Mickey Rourke's dog Loki dies just before upcoming Oscars on Feb. 22 (VIDEOS)

Mickey Rourke with Loki last year at the Venice Film Festival.
(AP photo)

Oh no. Mickey Rourke's beloved dog, Loki, has died, reports ABC News. The elderly Chihuahua was nearly 18 years old.

The actor is heartbroken. He used to take Loki everywhere with him, including the red carpet at last year's Venice Film Festival. 

"My dog is very old, she is 16 and she is not going to be around for long so I want to spend every moment with her," Rourke told Reuters two years ago. 

An unabashed dog lover, Rourke surprised and delighted audiences when he thanked his dogs after winning the Best Actor award at the Golden Globes on January 11, 2009. He is nominated for the same role at this year's Academy Awards on February 22. 

I'd like to thank my dogs--those that are gone and those are still with me now... Sometimes when a man's alone, all you got is your dog and they meant the world to me.

--Mickey Rourke, during his acceptance speech for Best Actor at the Golden Globes.

Loki on the red carpet at last year's Venice Film Festival. (AP photo)

During his appearance on Jay Leno's Tonight Show, Rourke joked about his "geriatric dog," then got serious.

Loki is 17 1/2 years old--knock on wood. (Rapping once with his knuckles on Leno's wooden desk.) 

Loki's dad, Beau Jacques the great, he was the best friend in my life I ever had... He pretty much...he kept me here on this planet."

--Mickey Rourke to Jay Leno on January 13, 2009

Watch video of Rourke at the PETA website. He gives an interview with his Chihuahuas, Jaws and Loki, affectionately giving them hugs and kisses throughout, and even saying "Bless you" to Loki when she sneezes.

One reporter wrote that Rourke brought Loki with him to a press interview at the Chateau Marmont and asked the waitress (nicely) for a little bowl of water for his dog.

Watch video of Rourke's Golden Globes acceptance speech--complete with director, Darren Aronofsky's affectionate, yet profane, hand gesture...Rourke seems to choke up when he talks about his dogs.