"One of the worst days. Tuga left. You waited for your parents together"

After speaking publicly about the fragile health of his dog Tuga, Tiago Rufino has now announced the death of his four-legged friend.

In an emotional post on his Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, August 1st, the former contestant of 'Secret Story' revealed that Tuga died on the night of Thursday, July 31st.

When saying goodbye to his dog, Tiago Rufino had the support of his ex-partner, Luan Tiófilo, with whom he had adopted the little dog.

"The photo could only be in color. For the joy you were. For the joy you gave us. Today was one of the worst days of my life. Tuga left. Everything indicated that you were fine... But in an instant, in a breath, everything changed," he began by writing in the caption of a set of images he posted on Instagram, taken during his four-legged friend's farewell.

"You waited for us, for your parents together - as if you knew - and you left in the most unique way: giving us love" , he added, referring to the presence of Luan Tiófilo.

"You were love. You were joy. And you were that until the last second. We will never forget you, Tuga. Never. Your presence was light, it was laughter, it was a hug, it was home. Now, the silence hurts. Take care of us, please. Take care of Kovu too. He will need it. I love you forever," he said later.

"I can't write anymore today. There are no words to describe what I'm feeling. I love you, Tuga," can finally be read in the aforementioned publication.

In turn, Luan Tiófilo also made a post on his Instagram page mourning the passing of his four-legged friend.

"A very difficult night, a farewell. Thank you for everything, Tuga. You were light and love throughout all these years. We will never forget you and how special you were in our lives. Thank you for teaching us so much and for making our lives even more colorful. I will love you forever," he wrote alongside emotional images.

It's worth remembering that at the beginning of last June, Tiago Rufino had already revealed that his dog Tuga was sick. In an emotional post on his Instagram page, the former 'Secret Story' star explained that the little dog required "emergency surgery." And just when everything seemed to be stable, the "worst news" arrived. "Tuga's average life expectancy was about two months."

"It's a feeling of helplessness, sadness, and frustration that I don't even know how to put into words. And now, we have to make choices. Difficult paths, all of them burdensome and painful. Do we opt for chemotherapy? Which might extend her life for another month, two, but which could bring discomfort, pain, and effects she doesn't deserve to feel? Or do we choose palliative care and let time take its course, but with her comfortable, calm, with quality of life and as much love as possible?" Tiago Rufino lamented at the time.