World's oldest dog dies in Japan

World's oldest dog dies in Japan
The Yomiuri Shimbun
December 7, 2011

A male cross-breed dog Pusuke, who was listed as the oldest living dog in the Guinness Book of World Records, is seen in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo December 24, 2010, in this photo released by Kyodo on December 6, 2011. Pusuke died on December 5, 2011 at the age of 26 years and 8 months.

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan - The world's oldest dog has died in Sakura, Japan, at the age of 26 years, eight months - equivalent to 125 human years - his owner said.

Pusuke, certified by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living dog last year, died Monday at his home, owner Yumiko Shinohara said. Pusuke is believed to have died of old age.

The dog was born at the home of one of Shinohara's relatives in March 1985 and was registered as a pet on April 1 that year.

In 2008, he suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car. A veterinarian told Shinohara it would be difficult to save Pusuke's life, but the dog underwent successful surgery.

In December 2010, Pusuke was certified by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living dog, breaking the previous longevity record of 21 years, three months.

According to Shinohara, Pusuke's physical condition took a sudden turn for the worse Monday. The dog did not eat breakfast, which had never happened before, and died quietly at about 1:30 p.m., surrounded by Shinohara and her family.

Shinohara, 42, said Pusuke looked fine and normal until the previous day.

"I was with Pusuke for 26 years and I felt as if he was my child. I thank him for living so long with me," Shinohara said.

PHOTO: http://www.canada.com/life/World+oldest+dies+Japan/5825993/story.html