French actor Alain Delon’s request for his 10-year-old dog to be euthanized and buried with him has been denied, with his family voicing their stance.
On August 18, the renowned French actor passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Douchy, France.
Delon’s family announced his death in a statement shared with French media, mentioning that the actor’s children “as well as Loubo [his dog] are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.”
The statement continued: “He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”
French president Emmanuel Macron referred to Delon as a “French monument” on Twitter, and Brigitte Bardot, Delon’s co-star in the 1961 film Amours Célèbres, released a statement on her foundation for animals page.
The tribute highlighted Delon as a “great friend to animals,” explaining: “Alain was a close friend of our president, Brigitte Bardot, who is devastated by his death. Their friendship, based on a shared love of animals and a shared concern for their welfare, was precious and genuine. Alain understood the profound link between man and animal.”
However, it was later disclosed that Delon’s love for animals also extended to his posthumous wishes.
The Guardian reports that Delon had requested Loubo be “put to sleep” and buried with him, but this request faced strong opposition from animal rights organizations.
La SPA France, the nation’s oldest animal protection group, addressed the situation on Twitter on August 19, stating: “The SPA wanted to pay tribute to Alain Delon, animal lover and defender of the cause. Before his death, he had expressed the wish to euthanize his dog Lobo. However, the life of an animal should not be conditioned by that of a human. The SPA is volunteering to take in his dog and find him a family.”
Fortunately, a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation later clarified the matter, mentioning they had “just had Anouchka Delon [Delon’s daughter] on the phone.”
They revealed that the family had decided Loubo “will not be put down” but will be “kept” instead.
The foundation added in a Twitter post: “[Translation] Many of you have sent us messages regarding the future of Loubo, Alain Delon’s dog.
“‘He has his home and his family’ confirmed the actor’s relatives who will take care of him. Loubo will of course not be euthanized!”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.