On Friday 4th April, my boy, Max, was referred to Cave Veterinary Specialists in Wellington, following the results from a blood test and an aspirate of an enlarged lymph node at his registered veterinary centre in Okehampton. He was referred to Cave as his vet suspected lymphoma. He was lethargic and off his food, and the results were inconclusive meaning they didn’t provide a definite diagnosis.

When we arrived at Cave, Max was seen straight away. We were taken through to a room where he was examined. His heart rate was extremely fast, and he had an ongoing fever of 40.5C. Could an infection be causing his swollen lymph nodes? This wasn’t ruled out. I was hopeful, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case.

Max stayed in overnight, where he was monitored. He had further tests, including an ultrasound and a PARR test, which helps to differentiate between neoplastic (cancerous) and reactive (inflammatory) lymphoid cells. He was given IV fluid support, paracetamol, and an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting. The oncologist that took on Max’s case kept me updated through the night and into the morning. On Saturday 5th April I went to pick him up. He came through the door to where I was waiting, tail wagging and I dropped in a heap crying. He had a cannula in his left leg and his fur had been shaved in various places. I guess seeing him like this made it all real. I felt helpless.

The oncologist told me that they were still waiting for the result of the PARR, but that his clinical signs were still highly suggestive of lymphoma. She discussed treatment options, for me to go away and think about.

So, on Sunday 6th April I set up this fundraiser, to raise money for chemotherapy, a treatment that could prolong his life. I had already reached my insurance limit with the investigations and referral to Cave, and after hearing how much the estimated cost was for chemo, I had to do something especially after finding out that dogs with lymphoma who have chemo can go into remission. He has never given up on me, so I wasn’t prepared to give up on him. I decided there and then to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge in 24 hours (climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales). I chose this challenge as Max and I have walked all 3 at different times and summitted every one. We had 3 incredible adventures climbing them.

On Monday 7th April I received a confirmed diagnosis – large granular lymphoma. A type of lymphoma that is extremely rare and associated with a very short prognosis due to how aggressive it is. A survival time of around 4 weeks. Options were discussed. Chemotherapy was a possibility, but it would have made him very sick and would have only prolonged his life by just a few months. The other option was palliative steroids, to keep him comfortable and continue living his best life! I chose steroid treatment.

Max is 5. He bounced in to my life at just 8 weeks old. Since that day, we have never really left each others side. We’ve climbed and reached the summit of 6 mountains in total, we’ve stomped quite a bit of the South Weat coastal path, we’ve shared my food (can’t say I’ve wanted his), he’s tried surfing, sea kayaking and paddle boarding and although he didn’t like it much he was still there swimming beside me. We’ve jumped in different rivers, lakes, swam in the ocean. We’ve watched the sun come up and the sun go down 150 billion times. He’s come with me to the cities I’ve visited. Heck, he even came with me to buy my car! He’s been all over England, Scotland and Wales. Life really is so cruel. But you know what’s important now? To continue making as many memories as possible in the time I have left with him, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

I have decided to donate the funds I raise to canine lymphoma research. As large granular lymphoma is rare, there is limited research. There are only a small number of studies surrounding this sub type, concluding that additional studies are needed to further evaluate prognostic factors and guide optimum treatment recommendations.

I would love to donate to research investigating his specific sub type but unfortunately I can’t because it’s so rare, so I’m going to donate to ‘the here and now’. To the research needed now, regardless of the sub type.

I have reached out to various vet schools, charities and researchers in the UK and America. Some got back to me, some didn’t. Then, finally, some hope! The Royal Veterinary College in London replied to me on Instagram, giving me details of who to contact. Since then, I have spoken to the fundraising manager, who has assured me the money I raise will go specifically towards lymphoma research. They are currently undertaking a study to better define genetic subtypes. You can read more about this here… https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/projects/a-multi-disciplinary-approach-to-investigating-canine-diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma.

I am still going to do the 3 Peaks Challenge. I have arranged to do this on 12th September. This fundraiser will stay active until then, with the hope to reach my target. You can follow me, or Max on Instagram (search ellieallen__ or team__maximus) where I post regularly about how he is doing, the memories we’re making and much more. I’ll also be sharing my challenge when the time comes. It could be a laugh watching me struggle up all 3!

I strongly believe that in this life, you’re meant to have one great dog. One that shifts something deep inside you, in a way you never saw coming. They show up, maybe when you need them most, maybe when you’re too lost to see it. And in the smallest, most ordinary moments, they change you.

I think about all the nights I trudged through, feeling like I was carrying the weight of the world alone, but Max was always there to remind me that I was never alone, not with him by my side. He’s the one who made it all bearable, who brought me back when I was teetering on the edge. He never tried to explain or preach, he just stayed there, showing a love that I didn’t think existed. And that’s the thing about that one great dog. They make you question how you ever got by without them. I look at him, and realise he’s given me more than any person has – a presence that says, ‘I’m here with you’, and somehow, that’s enough to change everything.

#TeamMax

22/05/2025

Today, my gorgeous boy went to sleep peacefully in my arms. The last 6 weeks have been unpredictable, uncharted… difficult. But we managed to make some incredible memories, memories that will stay with me forever.

I honestly feel like I’ve just lost a part of me. Sleep tight buddy, I’ll never forget you. 💔🐾