Next time you’re looking at that little puppy thinking how much you would like to take him home, think of this. A dog is a lifetime committment and while many dogs may only live a decade or so, others can live longer. Are you ready to shoulder the responsibility of a dog for a quarter century?

Photo by Reuters

World’s oldest dog dies in Tochigi Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

UTSUNOMIYA–The world’s oldest dog has died in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, at the age of 26 years eight months–equivalent to 125 human years–his owner said.

Pusuke, certified by Guiness 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 vet told Shinohara it would be difficult to save Pusuke’s life, but the dog underwent successful surgery.

In December 2010, Pusuke was certified by Guiness 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.