Rudi, a rescued dog, is assisting radio personality Mark Pilgrim in visualizing his goal of being cancer-free.
The Golden Retriever, a certified therapy dog, visited the Pilgrim residence with the assistance of the non-profit organizations Paws4U Therapy and Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa.
Mark Pilgrim provided an update on his special guests, three therapy dogs from Paws4U Therapy, over the weekend.
He shared, “Surprise visit from Paws4U for the girls! Thank you for bringing three of your highly trained Retriever therapy dogs for some socialization.”
In pictures shared to his social media pages, the canines can be seen swimming in the family pool and embracing Mark’s daughters.
Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa, who rehomed Rudi and two of the other dogs, detailed their emotional experience on their Facebook page.
According to NPO, their vacation was motivated by Mark Pilgrim’s motivational post about overcoming cancer and “walking on the beach with our future golden retriever.”
They wrote, “We were privileged to be a part of something truly remarkable.
“After seeing Mark Pilgrim’s Instagram post about his desire to walk on the beach with his family and their future Golden Retriever, we wanted them to begin by spending time with the most incredible pups!
“We knew exactly who to call to help make this a reality; the incredible team at Paws 4 U Therapy Dogs jumped at the chance to assist. Rudi was rescued by Golden Retriever Rescue, which makes him even more special to us.
The nonprofit organization also took the chance to extend well wishes to Mark Pilgrim: “We wish Mark healing and continued love for his entire family.” One day soon, you will be strolling on the beach with your Golden Retriever and soaking up the sun!”.
Mark Pilgrim was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer almost a year ago. This is the star’s second try at the disease after defeating testicular cancer more than three decades ago.
In the previous 12 months, the radio personality has since gone underwent a rigorous treatment plan comprising radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. He also routinely has his lungs emptied and is slated to begin a new medicine as part of targeted therapy.
However, there have been setbacks. Mark was had to have massive quantities of fluid drained from his lungs and stomach. After shedding more than 15kgs after a two-month hospital stay, the presenter now has to use a walking stick to move around.
His current round of chemo and immunotherapy has also left him fatigued and with a bad spell of diarrhea.
»Rescue canine is helping Mark Pilgrim realize his ambition«