Local therapy dog puts a smile on Pilgrim’s face

Rudi, along with Penny and Matfield, paid radio personality Mark Pilgrim a visit at his home on February 4.

February 19, 2023

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Therapy dog Rudi helped radio personality Mark Pilgrim, who is suffering from lung cancer, forget about all his health challenges.

A golden retriever from Rynfield has done his bit to help cancer-stricken radio personality Mark Pilgrim visualise his dream of being cancer-free.

Rudi – a qualified therapy dog – visited the Pilgrim home on February 4 after the radio jock had posted on Instagram about his goal to walk on the beach with his beautiful family and future golden retriever.

The visit was facilitated by the NPOs Paws 4 U and Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa, who rehomed Rudi and two other therapy dogs that also visited the Pilgrim home.

Handler Ilse Kadur said Rudi’s interaction with Mark Pilgrim was magical.

According to Rudi’s handler and owner, Ilse Kadur, the dog’s sweet demeanour and unconditional love put a smile on Pilgrim’s face, making him forget about his health challenges for a minute.

“Mark scratched and patted the dog, fed him a biscuit, and then there was a huge smile on his face. That smile meant so much. Rudi made Mark forget about all his worries for a few seconds,” she said.

Kadur described that moment as magical.

“Magic,” she said. “Unbelievable. It gave me goosebumps. We knew it wouldn’t be much, but it was magical that we gave this man a moment to forget about all his worries. I’m happy we made a difference.”

Paw 4 U therapy dogs Penny, Matfield and Rudi also interacted with Mark Pilgrim’s daughters during their visit to the Pilgrim home.

On a social media post after the visit, Pilgrim posted photos of the dogs interacting with his two daughters and shared his emotional experience.

“Surprise visit for the girls from Paws4U! Thanks for bringing your highly trained retriever therapy dogs for a bit of fun and interaction,” Pilgrim said.

In the photos, the dogs are cuddling and swimming in the family pool with the girls.

“The interaction with his daughters made him happy because he kept it a surprise from the girls. It also relieved them of their worries because they are also suffering,” said Kadur.

Therapy dogs Penny, Matfield and Rudi with their handler, Ilse Kadur.

Battle with cancer

The Hot 102.7 FM DJ was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

He has undergone intensive treatment combining radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, a journey he shares with his followers on social media.

Pilgrim also regularly has his lungs drained and will begin a new drug as part of his targeted therapy.

He’s faced several setbacks. He’s had large amounts of liquid drained from his lungs and stomach, lost more than 15kg and now moves around with a walking stick.

Rudi was rehomed two years ago. He’s been a therapy dog ever since.

Paws 4 U therapy dogs

The NPO trains dogs to become therapy dogs. Along with the handler, they must pass the evaluation for suitability to become potential therapy dogs and handler teams.

They visit hospitals, retirement villages and special children schools.

For more information, visit them on 10 Thom Street, Rynfield or go to www.paws4u.org.

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