In Remembrance of Don-Chan

My old “Swiss” friend just died.

Don-chan was a St. Bernard dog (a Swiss dog breed) and had a troubled life. She was left abandoned by her previous owner at one of my parents in law properties back in April 2004. Malnourished, neglected, and sick with heartworms my father in law (Hirotsugu) took her in and together with a lot of helpful medical treatment from wife and teachers and friends she gradually recovered her health and joy of life.

Hirotsugu and Don chan soon became very good friends and he spoiled the dog very much. He spend hours with her taking her for small walks and grooming her. During the hot muggy summer time he even build her a little dog-house with built-in aircondition to make sure she is not over-heating (Bernardine’s like it cool). She must have been one of the most spoiled dogs in all of Japan!

Unfortunately her health problems continued to trouble her. In the last couple of months she had consistent episodes of diarrhea and constipation and that lead to a 180 degree twisted stomach. Itsuki and her vet-colleague made an emergency operation and tried to return the stomach back into normal position, unfortunately her health condition at this point was already so deteriorated  that she didn’t survive the operation.

May she rest in peace!