LAST WALKIES
By wheelbarrow and by rucksack, dying labradoodle’s final trip up favourite peak
For years Carlos Fresco and his trusty dog roamed hill and dale, revelling in the glory of the British countryside.
But with ten-year-old Monty gravely ill from cancer and coming to the end of his days it seemed their roving ways were over – until Mr Fresco had a brainwave.
They returned to an old stomping ground and, using an old rusty wheelbarrow, the stricken labradoodle was carried up his favourite peak in the Brecon Beacons to enjoy the spectacular scenery one last time.
Mr Fresco, 57, said they had visited the Brecons many times and had hiked all its famous peaks. He spotted the wheelbarrow while staying in the area with a friend and decided it was ideal for a trip up 2,900ft Pen y Fan.
The hotelier, from Bayswater, west London, said: ‘The next day I put Monty in it on top of a load of blankets and started wheeling him to the top of Pen y Fan. He loved it and the reaction he got from other walkers was amazing.
‘They all took turns in helping to push the barrow, and Monty really enjoyed that because he’d always adored people and being made a fuss of.
‘I was bowled over by the kindness we were shown, to be honest – total strangers taking the time out to say “hello” and lend a hand in getting him to the summit. People on the hills were so kind.’
At times, Monty was carried in a rucksack before returning to the wheelbarrow where he had his favourite Tigger cuddly toy for company.
Mr Fresco, who bought the labradoodle as a puppy, said: ‘Monty has always been at my side.’ The dog was diagnosed with leukaemia 18 months ago.
Mr Fresco said: ‘He responded very well to chemotherapy. But unfortunately his leukaemia returned and he declined very rapidly. I knew Monty was dying.’
Monty passed away while on the trip to Wales lying by the foot of Mr Fresco’s bed. His owner said: ‘I’m glad we got to go on one last adventure together.’