Ana Peleteiro, best known for her grit on the track, is facing a different kind of pain after announcing that her dog Lea died suddenly. Just days earlier, Peleteiro had been in the spotlight at Shakira’s Madrid concert; that moment of joy has now given way to private loss.
Lea had been part of Peleteiro’s family for ten years. Her death came unexpectedly: Spanish outlet Divinity reported that there was “no prior warning.” Peleteiro said she was with Lea at the end. She turned to social media, posting Stories and a tribute to her basic feed. She wrote: “Today, without warning, we had to say goodbye to the best, craziest, most affectionate and loyal little dog I have ever known. Lea came into our lives 10 years ago and changed everything. And today, when no one expected it, she left us forever. Quietly, without disturbing anyone, and leaving very quickly so we wouldn’t have to watch her suffer when she was so ill.”
Her tribute included a photo of Lea as a puppy and two more from her adult years, always surrounded by family. The images showed how much Lea was part of their daily life. Peleteiro also wrote about her grief: “Right now, I’m very sad, much sadder than I ever thought I would be at having to say goodbye to our dog. But I’m comforted by knowing that I was with her in her final minutes and that, thanks to the calm I tried to convey and the last message I gave her, I was able to help her rest forever. Thank you, Lea, for everything you taught us and for all the good times we shared. Watch over us, as you always have, wherever you are.”
The loss came at a time when Peleteiro’s life seemed full of good news. Some reports mention the recent birth of her second child. Spanish sources such as El Nacional report that the family had Lea for nearly a decade and that her sudden death caught everyone off guard. Peleteiro’s recent appearance at Shakira’s concert, where she joined the “pack of she-wolves” with Sara Carbonero, Paz Vega and Juana Acosta, had looked like a celebration of strength. Peleteiro reflected on that night: “I can die in peace now. And although my Shakira says women no longer cry, today I cried a lot walking alongside her.”
By speaking openly about her loss, Peleteiro drew attention to the pain of losing a pet. Her honesty challenges the idea that this grief is minor or should be hidden. Coming soon after personal milestones, her message conveyed the rawness of the moment.
Public figures in Spain have increasingly used their platforms to discuss personal and social issues. Recent stories, including the reported visit of Florentino Pérez to Ceuta after a club dispute, reflect this trend. Peleteiro’s approach stands out for its directness and refusal to hide behind her public image.
Her farewell to Lea offers a glimpse of the difficult moments that shape even the most celebrated lives. Peleteiro has shared her successes and losses openly, including her grief.
