eyes as my boy marched happily out the door with his two new best friends.

That was at 11:30 AM. What was I to do now? They said he would have to stay until 5PM. Hey, I know what I can do! They say Ithaca, NY is filled with beautiful gorges and state parks and it's a beautiful fall day; sure, that sounds like a plan. I drove towards the local park. Once there, I could not bring myself to hike these trails or even get out of the car without my partner. What was I thinking? So, I turned around and went back to town. Okay, how about shopping? I drove to the local Mall. Once there, I couldn't even imagine going in and shopping for something for me. I decided to go back to Cornell and just sit in the waiting room with my computer. At least I was close if they had any other news.

Five p.m. finally arrived, and they brought Robin into the waiting room, no worse for the wear. They had to shave his belly hair, but the person who shaved him obviously used plenty of TLC because you couldn't even notice it from the sides. They said that the immediate tests were all normal, but they wouldn't have results from the more definitive exams until a few days from now.

The choices available from here. On completion of all test results, and if the tumor turns out to be localized, they recommend more possible surgery to make sure the lip margins are clear. Then they recommend 16 doses of localized radiation (5 days a week for 3 weeks) on the lip which will make his mouth pretty "ouchy" as they put it. They said he would require pain meds to deal with the effects. And, yes, I asked, he has to be put under anesthesia and intubated EACH time. Wow.

It was hard not to think about the fact that, the next day, I had to do a demo with Robin for about 100 school children, ages 4-14. I had committed to this long before loosing my job with the police department. I thought about canceling, but as hard as it was going to be, I just couldn't disappoint the kids. In the back of my mind, I just kept thinking about the fact that this could very well be Robin's last demo, and it was eating me up. (He certainly couldn't carry a basket while in so much pain from the future radiation.)

Then I thought about this: I remember when I was 8-years-old, my best hero, Lassie, came to the local amusement park for an appearance. I was so exited I could hardly contain myself. It was also my birthday, and my best friend and I went with her parents. Lassie's trainer, Rudd Weatherwax, asked the audience if there was anyone having a birthday that day. I couldn't BELIEVE IT! I raised my hand. He then had me come up to the front of the room where Lassie gave me a birthday kiss. It was a moment I shall never forget. No, I just couldn't let those children down...

(Editor's note: This article is an online exclusive followup to a story which appeared in our Oct. 21 edition of The Salamanca Press.)

FREWSBURG — Less than a week after owner Mary MacQueen learned her dog, Robin, had been diagnosed with a malignant form of skin cancer, the pair visited Cornell University to run additional tests. After several tests — including chest x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work and urinalysis — the diagnosis was confirmed: Robin has Cutaneous Epitheliotropic Lymphoma.

Although MacQueen doesn't expect to hear the complete results from the test for about a week, she does know Robin will at least have to undergo 16 days worth of radiation as well as another surgery procedure to followup one which removed a minor bump on Robin's rib cage earlier in the month.

Depending on what the results determine, Robin may also need to have chemotherapy conducted.

MacQueen said the radiation is expected to cost at least $6,000, and she has been accepting donations online from friends, family members and fellow dog lovers. She said she wants to help not only Robin, but to raise awareness for the disease in general.

"What I am looking at now is a bigger plan than just Robin," she said. "He is such a great 'spokesdog' for the things dogs are capable of. No matter what the future holds, maybe it will raise some additional awareness for the disease."

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual — a bible for animal doctors — the expected survival time for dogs with lymphoma is about nine to 12 months when chemotherapy is used. However, MacQueen is hopeful that because it was caught in the early stages, the odds are much better than experts would believe. "They don't know me and they don't know this dog, so they don't know he doesn't read those rules," she said.

MacQueen and Robin both served on the Salamanca Police Department until the city's recent layoffs. Robin has also received numerous awards as a showdog on the national level, most recently competing in the National Specialty Show in September. To donate to Robin's cause online, visit: grants.landofpuregold.com/robin.htm.

* Additional information on Robin can be found on our current e-edition or by purchasing a copy of the Oct. 21 edition of The Salamanca Press.
http://www.salamancapress.com/news/local/article_0a7c809e-ddf5-11df-8672-001cc4c03286.html 
 

Be sure to check out these additional Salamanca Press articles on Robin's and Mary's work:
  ►City turns an eye to rememberance (May 2008)
  ►It’s a dog’s world in Salamanca (October 2008)
  ►Salamanca K-9 Robin may be on national TV (January 2009)
  ►K-9 Robin wins again (January 2010)
  ►Well-loved police dog diagnosed with cancer (October 2010)