Fidget RIP

We had a very sad day yesterday when we had to call the Vet to come and put Fidget to sleep. Not a nice decision to have to make but one that animal lovers everywhere will understand.

For some time now as we've said on past blogs we've been keeping a close eye on his condition.  He was having difficulty going to the toilet and whilst he was eating and drinking well, he had lost weight and condition.

Our vet had recently given him a thorough checking over but we decided against any intrusive exploratory surgery for Fidget.  Instead we kept a close eye on him deciding that at the slightest sign of distress or pain we would recall the vet.

In the event he kept eating and drinking well but became less willing to wander between the paddocks.  On Saturday he was clearly unable to go to the toilet, had stopped eating properly and was lying down frequently.  The Vet's conclusion was that his heart had weakened considerably and agreed with our decision not to allow his deteriorating condition and quality of life to continue.  We could not allow Fidget to become distressed.

Here is Fidget in his usual place at the back of the line up with Fergus in front of him, then Fyta and led by Faro.  Fidget always did his own thing, was always at the back of the queue and often enjoyed his own company knowing that the other boys were nearby.  These boys are nearly all 13 years old and we got them together from Ardo Alpacas in Aberdeenshire, when they were around 1 year old.  Now that he has gone, his three pals have been quiet today and appear to be looking out for him, but this will pass with time.

And finally...............Fidget, looking good in the sand-pit during 2016 when he was at his best.  He'll be missed by us for sure, and by his alpaca pals.  Rest in peace, Fidget.