Memorial for Malcolm

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.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• luke robinson
• great pyrenees
• cancer
• +malcolm
• +hudson
• and
• murphy
• +three
• legged
• +cancer

[kski6603]

I need some tissues now. Very touching video... thank you for sharing it. Rest In Peace Malcolm.

[ksikelly]

Wow you guys were lucky to have each other. What an amazing loving home you provided him. I'm crying after watching your video. I'm sorry you lost him :(

[DeniseFrohog]

wow, watching this and reading the description was so touching. I lost my beloved 7yr-old Golden Retriever to cancer and it was probably the hardest thing to do to let him go. I would just like to commend you on the obvious love and support you gave Malcom. My favourite pic of him was the one where he's lying in the leaves with his hair all matted up lol... what a happy boy! He definitely knew he was loved. Thank you for sharing this.

[countrygal9401]

so very sad but he now has murphy to help watch over you, Hudsy, and your amazing quest!

[TishaAnn1970]

A heart exposed to such endearing love. There are so many wonderful videos of your son and of your journey since Malcolm's passing. I have so many emotions that can not be expressed with only 500 characters. I am in awe over the words you wrote to describe the autumn morning. Your words, the music and the video is heartwarming. I admire the man you are, the son Malcolm was and the sons you have now. I pray for each of you and the knowledge and courage to always PUPPY UP! ..

[TishaAnn1970]

A heart exposed to such endearing love. There are so many wonderful videos of your son and of your journey since Malcolm's passing. I have so many emotions that can not be expressed with only 500 characters. I am in awe over the words you wrote to describe the autumn morning. Your words, the music and the video is heartwarming. I admire the man you are, the son Malcolm was and the sons you have now. I pray for each of you and the knowledge and courage to always PUPPY UP! ...

[IamFocus]

God Bless your Malcolm

[notefromself]

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.

[uboot1967]

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.

[14all41]

'Good Lad' Malcolm, you`ll surely never be forgotten; rest peacefully.

[narvesen]

Sad:(

[KisaKittyLove]

this poot me to teers