Peruvian actor Junior Silva has spoken out after his 14-year-old dog Bronco collapsed during a walk and refused to stand back up on Wednesday.
The former Al fondo hay sitio cast member expressed deep sorrow on social media, announcing that he is entering a new phase of care for his senior pet, whom he treats like a son.
Silva, who previously divorced journalist Carla Tello, vowed to remain by his dog's side during what he described as a difficult new stage.
Mobility struggles during daily walks
Silva has been open with fans for several months about the heartbreak and frustration surrounding Bronco's deteriorating health. The dog, who is 14 years and six months old, has faced increasing difficulty walking on his own.
The situation worsened on Wednesday, August 26, when Bronco stopped moving altogether while outdoors. Silva explained that his pet fell after walking two blocks, as has frequently happened recently, but then refused to get back up.
Holding his pet close, the actor admitted feeling intense anger and grief over how much things had changed. He recalled that Bronco was previously the one who constantly bothered him to go outside for walks.
Silva declared that he was beginning a new period with his dog, describing it as the stage of the brave in which decisions must be made with the brain rather than the heart.
Backlash over suggestions to euthanise pet
Following Silva's emotional updates, several social media followers suggested that he should consider putting Bronco down to end his suffering and let him pass away.
One user urged Silva to let the dog go, calling the decision hard but describing it as a natural part of life. The comment provoked an angry response from the actor.
Silva told the commenter to take that approach with their own pet, insisting that Bronco still wanted to live. He explained that the dog was only experiencing hip pain and that everything else about his health was fine.
The exchange sparked wider debate among his followers. Some users claimed that Bronco's eyes showed a desire to rest, while another argued that taking the decision was difficult but that the pet had already completed his life cycle.
Other fans strongly supported Silva, encouraging him to stay brave and care for Bronco until his final day. Supportive followers noted that love means being present in both good and bad times rather than abandoning pets when they grow old.
Career and personal life
Silva is widely recognized in Peru for his career in acting and broadcasting. He gained widespread prominence for his long-running role in Al fondo hay sitio, one of the most successful and influential television series in Peruvian television history.
The actor has also made headlines for his personal life, including his marriage to and subsequent divorce from Peruvian news journalist Carla Tello.
Despite the challenges ahead, Silva reaffirmed his devotion to Bronco, emphasizing that as long as his pet can be given a good quality of life, the dog will remain well cared for and deeply loved.
