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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

“I loved you, and I’m glad I did”… Saying goodbye to my 20-year-old companion dog, Pputko

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Cartoonist Jung Woo-yeol reflects on the death of his 20-year-old dog, Pputko, and the profound grief that followed.
  • He channeled his experiences into the webtoon 'Old Dog Diary,' which recently concluded, exploring themes of pet loss, aging, and animal welfare.
  • Jung now dedicates himself to helping other animals in need, finding a new purpose in caring for abandoned and injured dogs.

Cartoonist Jung Woo-yeol, known for his 'Old Dog' character, shares his deeply personal journey following the loss of his beloved 20-year-old dog, Pputko. In an interview, Jung described the lingering grief and the struggle to find meaning after his companion's death. He found solace and a new purpose by channeling these emotions into his webtoon series, 'Old Dog Diary.'

We can still love our dogs, and we can laugh thanks to them.

— Jung Woo-yeolJung Woo-yeol reflects on his relationship with his late dog, Pputko, after its death.

The recently concluded 13-volume series, which ran from 2018 to 2023, explored not only the daily life and eventual passing of Pputko but also broader issues of animal welfare, including abandoned dogs, factory farming, and climate change. Jung's work delves into the difficult but universal themes of pet aging, death, and the subsequent loss experienced by owners.

I loved the dog very much. So I became unhappy. That can't be the end.

— Jung Woo-yeolJung Woo-yeol contemplates the pain of loving his dog and the subsequent grief.

Three years after Pputko's death, Jung admits he is still adapting to life without his dog, experiencing moments of anxiety about returning home to an empty house. However, he has found a way to continue his connection with animals by temporarily fostering injured dogs and assisting with adoptions for abandoned pets. He believes that those who have experienced pet loss are uniquely suited to care for other animals in need.

I will find the path to such a happy ending.

— Jung Woo-yeolJung Woo-yeol makes a promise to his departed dog, Pputko.

Jung's current webtoon, 'Pet Loss Club,' which began serialization in September 2023, continues this theme. It interweaves real-life stories of dogs he has encountered through his caregiving activities with fictional narratives inspired by his experiences as a freediving instructor. Despite the emotional toll, Jung feels a renewed sense of purpose, driven by a desire to create meaningful work and offer a space for readers to share their own experiences with pet loss.

It's like any love, isn't it? We know that any love will eventually end in separation, but we all love and give our hearts.

— Jung Woo-yeolJung Woo-yeol reflects on love and loss, drawing a parallel to relationships with pets.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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