Taichito, the dog long associated with detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, died on Sunday evening at the age of 15, according to sources close to her family residence in Yangon.

“He passed away shortly after 7 p.m. today,” a source familiar with the matter told New Day Myanmar.

Born on October 18, 2010, Taichito was nearly 16 years old at the time of his death.

The dog was given to Suu Kyi by her younger son, Kim Aris, in December 2010, shortly after she was released from house arrest. According to people close to the family, Aris presented the three-month-old puppy to his mother as a companion following her release.

Suu Kyi personally named the dog Taichito and was known to celebrate his birthday each year, according to sources familiar with the family.

Taichito remained with Suu Kyi after the military seized power in February 2021. However, he was returned to the home at 54 University Avenue road in Yangon after Suu Kyi was transferred to prison in June 2022.

People close to the household said Taichito’s health had deteriorated in recent years due to old age. He had reportedly lost much of his eyesight and suffered from a range of age-related health problems.

Sources said Suu Kyi frequently asked about Taichito’s condition, as well as updates on family members and close associates, during court appearances and other opportunities to communicate with the outside world.

Taichito became widely known across Myanmar through his close association with Suu Kyi. He was often seen alongside her at her residence and during public appearances, earning affection from many of her supporters and members of the public.