Farwell to Carlos the Ox

TODAY, WE MADE THE IMPOSSIBLE DECISION to say farewell to Carlos the Ox.

As a beloved family member, his departure leaves a hole in our hearts and the community. Born at Retreat Farm, Carlos lived a long and storied life enriched by the thousands of visitors who showered him with love and affection. Weighing nearly 2,000 pounds and standing 7 feet tall, Carlos sparked awe and wonder, instantly providing a calm and grounding effect to those who had the privilege of standing in his magnificence.

Carlos’s longevity is a testament to the high level of care he received from dedicated caregivers throughout his life. Over the past year, Carlos received weekly health evaluations to monitor his mobility, weight, appetite, and responsiveness.

Though Carlos was initially in great shape going into winter, as the weather got colder, we noticed a dramatic change in his overall demeanor, comfort level, and mobility due to old age and severe debilitating arthritis. After many discussions with the veterinarians at Green Mountain Bovine, we considered all possible options and tried an additional medication to reduce his discomfort and pain.

But ultimately, his quality of life was the most important factor — and he showed us it was his time. We chose to have Carlos pass peacefully and comfortably in his pasture at the home he loved for 18 and a half years.

Carlos was born at Retreat Farm in April 2005. His mother was one of the last generation of dairy cows at the Farm. A Red Holstein Brahma cross, Carlos grew up at Retreat Farm, serving as the official greeter to generations of visitors who made the journey up the steep hill.

Carlos's longevity is a testament to the high level of care he received from dedicated caregivers throughout his life.

We are planning a celebration of life in April to honor Carlos’s birthday and the legacy he leaves behind. We invite you to share photos and memories of Carlos for inclusion in the celebration, along with ideas and input to inform the creation of a permanent memorial for Carlos. Please send all questions, ideas, photos, and memories to Executive Director Kristin Sullivan at ksullivan@retreatfarm.org.

While we will continue to mourn the loss of Carlos for years to come, we want to reaffirm our commitment to building an animal program that honors Retreat Farm’s long agricultural history, showcases local producers, and connects people to the land and regional food system.