Rafter
Rafter, an Australian Shepherd, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, in 2001 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The only hope for a possible 18 months of life was radiation treatments. So, his owners drove him the 10 hour round trip to Athens every other day for a month. Instead of 18 months, Rafter survived a miraculous healthy 7 years. As a result, his owner wanted to do something to increase public awareness about the high prevalence of cancer in dogs, and to help raise funds for research. She organized the first Trot for the Cure, held at Magnolia Gardens, on January 9th, 2005. It was a great success and raised over $9000.00 for canine cancer research! Since then, there have been 5 more Trots, all at beautiful Magnolia Gardens. To date the event has brought in over $75,000.00 for cancer research. Around 300 people and over 200 dogs typically attend each one. The Trot for the Cure, one of the premier dog events in the area, unique in its format, will become “Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research.”
Rafter with Peaches and Genie in the Trot-mobile
It consists of walking your dog through historic Magnolia Plantation and Gardens; entertainment by the Dixie Dancing Dogs who perform dance and tricks routines; a talk on canine cancer by nationally renowned oncologist at UGA, Nicole Northrup followed by a Q&A session with a panel of veterinary specialists – neurologist, ophthalmologist, internist and general practitioner; a delicious barbecue; and a raffle ends the fun. A tax deductible donation of $25/person includes all the above, plus a long sleeved Trot t-shirt, if the entry is received before the deadline. Attending dogs receive goodie bags while they last.
Rafter
Rafter was a special dog that touched the lives of many people and became very well known throughout the Low Country. He was a registered therapy dog, earned a Companion Dog title in obedience, dabbled in sheepherding and agility, but was perhaps best known for his tricks routines. He was a performer at heart and used this talent to entertain adults and children alike during therapy visits, to earn extra cookie money working children’s birthday parties, and to entertain at fundraisers like the Trot for the Cure where he was one of the Dixie Dancing Dogs doing dance routines and tricks skits.
Rafter’s cancer returned in August of 2008. Another 4 week round of daily radiation was not as successful as hoped. Rafter succumbed to cancer on Christmas Eve, 2008. His legacy of trying to find cures and better tests and treatments for canine cancer will be carried on through the Trot. He will always be there in spirit.
More and more of our beloved pets are succumbing to cancers, just like people. Unlike people, animals have no fundraising drives, no cancer survivor spokespersons, and no special events to bring their plight to the spotlight. Until now! The Trot for the Cure is an afternoon of fun with your dog and dog friends that will also help further research for canine cancer. The veterinary researchers at the University of Georgia are dedicated to their search for new and better tests, treatments, and cures. Like all researchers, they need funding to continue their work. All proceeds from the Trot will go to the Arch Foundation for GA CaRES Fund. By participating in the Trot today, you might be saving a life tomorrow!
We hope that future Rafter’s Trots will honor his memory by keeping other dogs from suffering from cancer.
