A devoted couple recently made a heart-wrenching decision to bring their beloved 15-year-old dog, Manolo, who was battling canine dementia, to a public park for his ‘last day.’ Coeli Fortun, a 29-year-old who adopted Manolo as a teenager in Manila, Philippines, shared her emotional journey with PEOPLE. She described Manolo as “goofy and silly, with his tongue always sticking out,” bringing joy to everyone around him. However, on October 2, 2025, Fortun had to bid farewell to her cherished companion due to his deteriorating health.
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Coeli Fortun’s life had been intertwined with Manolo’s for 15 years since she first welcomed him into her life at the young age of 14. Despite Manolo’s initial health challenges, including partial blindness in one eye, he found his forever home with Fortun. Their bond grew stronger over the years, and Manolo became a central part of every chapter in Fortun’s life, bringing light and love into their home.
In 2022, Fortun and her partner, Sean, moved to Canada to pursue further studies, taking Manolo and his feline best friend, Snuffles, along with them. However, in February 2025, they began noticing changes in Manolo’s behaviour, leading to a series of vet visits. Despite a seemingly normal diagnosis at first, Manolo was later identified with early-stage canine dementia, which marked the beginning of a challenging journey for the couple and their beloved pet.
As Manolo’s condition deteriorated, Fortun and Sean steadfastly refused to give up on him. They introduced dementia supplements and senior-care treatments to alleviate his symptoms, including arthritis. Weekly physiotherapy sessions, wheelchairs, and walks in the sun became routine as they strived to provide Manolo with comfort and care. Despite their efforts, Manolo’s health continued to decline, and his distress became increasingly evident through his cries of pain and anxiety.
In a poignant moment, the couple realized that their beloved Manolo was living for them, not himself. This profound realisation led them to make the difficult decision to let him go peacefully. For Manolo’s final days, Fortun and Sean focused on creating joyful moments for him, from painting sessions to sunset watching, ensuring that he was surrounded by love and comfort.
On Manolo’s last day, the couple took him to his favourite spot in the park, where they invited passersby to share advice and treats with him. The outpouring of support and empathy from strangers touched their hearts, with many sharing their own experiences of loss and consolation. Despite the deep sorrow of letting go of Manolo, Fortun found solace in preserving his memory through mementos like paw casts and fur vials, alongside tributes to both Manolo and their late cat, Snuffles.
Today, Fortun uses her platform to raise awareness about canine dementia, degenerative myelopathy, and senior pet care, offering a “safe space” for others navigating the grief of losing a beloved pet. She encourages open conversation and emotional support within the community, emphasising the importance of honouring and cherishing the bond shared with our furry companions. Manolo’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, a reminder of the profound impact our pets have on our lives.