Over 50 small dogs with big hearts sailed over jumps, ran through tunnels, hopped on tables, and listened for their owner’s next command. The enthusiasm of these teacup dogs was outmatched only by that of the owners who participated in Roy’s Run for K-9 Cancer, a benefit agility event to raise money and awareness for canine cancer research.
Deb Chvilicek, an agility trainer and chairperson of Roy’s Run, knew that an agility event would be one way she could give back in honor of Roy, her champion Boston terrier. Roy recently passed away from a brain tumor and Chvilicek wanted to help other dogs and their owners avoid his fate. “The day we put him to sleep, we knew we had to do something,” said Chvilicek. “Because Roy loved agility we went with an agility event.” Chvilicek donated the proceeds from the event’s entry fees, concessions and raffle to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine to help advance canine cancer treatment.Just a few years after Roy’s death, another one of Chvilicek’s Boston terriers, Al, was diagnosed with melanoma of his right ear. Fortunately, doctors removed his ear and cured his cancer. Another of Chvilicek’s dogs, Ann, was not as lucky. Not long after this agility benefit, Ann died from a brain tumor similar to Roy’s. But rather than be discouraged, Chvilicek plans to host an annual Roy’s Run for K-9 Cancer, knowing she is doing her part to help find a cure.
If you would like to donate to Roy’s Run for Cancer fund, go to http://www.supportuw.org/giving?seq=9788
