About Papi
while his family watched.
Died at age 9 years and 7 months.
Even while suffering from the portosystemic shunt, I think he was determined to survive it.
At the very end, being repeatedly hospitalized and put on an intravenous drip for two days,
the hair on his back legs fell out. Even so, he persisted to live on.
When it was obvious that he wasn't going to recover we were given the options of either leaving him in the hospital or bringing him home and naturally, he came home with us.
He was unconcious for the whole time but in his last moments, he regained conciousness and looked at me right in the eye.
Immediately after giving him some water, he convulsed a little bit and, like a candle going out, let out his last breath.
I don't think he suffered on his way out.
I pressed my ear against his chest and sure enough, the sound of his reliable heartbeat was missing.
Whenever I relate the sensation of not hearing his heartbeat to family members I can't help my voice cracking.
It might be a faulty expression, representing a dog's life in human terms but I think he had a good life, all in all.
The following day, I called the pet funeral service and in the middle of the rain that next day, laid Papi before the cremator.
Now he sleeps peacefully beside me.
After the mourning, I buried his bones in the garden and thought of planting flowers on the location.
Flowers from all over arrived in mourning for Papi's death.
I think it'd make Papi happy to know that he was this loved by everyone.
Ever since I had become a manga-ka, we were together.
We were soldiers on the same battlefield.
He hadn't even reached 10 years of age yet but I like to think he had a fulfilling life.
Had the portosystemic shunt Papi contracted been detected when he was younger, he would have had a chance at undergoing surgery.
Since this can usually be found out through a blood test, please contact a vet you can trust to find any abnormalties in the liver's blood count.
It was too late before I realized that had I requested that the veterinarian do this test, my Papi's life could have been prolonged.
When I look at photos of him, I know that there could not be a more beautiful dog in the world.
Even now, sometimes, when I remember him in such detail it almost becomes too much to bear.
I firmly believe that the memories of him that are now left imprinted in my mind can never be taken away from me.
I can recall even the slightest detail...
With memories of Papi always in my heart, he is immortal.
As long as I remember him, he can never die.
And even after I die, I know he won't be forgotten.
Because all those who read Papi's manga, "My Little Lover",
will remember Papi for me.
So ends my tribute to Papi but I cannot leave without first
saying thanks to everyone who loved Papi.
You were a good dog. The best dog in the world.
Thank you for all you've done for me.
You Higuri