Originally appeared on E! Online.
Robert Irwin is sharing a difficult life update.
Amid his time on “Dancing With the Stars,” the Australian wildlife photographer announced that his pug, Stella, is going through a health battle.
“This is a tough one,” Irwin wrote in an Oct. 12 Instagram post, alongside black and white photos of his dog. “I wanted to give an unfortunate update on my sweet little pup, Stella. A mass was discovered that ended up being cancerous. We still don’t know the full extent of the cancer. I have faith she’ll be in the clear.”
Irwin emphasized that Stella, who he shares with mom Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin, is “such an important part” of their family.
“It’s been stressful to say the least being away from home and away from her while she goes through this,” Irwin continued. “I know you guys love seeing her and I love sharing her with you so wanted to give an update. She is doing ok post-surgery so far, she’s my little bestie and one tough cookie.”
READ: This Guide to Robert Irwin’s Family Will Make You Say Crikey
As Irwin — the son of Teri and the late Steve Irwin —continues his stint on “Dancing With the Stars” alongside professional dancer Witney Carson, his family has shared updates on their pup through her own Instagram account, Stella Irwin the Pug.
And the Irwins proved that Stella is recovering fine, adding a sweet photo of the dog basking in the sun Oct. 11 alongside the caption, “I’m solar powered!”
Amid Irwin’s rise to fame, the family has poked fun at his heartthrob status on Stella’s account too. In an April 5 selfie of the 21-year-old and the pug, the family wrote in Stella’s persona, “Back away everyone…he’s mine.”
Of course, Irwin has made it clear that Stella owns his heart, too. In another Aug. 4 post from the account, the wildlife conservationist holds up his pup a la “The Lion King,” adding in the caption, “Everything the light touches is her kingdom.”
