In May 2004, my six year-old Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a particularly aggressive cancer of the bones. Less than a month later, his right front leg was amputated foll...
In May 2004, my six year-old Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a particularly aggressive cancer of the bones. Less than a month later, his right front leg was amputated followed by chemotherapy, both of which are the prescribed treatment. Post-op recovery was promising. Within two weeks, he had learned to balance his 120 pound frame without assistance and not too much later, it was as if he was born three-legged.
I recall one fresh autumn morning on my front porch. I was caught up in the day's edition of the Wall Street Journal with Malcolm lying untethered nearby. Before I knew it, he had cleared the stairs, crossed the street, and treed a squirrel in a neighbor's yard. The image of him is still so perfect; standing upright with his one front leg resting on the trunk of a massive maple, barking maniacally.
Such was his spirit, undaunted by adversity and unsurpassed. We had a good year but unfortunately, osteosarcoma metastisizes in 90% of all cases. Malcolm wasn't spared. An x-ray taken in August 2005 revealed a grapefruit sized mass in his lung, which is almost always where the cancer spreads. He was given two weeks to a month to live.
Malcolm never stepped away from a fight (unless it involved a vacuum cleaner) and had no intention of going gentle into that good night. I cooked all of his meals, we traveled a bit, and he lived well for five more months until his body became too tired to continue. He was given rest January 11, 2006.
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Beautiful dog Malcolm is. I just lost my 13-year-old Toller named Toby in January 2010. Sorry for you life and thank you for drawing attention to cancer in dogs.
Argos was the dog of Odysseus.When he returned from Troia,his dog saw him coming in the palace and he died!Our best friends are the dogs.The only thing they want is love.
I'm sorry for your loss. My dog got diabetes and i kept him going for years, but, you know. I havent replaced him but , selfish as i am, it helps when i give to the Humane Society. Thanks.
That is a beautiful memorial for your beloved Malcom. We lost our 11.5 year old Pyr, Belle, a year ago February, and no matter how long or short they live, the pain of losing them is rough! Now we have 14 mt old Sebastian, and knowing that one day that day will come again makes us want to enjoy all our time with him, Thanks for posting this memorial
I'm so sorry you lost Malcolm. He was a beautiful and as I see in your video a family member. I lost my Great Pyr two years ago and was without a dog for eight months, it was terrible. I got another Pyr as my King would want me to. Blessings to you all.
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My dog got diabetes and i kept him going
for years, but, you know.
I havent replaced him but , selfish as i am,
it helps when i give to the Humane Society.
Thanks.
Thanks for posting this memorial
My Pyr is ten and I think my tears were also for me....even though he sometimes acts like a puppy, I know the average lifespan.....
God bless Malcolm~~~
from Cindy and Bear, NC