Mickey Rourke might be in the midst of a celebratory week as the Oscars approach on Sunday, but the actor is also mourning the loss of one of his dogs.
Rourke's beloved Chihuahua, Loki, died Monday night at the age of 18, E! Online reported.
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Rourke was extremely fond of his pets, even referring to Loki as "love of [his] life" at the Venice Film Festival in September.
During the actor's acceptance speech for Best Actor last month at the Golden Globes, Rourke took time to recognize his dogs.
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"I'd like to thank all my dogs, the ones who are here and the ones who aren't here anymore," "The Wrestler" star said. "Sometimes, when a man is alone, that's all you got is your dog. And they've meant the world to me."
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During Barbara Walters' annual post-Oscar interview special, the actor explained how important his pets are to him.
"I sort of self-destructed and everything came out about fourteen years ago or so…the wife had left, the career was over, the money was not an ounce," he said. "The dogs were there when no one else was there."
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During one of the actor's low points, Rourke believes his dog, Lowjack, spoke to him.
"He made a sound, like a little almost human sound. I don't have kids, the dogs became everything to me," Rourke explained. "The dog was looking at me going, 'Who's going to take care of me?'"
Rourke is not the only one mourning the loss of the actor's beloved Chihuahua.
"PETA was very saddened to hear of Loki's passing. We sent a message to Mickey with our condolences last night and are sending him flowers today," a rep for the animal rights organization told Access Hollywood. "Loki meant the world to Mickey and pulled him through some tough times. If only every dog were loved as much as Loki."
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