NZCh Keeswey Mighty Carlo R.I.P.

This morning Carlo started showing the first signs of suffering. When he tried to walk he would fall over and standing was obviously a huge effort for him. He had up to this point quietly and stoically endured his sickness but this morning he looked like he was ready to go. During the night he had started whimpering from time to time and this became more frequent this morning. Obviously he was in some discomfort so we had to do something for him.

With heavy hearts, but enormously thankful for the years he was with us, we decided that the best thing we could do for him was to take him to the vet.

He slipped away peacefully in our arms and is now buried on the hill overlooking the farm right next to where, years ago, we buried Lara. Together they are watching over us.

NZCh Keeswey Mighty Carlo was well named because he had a mighty character, was mighty loving , had mighty energy (especially when it came to food), and was just so full of the joy of life. He just loved living on the farm and we're certain that of the three homes he lived in this was his favourite home. It is fitting that he's here to stay, forever keeping vigil on the hill. A fitting place for a watchdog.

Our boy is about to leave us

Our lovely Carlo is slowly but surely slipping away from us. The tumour in his mouth is making it almost impossible for him to eat and he doesn't really want to eat any more.

Carlo is 12 years old and has been a loyal and loving companion to Jenny and I. We will both miss him when he finally goes.

I am hoping and praying that he gets to live out the full allotment of his days without us having to step in to relieve his suffering. At the moment he's not in pain but you can tell that he's so very tired now.

Over the last week or so I've slept on the floor with him because he so loves to have company during the night. I know that last night he didn't sleep very well and today he has spent most of the day laying in the one spot with his eyes open. As far as I can tell he hasn't slept today and I think that perhaps when he does go to sleep tonight that he won't wake up.