In Kundera's final section, Karenin's Smile, Tereza and Tomas face the difficult realization that their beloved dog, Karenin, is going to die. Being a current pet owner myself, I know the amount of love an animal can provide. My little Yorkie, Callie, is one of my best friends because she constantly shows me affection which I reciprocate to her as well. Any animal lover and owner knows that having an animal be in your care requires you to be responsible, attentive, and caring towards your pet's needs (food, water, love, etc.). Kundera points out in Part 7 that "Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test [...] consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals" (pg. 289). I believe this statement perfectly explains how animals under human care are totally reliant on their owners to provide them with the care they need. Animals cannot communicate with humans, so they are dependent on all mankind to still love and care for them without being able to say what they need. Having a pet pass away is one of the hardest deaths to cope with. In certain situations, an animal can be seen as another member of the family (I know this is very true for my family & Callie). Below I have attached a video & article from Inside Edition that depict how a little love for an animal, can ultimately go a long way in their life and signify how strong of a bond animals and their owners form.
http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/18304-heart-wrenching-photo-shows-cat-holding-its-owners-hand-on-final-visit-to-the-vet
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I agree with your opinion, and I believe that Kundera uses Karenin to emphasis the debate of lightness vs. weight. A pet only needs food, water and shelter to live, and does not desire much at all, especially in comparison to humans. A dog, such as Karenin, is a perfect example of lightness, as they live without worries or anything weighing them down. Dogs do not share the same wishes and wants as humans do. Humans, however, attach extreme meaning and love for their dogs. The death of a dog is tragic to people, because we give them meaning and weight. Kundera also pairs Karenin with Tereza, who very much lives her life with weight. Karenin's free spirit and lightness emphasize Tereza's weight and the meaning she attaches to things. Karenin's death effects not only Tereza, but also Tomas, who lives his life with lightness. It is interesting to see how Kundera utilizes Karenin to develop the concept of lightness vs. weight.
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