2024-08-24 20:56:04
Before dying this week, French cinema icon Alain Delon once suggested that he wanted his beloved dog Loubo to be buried with him. To the relief of animal lovers in France, Loubo will be able to live on.
Delon, a prolific and internationally acclaimed actor and producer, died on Sunday at the age of 88 and will be buried on Saturday at his family home in Douchy, south of Paris.
In a 2018 interview with Paris Match, he said he wanted Loubo, a Belgian Malinois he adopted in 2014, to be buried with him. “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one,” he told the magazine. “If I die before him, I will ask the veterinarian to let us go together… I would prefer that to knowing he would let himself die on my grave in the midst of such suffering.”
After Delon’s death, animal rights activists and concerned citizens raised alarms about Loubo’s fate.
An official from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a prominent animal rights group founded by the famous French movie star who was close to Delon, said they reached out to Delon’s family after foundation members expressed their concerns.
“They said the issue hadn’t even been raised and that they would let the dog live. They said he has a home in Douchy and will live there,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose their name according to the Foundation’s communication policies.
The official stated that Delon had been a “longtime friend of the foundation” and helped raise money for its causes.
Delon’s family has not made any public comments about the dog.
The French Society for the Protection of Animals welcomed the family’s decision.
“Our phone lines were flooded” with calls from people concerned about the dog, said SPA president Guillaume Sánchez to The Associated Press.
Loubo “will probably be very sad to have lost Mr. Delon’s affection,” Sánchez said. But “we are completely against the idea that someone would sacrifice an animal for this reason, with Delon or without him. … Organizations that work to protect animals want society to be aware that an animal is an individual and separate being.”
Delon, one of France’s most memorable actors and one of the best-known movie stars, was also a producer and appeared in plays and, in later years, in television movies.
Future Trends in Pet Humanization and Animal Rights
The recent passing of French cinema icon Alain Delon has sparked discussions surrounding the bonds between humans and their pets, particularly highlighted by Delon’s wish to be buried alongside his beloved dog, Loubo. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in pet humanization, where pets are increasingly viewed not just as animals but as integral members of the family.
As society shifts towards recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of pets, the notion that animals deserve a dignified life and death is gaining traction. The outcry from animal rights activists regarding Loubo’s future demonstrates a public consciousness that advocates for the welfare of animals. More people are becoming aware of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, emphasizing the importance of considering their pets’ well-being throughout their lives and even in death.
Organizations dedicated to animal rights, like the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, have been pivotal in pushing for greater awareness and care for animals. Their proactive measures in ensuring Loubo’s safety after Delon’s death indicate a shift towards ensuring that such bonds are respected, showcasing the evolution of societal attitudes towards pets. People are beginning to demand that pets are not subjected to unnecessary suffering, pushing back against antiquated beliefs about animal ownership.
This trend may also influence the pet care industry, leading to a rise in services aimed at the emotional needs of pets. Pet funerals, memorials, and even therapies designed for grieving animals could become common, reflecting a recognition of their feelings and emotional states. Furthermore, as more people express a desire for their pets to receive equivalent respect and care, we could see legislative changes advocating for better protection of animal rights.
In sum, the legacy of figures like Alain Delon may propel society toward a future where the bonds shared with pets are not only acknowledged but celebrated, highlighting their status as companions deserving of love and respect that mirrors our own.