My beloved Shetland Sheepdog, Canon, was without a doubt the best partner I’ve had in my life. The days my wife, Canon, and I spent going out together were filled with happiness. Canon showered us with unconditional love, and I can’t even begin to count how many times we were comforted and encouraged by that love.
But I’m not saying that dogs are the best pets for everyone. My father, who is now 88, keeps medaka fish in pots in the garden. He’s learned how to care for them through the internet—how to clean the tanks, feed them properly, provide enough oxygen, and handle breeding. He even keeps a tank indoors and truly enjoys caring for them. For my father, those medaka are the best companions.
In other words, whether it’s a dog, a cat, a lizard, a turtle, or even a crocodile—the best animal for someone is simply the one they can care for with love. There is no such thing as a “worst” animal.
That said, pets often leave this world before their owners do. That’s a sorrow almost too heavy to bear. Our dear Canon passed away at the age of twelve. Because both my wife and I were working, we often had to leave her at home alone. When she died, we deeply regretted that she may have felt lonely in her final moments.
That’s why we’ve decided that if we ever welcome a new dog into our lives, it will only be when we can always be there by their side.
Canon's Diary 
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