Major's Lymph Node Cancer Fund

Our precious Great Dane, Major, has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer at just 4 years old. It’s been a devastating shock, but things have moved fast, and he started on CHOP chemotherapy just a few days after his diagnosis. We are hopeful as at the time of writing (6th July), he’s had 3 chemo sessions of his 16-week course, and we are already seeing promising results as the lumps have started to reduce.

Despite this, treatment has been heartbreaking to witness our boy suffer from the side affects. But when he has a moment where the more boisterous side of his character shines through, this brings us such joy. Like when he reignites his lifelong vendetta against the wooden duck ornaments in the living room! And when a load of his toys are brought to us in quick succession, or when tug of war commences, we know he’s our little fighter.

Apart from the emotional struggle, the financial pressure is really overwhelming. The total cost of his chemo treatment, biopsies and additional blood tests and scans is currently estimated to be over £10,500. Our insurance covers £4000 per condition per year, and so we have a significant shortfall, which we are desperately trying to find. Any help would be hugely appreciated to give our boy every possible chance to get back to his happy, goofy self. He has so much life left to live and so much more love to give.

Major is being treated by the incredible Dr. Josh Hardwick and his team at CAVE Veterinary Specialists. They have been a fantastic support so far, and know how to coax a very stubborn Major into the building when he decides he doesn’t want to go!

Major is so full of love and fiercely protective over me and mum. Everyone who meets him falls instantly in love; it's a regular occurrence for cars to stop on Devon country lanes for a chance to greet him, and he will poke his head into car windows for strokes and treats! His favourite things are fish skins, tug of war and sofas & double beds. He adores the woods and it’s so funny seeing his gangly limbs fly everywhere as he leaps over the stream and clumsily weaves between the trees.

It’s been hard to grapple with our boy being diagnosed at such a young age. We take Major to his favourite spots on Exmoor, and even though the walks have been shorter and slower, seeing him happy, nose in the air sniffing the sheep, having a few goofy moments of madness, and being present in our special place, means the world to us.

Thank you for reading Major’s story and for helping us do everything we can for our gorgeous boy.

Sophie and Jilly x