So Doggone Sweet: Dog Lovers Worldwide Reach Out to Teen Battling Cancer

A wagging tail can go a long way for patients undergoing cancer treatments, such as 16-year-old Anthony Lyons.

Anthony, who just began a round of therapy a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, derives strength and cheer from four-legged therapy friends, and his mom wanted to keep his spirits up, even when the dogs aren’t visiting. Kristen Lyons turned to Facebook with a call for dog lovers to unite in the name of her son. Lyons asked for photos of all dogs—big and small—to be shared in a Facebook event called, ”Photo Doggies for Anthony.”

Dog owners from around the world—including Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, to name just a few states—came together to share snapshots of their silly canines and encourage Anthony in his battle.

“Your pets have brightened our days so much and it just shows you the power of pet therapy and animal healing,” Lyons wrote on the Facebook event page. “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 is fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and just began a weeklong round of chemotherapy on Friday. To date, the event has accrued roughly half a million dog photos.

“I cannot express the joy we have gotten from these photos,” family wrote on the page. “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.”

An online fundraiser has also been started in Anthony’s name.

Think that will be enough to inspire Anthony?

Join the effort on Facebook.