06/08/25

Why choose a dog’s love over anything else? Because it’s honest. There’s no pretence. It’s a love that’s consistent, one you can count on without question. A dog doesn’t care about what you do or how you look – they just know who you are, and that’s enough.

On Saturday 5th April my best friend, Max, was diagnosed with lymphoma. ‘Lymphoma’ describes a diverse group of cancer(s) affecting a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are key components in the body’s immune system and travel through the lymphatic system. This means lymphoma has often spread throughout the body by the time of diagnosis.

’The multifocal lymphadenopathy, his symptoms and test results are suggestive of lymphoma’. Within just 45 minutes of receiving this call on Friday 4th, his vet referred him to a specialist centre, and he was seen the same afternoon. Max stayed overnight and had further tests due to his fast heart rate and ongoing fever of 40.5C. At first, they questioned an infectious cause. Could an infection be causing his swollen lymph nodes? I was hopeful. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.

The prognosis for lymphoma is variable. Without treatment, life expectancy may only be a few weeks to months (average 4-6 weeks). I was given two options. Steroid treatment which will often improve quality of life for a relatively short period (weeks to months), or chemotherapy with the aim to achieve remission. Dogs with lymphoma receiving chemotherapy often live for longer, however some cancer cells will eventually begin to multiply again, which is known as a relapse where the cancer is no longer detectable but is still present. The median length of survival of dogs with multicentric lymphoma is between 9-13 months. The term ‘median’ implies that 50% of dogs will survive beyond this time point, and 50% of treated dogs will die before this time point. So, there’s a 50/50 chance, right? Absolutely 100% worth it. Max has never given up on me, and I am not prepared to give up on him.

I’ve been reading numerous stories on the internet which has helped me to cope and stay positive. One in particular caught my attention – Zoe’s Journey UK. A golden retriever named Zoe was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 12! She had chemo immediately and hit remission in just 8 days. Zoe lived to the age of 16, cancer free! Max is only 5, I know he can get through this!!!

Now, some will think ‘he’s just a dog’ or question why I am willing to spend so much time and effort on what they see as ‘just a dog’. Hear this… some of my proudest moments have been because of ‘just a dog’. The victories, both big and small, were made sweeter with his wagging tail by my side. There have been days when my only companion was ‘just a dog’, yet I never once felt alone. In fact, I felt whole. And in my darkest hours, the warmth of his furry head resting on my lap was often the only thing that kept my heart from falling apart. So, for those who see ‘just a dog’, I wish you could know what it feels like to be truly loved by one. To be looked at with eyes that see no flaws, only devotion. Because if you did, you would understand there is no such thing as ‘just a dog’.

The estimated cost for chemotherapy is £7000, depending on what he’ll need going forward (it may not reach this sum). I have already reached my insurance limit with all the investigations and referral to the oncology specialist. So, I’m raising money for Max to help fund his treatment.

To raise money for Max, I am going to walk the 3 peaks in 24 hours! Max and I have walked all 3, but at different times, and summited every one. This time, I will likely be walking them without him but reliving some amazing memories. Details of this to follow.

#TeamMax

Follow Max’s journey on Instagram 😊 search ‘team__maximus’

Update 08/04/25

‘We have the results back from the aspirated lymph node and I’m so sorry’. He lay there yesterday as calm as ever, as if he wasn’t carrying the weight I felt, the heartbreak. Dogs don’t measure time the way we do, they just live, moment to moment, even when the moments are running out.

Unfortunately, Max has large granular lymphoma, a T-cell type that is very rare and associated with a short prognosis due to how aggressive it is. The median survival time is 4 weeks. Chemotherapy is an option, but it’ll likely make him very sick and may only prolong his life by a few months. I just can’t put him through it so he’ll be medically managed with steroids until the time comes.

Canine lymphoma research focuses on understanding the disease, improving diagnosis, and developing more effective treatments. I’ll be keeping this fundraiser open as I would like to donate to canine lymphoma research in the hope that one day there is more of an understanding of the T-cell type, even in its rarest form. I will still be doing the 3 Peaks in Max’s memory.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far. I honestly can’t thank you enough. Please keep sharing far and wide!!! For daily pupdates on this unpredictable journey please follow us on Instagram, where I’ll share more information regarding T-cell lymphoma. I’ll share with you as much as I know, in the hope to help other owners.

Here’s my advice… if you’re at any point concerned about your pet, don’t hesitate, get them to the vet as soon as you can

I’m sorry I couldn’t save you bud 💔