Dog-Gone Good: Goldendoodle Runs Half Marathon for Cancer Research

There was a last-minute entry in Sunday's Maryland Half Marathon to benefit the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center -- a 3-year-old goldendoodle named Dozer, who escaped through an invisible fence in his yard to join the more than 2,000 people running by his house, which was near mile 5 of the race.

Runners reported seeing the dog at several points along the way, and he crossed the finish line with other runners at 2 hours and 14 minutes. Dozer's owner didn't know what had happened to him and was frantically looking for him until he returned home Monday morning. He had muddy feet and was limping.

After a quick trip to the vet, Dozer is fine, his owner reports, but he won't be running any half-marathons any time soon. This week, the race co-chairmen, Michael Greenebaum and Jon Sevel, gave Dozer a medal -- and some dog treats.

Dozer even has his own runner's page, where people can donate to raise money for cancer research at the Greenebaum Cancer Center.

Related Links:

Dozer's Fundraising Page
http://www.ummsfoundation.org/dozer

Dozer's Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/dozerthedogfanpage

University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center
http://www.umgcc.org/

Maryland Half Marathon
http://www.mdhalfmarathon.com/Page.aspx?pid=418

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog
• run
• cancer
• puppy
• health

[flowerpotent]

He was just following the age old rule: if you see a lot of people running, START RUNNING! How was he to know it was a marathon? It could have been an alien swarm or stampeding buffaloes. Good doggy!

[SteveMacLaughlin]

Great story! Dozer has raised close to $8,000 to fight cancer. You can donate to Dozer's page here: ummsfoundation(dot)org/dozer

[sfrance783]

nice

[1967jomama]

oh what a sweet soul!! and he looks like he is filled with pride, too!! :^) such a fantastic story, i am happy that someone caught it on video. it's so awesome that he raises money (and awareness) for cancer research. Dozer is a sweet, special soul and it was wonderful to 'meet' him, thank you!! <3

[sensfan22]

I have the same type of dog, actually that dog looks like a splitting image of my dog. Goldendoodles r awesome, smart and very intelligent and require virtually no training. They r also very adorable. My dog is my mountain biking partner. She will run along beside me for 5 hrs

[blueygreeneyes13]

that is so cute i want that dog

[BlueGama600]

How many miles/kilometers was the race?

Btw, It's probably a fit dog and all but there are lots of dogs which could run a full marathon easily. Just depends what breed.

[gr8trainer]

very touching and all BUT let this serve as an example: ELECTRIC / "INVISIBLE" FENCES ARE NOT AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO CONFINE A DOG TO YOUR PROPERTY!

[4pawreiki]

Love it!!



[4thel0ve]

@lungcancercure Actually, I just like the fact that the dog had fun and returned safely to his family. :)

[Elaine6500]

What a beautiful Dog. :-) As a two time Cancer survivor; Dover you sure are man's best friend. *big hugs* to you.  xxx