Mickey Rourke caught on TMZ VIDEO talking dogs, fake tanning, and cuddling strange pooches in NYC

Mickey Rourke and Loki. (London Entertainment/
Splash News Online)

Ambushed by photographers outside his apartment in New York City, MIckey Rourke revealed to the paparazzi that two of his dogs passed away this month. 

It was widely reported on Tuesday, February 17 that Rourke lost his beloved 18 year-old Chihuahua, Loki. The actor took the diminutive dog everywhere--from the Venice Film Festival to a meeting at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Hollywood. 

"I got four dogs left. I lost two this month," Rourke tells a TMZ cameraman before getting into a limousine and being whisked away to a tanning appointment at Future Tan on Greenwich Avenue. 

Watch the TMZ video from February 20. Hear what Rourke thinks his chances are of winning at the Oscars on Sunday and who his main competition is. (Hint: Got Milk?)

Earlier in the week, cameras caught Rourke as he entered the Waverly Inn for dinner. "[I lost my dog] at about five this morning," Rourke tells a camera man when asked whether it was true that Loki died. 

When the camera man tells Rourke he's sorry to hear of his loss, Rourke seems touched and thanks the camera man.

While having a cigarette outside the Waverly Inn, Rourke met at least two New York City dogs.  A big black dog named Cole and a black and white Havanese named Frankie. The actor was affectionate with each, even cuddling the startled Frankie in his arms.

Watch that video here.

Rourke has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor Award for his role in "The Wrestler." The Oscars will air this Sunday, February 22.

Watch video of Rourke with Loki and Jaws in an ad for PETA earlier this year...