Pets become an inseparable part of our lives and linger in our memories even after their death, and things aren't any different for the 7x Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath.

Health is known for his online presence where he often shares background stories from his competing days. But this time the update was regarding something different. On February 19, the former Mr. Olympia shared an Instagram story disclosing the heartbreaking news of his beloved dog, Hanzo’s passing.

Sharing a photo of himself holding Hanzo (a yellow ochre American Bully), Health penned two paragraphs.

The first one disclosed the news, stating, "We lost our previous Hanzo just after 1 am this morning, and our hearts are broken. It was unpredictable and extremely painful to watch him go. God blessed us with a true angel, and through our deep sadness, we continue to thank God for blessing us with Hanzo for 8 strong years."

Subsequently, he gave Hanzo his final flowers, writing, "Mommy and Daddy love you Hanzo. You were the best boy ever and I thank you for making everyone around you feel love and laughter."

Hanzo was even there when Phil Heath’s documentary was released. Now, as the family loses an integral part of them, they are left with another American Bully named Bulma.

Phil Heath has been an avid dog lover for years now. A few years ago, he ran a campaign to save a dog from an abusive owner.

Phil Health’s Efforts to Give a Dog a Better Life

Back in 2023, a video went viral on social media showing DJ Charly Huerta abusing his dog. In the footage, Charly and his dog were walking toward their apartment when he suddenly snapped and tightened the leash, almost lifting the dog off the ground.

Phil Heath took notice of the fiasco, and through his story, he wrote, “This dog needs to be saved. This guy supposedly lives at the Oak Plaza Apartments in Miami and works at @Mangosmiami @tucandelabarkendall.”

He further urged, “If someone can save this dog, that would be great. Pass this along, please. The guy is a Punk.”

Well, the internet did take notice, and the DJ faced immense backlash, but the fate of the dog remained unknown. Given that Heath is an avid animal lover, he has proved it from time to time.

Have you also experienced the death of a pet, like Health? Let us know how you got over it.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Souvik Roy