They say dogs are a man’s best friend and it’s easy to see why when they always look like they are full of endless joy and love. That’s why when renowned Taiwanese author and filmmaker Giddens Ko found out that his aged dog Aru was nearing the end as she had three tumours, he rushed back home to be with his dear friend. After realising there was nothing more that could be done, he sorrowfully documented his dog’s last day in a heartfelt Facebook dedication.
Source: Facebook
According to the post, he was on the train home from a book-signing ceremony when he called his wife to check on his dog as Aru hasn’t been feeling well lately. Aru was suffering a fever and hadn’t eaten much, barely touching her food but had perked up a bit when she received some visitors.
“When I got home, it was around 9pm. Aru was lying on the ground, sleeping while using an oxygen machine. ‘Aru! I’m home!’ I shouted her name, hugging her from the back. She couldn’t react much, so I had to hug her from the front so she could see me. She looked at me with soft, sincere eyes. That night I cleaned her ears with wet wipes. She likes it when I do that, pushing her head against me as if asking me to continue. This time, Aru didn’t have the strength to move her head much. I used six wet wipes. She doesn’t have the strength to manja with me anymore.”
Source: Facebook
“I think she is tired. I put my head against her to feel her heartbeat.”
He recounts the time they had spent together and said, “Thank you for being with me for 14 years! These 14 years have been a blessing because you’ve been a very good dog. The best in the universe. If you want to continue this struggle, I will do anything for you to help you and we won’t give up. But if you’re tired now and you want to rest, please let me know, won’t you? I will understand.”
Source: Facebook
The man continues pouring his heart out to his beloved dog for a long time until his concerned wife came over to accompany him and comfort Aru as well.
“You like eating so I fed you lots and lots of delicious food. I want to bring you everywhere I go. I love you so much. We all do. But if you’re very tired, I’m telling you it’s alright, you can go if you want to.”
Source: Facebook
They quickly made the decision to bring Aru to the hospital for further treatments, but it seems Aru was too tired.
“I was holding her bottom half and my wife held her head but before we reached the elevator, Aru suddenly wet herself and blood started trickling from her nose and mouth. I told my wife, ‘Go back in quickly, Aru is dying.’ “
Source: Facebook
“Aru’s breath is getting weaker as she lies in my arms. I call my eldest brother and break the news: ‘Aru is going.’ He rushes over at around 9.50pm and together, we hold Aru and comforts her. My mother calls at 10pm and asks about Aru, I turned on the loudspeaker and let her say her goodbyes to Aru.”
“The moment my mother bids the last goodbye to Aru, her breathing fades and stops altogether. It is 10:02pm. Her weight feels strange now, not heavy anymore but rather light.”
“I say to her, ‘We love you so much. We really do. Remember to tell the other dogs in heaven that your owner said you were the best dog, alright? Every single day with you has been a joy.'”
Source: Facebook
Giddens says he sees the train ticket for his ride back was a gift from God, adding that he’s so blessed he got home in time to be with Aru. Although he’s mourning and missing his dog, he is happy for Aru. “There could be no better parting for her than being home, with her master and loved ones holding her …Even though I’ve been crying, I am happy. This world is beautiful and it’s been so good to Aru.”
He closes his dedication with heartfelt words.
“Goodbye Aru! When we meet again, you’ll already know how to open the fridge by yourself. I know that’s your greatest wish!”
They say when you own a dog, she’ll be with you for only a part of your life, but to the dog, you are her whole life.
You can watch a video of them together here.
我們昨天廢了很大力氣，晚上終於有辦法出門看電影。一路上都在說阿魯，不會膩，也不會被嫌「拜託不要一直重複話題好嗎」。看電影的時候，明明「來了」很驚悚很好看，卻因為一直浮現出阿魯軟軟的下巴，變得一點也不恐怖。好啦還是推薦啦，中島哲也耶，但「我們」更吸引。一整天下來，我們只拍了一張照片，還是賣場邊緣一台無關痛癢的大型玩具車，老婆朋友在問的，很廢。唉以前整天都很喜歡跟阿魯合照，阿魯下班了，拍個屁。看完電影回家後，我們在沙發上一起整理照片跟影片，五點天亮才逼自己去睡。關於阿魯，都是快樂的記憶。被她麻煩的一切，也很甜蜜。讓眼淚瞬間掉下來的，漸漸不是悲傷，是感激。
Posted by 九把刀 Giddens Ko on Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Our deepest condolences to Giddens and his family! Remember to give your pets a tight hug when you see them and appreciate them every day.
Also read: Dog and Her 4 Puppies Killed in Sabah after Someone Gave Them Poisoned Food
