Duncan's Story

This is an incredibly difficult story about an incredibly special boy with an incredibly rare disease. Four months ago, my golden retriever, Duncan, was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma, an aggressive and rare blood cancer. From the moment we learned this devastating news, our priority was to give him the best life possible.

He bravely endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, which slowed the disease only briefly, and overcame infections with his usual strength and spirit. Even as his walks grew slower, Duncan remained his goofy, joyful self—always eager for adventures and a little taste of whatever was on our plates.

In the first week of September, we learned Duncan developed a blood clot in his aorta causing fulminant kidney failure. With no treatment options available, we brought him home and surrounded him with love. His final days were filled with the best steaks his dad ever grilled, all the snackos, doggy ice cream, and endless snuggles. On Saturday, September 13th, with his mom, dad, little sister Peachie, and all his favorite toys by his side, Duncan crossed over the Rainbow Bridge peacefully in his daddy's arms with nothing but love and affection reflecting back at us from the most beautiful brown eyes we've ever known.

Why I’m Asking for Help

This tragedy came at an extremely difficult time during my medical training. As a student, my funds were limited to my student loans. As a medical resident, my income is fixed and limited, and Duncan's treatments and hospitalizations have been overwhelming. If Duncan touched your life or simply if his story resonates with you, I would be deeply grateful for any support toward his medical expenses.

To honor his memory and help other dogs facing cancer, 10% of all donations and 100% of any proceeds will be donated to the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which is advancing research to better understand and treat cancer in golden retrievers. Duncan lived a full six-and-a-half-year life, but he was robbed of so much more life to give and spread joy, and we want to change that for other golden retrievers and their families.

Thank you for helping me honor Duncan’s legacy.

I'll see you on the other side, Dunky.