(l-r) Senator Andrea Stillman, Luke Robinson, 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles, and Blaze Schwaller, owner, Spirit Gallery, with Hudson and Murphy, at the Spirit Gallery on Sunday, April 25, for the 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles meet and greet.

story & photos
by Angela Olsen

On Sunday April 25, Luke Robinson, with his two beloved Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, Hudson and Murphy, made a stop in New London as part of his 2,000 mile walk from Austin to Boston to raise awareness about cancer in man’s best friend.  There was a mini-walk on the pier with other proud dog owners and choreographed canine dance routines by Top Hat & Tails Canine Dance Troupe!  The event wrapped with a meet and greet at a fabulous venue, Spirit Gallery on Bank Street.  Senator Andrea Stillman also turned out with her Katrina rescue Basset Hound, Deanie, from New Orleans.

Luke, a  native of Texas, admittedly, was not always a dog person.  His girlfriend, brought home Malcom, Luke’s first Great Pyrenees.  Before he knew it, he was in love, calling Malcom, a one month-old fluff ball, “fuzzy-britches.”  Sadly, when Malcom turned six, he was diagnosed with cancer and shortly thereafter succumbed to the cancer.

Luke was so moved by the bond he formed with Malcom, he decided to take Hudson and Murphy, on the road, to spread awareness about cancer in dogs.

In March 2008, Luke put all of his property in storage and committed to walk from Austin to Boston for the cause.  He met many supporters along the way, and has formed a unique relationship with his dogs, saying that he “is turning Pyrenees, not gray.”

Dogs are thought to be psychic and have strong intuitions.  I asked Luke about this and he told quite the story!  On a spring day, walking in San Gabriel, Texas, Luke was looking for somewhere to setup camp and asked a neighbor if it was alright to stay. Meanwhile, Murphy barked relentlessly.  Luke decided to get the dogs out of there!  Within seconds, a drunk driver  crashed at the very spot where the dogs were only a few moments before!  Lucky for Luke, he trusts the intuition of his pack.

Luke invited me to dinner, where he promised to cook authentic Tex-Mex.  Lori Stockman and her husband, Rich, were so moved by his story when it aired on NBC, that they got involved by putting Luke up at The Villa in Watch Hill. This was a welcome change for him, since he spends most of his time braving the elements. While Luke, a natural in the kitchen, prepared pescatarian quesadillas (he is a vegetarian who allows himself fish), he spoke of the two books he plans to write; one for adults about his journey and a children’s book narrated by Hudson and Murphy.
Luke and the boys are scheduled to reach Boston on June 18th, and Lori is hoping for a “Forrest Gump-effect,” where the whole town will be supporting him through his last strides.  For more information, or to get involved, please check out 2dogs2000miles.org.

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