Austin, TX – February 26, 2008 – Austin Pet First Aid is pleased to announce its sponsorship of 2 Dogs 2000 Miles.

Austin Pet First Aid has signed on as a sponsor for the non-profit foundation, 2 Dogs 2000 Miles, which was established by Luke Robinson (aka Big Dog) to raise money for the first ever nationwide epidemiological canine cancer study. The idea came about after Robinson lost his dog Malcolm to metastatic bone cancer. It is in Malcolm’s honor that Robinson and his two Great Pyrenees dogs, Hudson and Murphy, will walk from Austin, TX to Boston, MA, accepting contributions that will help fund the study.

“Because their upcoming walk is so extraordinary, and there will be many potential dangers along the way, pet first aid training was essential.” Says Therese Kopiwoda, owner of Austin Pet First Aid. “I encourage all pet owners, whether they set off on a 2,000 mile hike or not, to learn pet first aid skills. The hope is that they will never need to use those skills, but being prepared may mean saving their best friend’s life.”

Many of the cancers found in pets are also found in humans, which means the epidemiological study will benefit human medicine as well. Because of this, the dog is an ideal model for research of this type. And, since the study will include pets that are fighting cancer, it reduces the dependency on lab animals, and may improve the lives of dogs involved in the study.

Their trek starts on March 16, 2008 from Austin’s Walter E. Long Park and is expected to take about ten months. Supporters are invited to a launch party to be held at the park from 9a.m. – 11a.m., just prior to Big Dog and his two dogs’ departure. Kopiwoda plans to be there, along with many others, to show her support and help give Luke, Hudson, and Murphy a good send-off.

About Austin Pet First Aid
Austin Pet First Aid is owned by Therese Kopiwoda, who is a trained Pet Tech First Aid & Care instructor. Classes are offered in various places throughout the Austin area. For more information, visit www.austinpetfirstaid.com.

For more information about 2 Dogs 2000 Miles, visit www.2dogs2000miles.org.