Dogs have become pampered family members in South Korea, which has the world's lowest birth rate and where much of the population lives alone. - PHOTO: NYTIMES
SEOUL: The deceased lay wrapped in a cotton blanket, surrounded by white roses and hydrangea, angelic figurines and lit candles and incense. A wall-mounted screen displayed photographs of him.
His 71-year-old companion, Madam Kim Seon-ae, convulsed with tears as she bid farewell, caressing his head and face. Next door, young uniformed morticians prepared for his cremation.
