Don’t worry, Alain Delon’s family won’t grant his request to kill his dog

Here is a news story almost as crazy as that of a single woman plot to rob graceland of the Presley family last week. After outrage from animal rights activists and probably anyone else who knew about the problem and also had a functioning human brain, the family of the late French actor Alain Delon He confirmed that they would spare the life of his beloved dog, with whom he had asked to be buried when he died. No, you are not reading the plot of a 19th century novel. Yes, the dog is currently perfectly fine. Thank goodness.

This comes from The Guardianwho announced today that the animal, a healthy 10-year-old Belgian Malinois named Loubo, was safe and sound. “I just spoke to Anouchka Delon (Alain’s daughter) on the phone and she told me that Loubo is part of the family and that he will be kept. The dog will not be euthanized,” a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a French animal protection association, told the agency.

This all came about from an interview Delon gave to Paris Match In 2018, he expressed his love for Loubo in a particularly moving way. “He’s my dying dog… I love him like a child,” the actor said. “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one. I miss him when I’m not there.” He added, “If I die before him, I’ll ask the vet to take us together. He’ll put him to sleep in my arms. I’d rather do that than know he’ll die on my grave in such pain.”

It is unclear whether this was a serious request or simply a strangely worded expression of love and fear on Delon’s part. Regardless, many animal rights organizations have taken the late lead actor at his word, expressed their concern, and offered their help in finding Loubo a suitable new family.

Luckily, it seems the Malinois already has a loving home wherever he is. Delon’s children included him in their father’s death announcement, which read, “Alain-Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and Loubo are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.” Additionally, Anouchka posted several photos of the dog to her Instagram, complete with more heart emojis than anyone planning an unethical euthanasia would be expected to use. “Wherever there is an unhappy person, God sends a dog,” she wrote in a caption, translated from French as The Guardian. “Thank you, Loubo, for being there for your master.”