‘Photo Doggies for Anthony’, Over 500,000 Photos of Dogs Posted to a Facebook Page in Support of a Teen With Cancer

Photo Doggies for Anthony

When Roberta Lucero-Koron found out that her friend Kristen Lyons‘ 16-year-old son Anthony, who is being treated for cancer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, found a great deal of comfort from visiting dogs, she started a Facebook campaign called “Photo Doggies for Anthony.” The campaign, which simply asked that people post pictures of their dogs to the page with an encouraging message for Anthony, has garnered over a million followers and over 500,000 pictures.

My friend Kristen Lyons has her son Anthony at Phoenix Children’s hospital. Some days he gets doggy visits and some he does not. They make him smile. I thought if I create this event, you can post a picture of your dog to help make him smile. His mom shows them to him and he smiles. …He is undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia he’s inpatient right now but we will hopefully be out in a few days. I am amazed at how quickly this event has blown up and it makes me so happy to know how many people enjoy their pets as much as Anthony and I do. Your pets have brightened our days so much and it just shows you the power of pet therapy and animal healing. This just shows what great people animal lovers are and we are really feeling the love from you and your pets in this difficult time.

Anthony’s family is amazed by all the people showing their support.

I cannot express the joy we have gotten from these photos. We have looked at each and every photo and video and we laugh and sometimes cry just from the outpouring of support. I will never be able to thank you all enough and all of you are the amazing people that have your best friend pets by your side day in and day out. We are so incredibly thankful for you sharing and loving your pets as much as we love ours. Thank you thank you thank you.

Here are just a few of the many submissions.

Oakie
Oakie

Bentley and Loki
Bentley and Loki

Junior and Blizzy
Junior and Blizzy

Gunner and Magnum
Gunner and Magnum

Beau - Georgia
Beau

images via Photo Doggies for Anthony

via USA Today, PetaPixel

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.