Having a dog in your life is like having another sibling or a child. They instantly become part of the family that’s why when they get old or sick, we get affected. We would do everything to make sure that they enjoy the last days of their lives.
That is exactly what this human dad did when he decided to take his four-legged best friend on one last adventure after finding out that he didn’t have long left to live.
Carlos Fresco, 57, pushed his Labradoodle “Monty” up the Pen y Fan, his pooch’s favorite mountain. For the last couple of years, Carlo and Monty have visited the place a couple of times.
Sadly, Monty was diagnosed with Leukemia. And after his 18-month-long battle and was responding well to chemotherapy, his cancer returned. Carlos knew that it won’t be long before his 10-year-old dog crosses the rainbow bridge. His health is deteriorating fast. To make his last days special, Carlos decided to return to the area with Monty so they could share one last adventure together.
Carlos shared, “I knew Monty was dying as his cancer had returned. He was diagnosed 18 months ago and responded very well to chemotherapy. But unfortunately, his leukemia returned eight weeks ago, and he declined very rapidly.” Monty had been Carlos’ dog since he was a puppy. And going on adventures is not new for them. They have explored hills, they have gone on walks all over the UK. They have also summited three peaks. The dog has always loved hill walks. He still does, but he’s not as strong as he was before. So in order to visit their favorite mountain again, Carlos had to come up with a way to get him to the top easily – using a friend’s rusty old wheelbarrow! Carlos dusted it off and oiled it up so it can be used again. Then the next day, he made sure the ride would be as comfortable as possible for Monty. Carlos loaded up the barrow with blankets and put Monty on top of them. Finally, they are ready to start their journey to the top of Pen y Fan. The dog enjoyed his comfy ride and surely loved all the attention that he is getting from the strangers they encountered on the trip. Carlos received help from the people that they come across. Many of them took turns in pushing him and Monty really enjoyed all of it. Carlos said, “People on the hills were so kind and equally so sad at his deteriorating condition. In fact, total strangers asked if they could share in pushing Monty on his last journey – many total strangers shed a tear as we all love dearly our little four-legged friends. Our little companions are never judgmental, are always there waiting for you, and offer comfort when things haven’t gone well.” Sadly, Monty had passed away. He died in his sleep at the foot of his bed on the morning of Father’s Day. It was a bittersweet moment for Carlos. He will be missing his beloved dog, but he knows that now, there will be no more pain for his pooch. They only have a short life to live, so for all the unconditional love and endless joy they give us, they truly deserve to live their best lives.