Rieyonne Kommanchi For Klancraig - Roman

Today we awoke to a beautiful, warm and sunny spring morning. Imagine our shock when we got downstairs and discovered that our wonderful spotty boy had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
It was first confirmed that Roman had an inoperable tumour under his ribs in August last year and a series of X rays taken by our vet also suggested another tumour in his digestional tract. Although we continued to raw feed him, we immediately stopped giving him whole bone since it was very apparent that he was experiencing difficulty digesting anything other than soft foods.
Roman managed the autumn despite having several 'off' days during the cold, wet winter months but on the whole coped with his condition fairly well.
Sadly over the last week, Roman's health took a turn for the worst and we knew the time was drawing close to having to make the awful decision to let him go.
Little did we know when we said our goodnights to the dogs last night that we were also saying our goodbyes to Roman.

A lifetime of living with dogs and I have never lost one peacefully in it's sleep, so we are blessed that Roman chose his time to leave us and did so in the safety and comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family and companions. Why then do I still feel dreadfully guilty that I did not know his time was so close and just say those last words of farewell?
Roman's passing is certainly the end of an era - nearly twenty years of owning dalmatians. They are a truly wonderful breed and we have been fortunate to live with four beautiful dogs - Pip, Kromwell, Phaedra and Roman but Roman was a cut above the rest; a kind and gentle boy who can never be replaced and will never be forgotten.
We have all shed a tear today. It is amazing how the passing of one little spotty dog has changed the dynamics of our household so much. He wasn't a noisy dog but the house has certainly been very quiet and Fergus especially has been milling around whining, obviously wondering where his bestest buddy has gone.
Rest in peace old boy - run free at the Bridge, no more laboured breathing, no stiffness, bright and white once more and reunited with all your old chums who have been waiting to greet you.
Reiyonne Kommanchi For Klancraig - Roman - 15 April 1997 to 19 March 2011