PARIS. The recent passing of French film icon Alain Delon, who died on Sunday at the age of 88, has sparked widespread relief among animal lovers after it was confirmed that his beloved dog, Loubo, will not be buried with him, despite the actor’s earlier wishes.
Delon, an internationally renowned actor and producer, expressed a deep bond with his Belgian Malinois, Loubo, in a 2018 interview with Paris Match. He revealed his desire for Loubo to be buried alongside him, saying, “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a particular relationship with this one. If I die before him, I’ll ask the veterinarian for us to leave together… I’d prefer that to knowing that he would let himself die on my tomb amid so much suffering.”
Following Delon’s death, concerns over Loubo’s fate quickly arose, prompting action from animal rights activists and concerned citizens alike. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a well-known animal rights organization founded by Delon’s close friend and fellow film star, Brigitte Bardot, intervened. An official from the foundation, speaking anonymously due to communication policies, reached out to Delon’s family.
“They assured us that the question of euthanizing Loubo was never considered,” the official said. “The dog will continue to live at Delon’s family home in Douchy, south of Paris.”
France’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) also welcomed the family’s decision, noting the outpouring of concern from the public. “Our phone lines were saturated with calls from people worried about the dog,” SPA President Guillaume Sanchez told The Associated Press. “While Loubo will likely be very sad to have lost Mr. Delon, we are firmly against euthanizing an animal for this reason. An animal is a separate, individual being.”
Alain Delon, one of France’s most enduring and charismatic leading men, leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances in both film and theater. As his family prepares for his burial on Saturday at their home in Douchy, fans and animal lovers alike can take comfort in knowing that Loubo will continue to live on, cherished by those who remain.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
