Cancer Video | Treatment Survival & Education

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 August2005 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.

Channel: Animals
Uploaded: August 23, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Author: 2Dogs2000Miles

Length: 00:02:33
Rating: 5.00
Views: 1874

Tags: +"three pyrenees" robinson" and cancer murphy" +"hudson +cancer +malcolm "luke "great legged"

Video Comments:

FallOutBoyUK (October 11, 2008 at 5:09 pm)

Call me sad, but I couldn't help but cry. Such a touching video and story. All I kept thinking about is when my Pyrenean will inevitably pass away =o( Thanks for sharing. Your doggie looked gorgeous. And that pic of him all covererd in dirt and leaves reminded me so much of Major, our dog. So funny..

amahagooie (September 22, 2008 at 11:24 pm)

You made me cry, so sad, i am so sorry for your loss

underlinedbluetext (September 22, 2008 at 7:57 pm)

What a touching video, i miss my great Pyrenees too! Malcolm is in doggie heaven probably chillin with my dog :) im sorry for your loss he is in a better place

ILuvMyPitbulls (August 17, 2008 at 9:11 pm)

What a beautiful dog and a touching memorial.

vriss (July 26, 2008 at 11:00 pm)

I love your memorials to Malcolm. Thank you, Luke, for sharing.

yessum51 (July 10, 2008 at 8:17 pm)

Great video. Sorry for your loss. Last Friday we lost our most awesome Border collie, Jake. He was so stoic and the greatest companion. We lost his "mom" a year ago this week (she was a year old when Jake joined us) who was another awesome Border collie and also my service dog for over 10 yrs. Maggie (13)&Jake (12). We'd already been looking at Great Pyrs, so we'll see what happens. Right now we keep listening (reflex) for Jake at the door or the ice machine or to tell us the mail had come :(

perfectwaterocks (May 29, 2008 at 3:26 am)

I loved and lost 13 Pyres over the years. I know your pain. God Bless you and thank you for posting this Memorial... it touched my soul.

chvyman95 (April 30, 2008 at 3:49 am)

He was a beautifully handsome dog, and even in his pain you could see that he loved you. Bless you for loving him, and for what you are doing now.

onekinkstar (April 8, 2008 at 6:44 am)

You were given precious little time to share with Malcolm. A wonderful gift, no matter how much it hurts now.He was really some boy, huh? I'm sorry I never got to meet him to share a snowball or two or three.

ErikVladLover (March 15, 2008 at 3:46 am)

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss; I don't know what we'd do if we ever lost our Pyr, Sascha--she's the love our our lives. God bless you for giving Malcolm such wonderful love and care. He may not have gone gentle into the long good night, but with the love you gave him, I'm sure he went happily and will be waiting for you to join him one day at the Rainbow Bridge.