US soccer star Hope Solo has been left "brokenhearted" after her pet dog died after being shot.
The former long-serving star goalkeeper of the US women’s national team made the sad announcement on Instagram on Saturday, revealing that her beloved Doberman called Conan had passed away from blood loss.
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"We're broken-hearted to share that Conan passed away from blood loss last night," Solo wrote. "He fought up until the very end."
The goalkeeper described the animal as a "kind and loving" dog and explained that he "wandered 30 yards off our property when he was shot."
"We bought our 60-acres so our dogs have space to run and live their most full lives," Solo shared.
While the sportswoman did not provide any additional details about the incident, she did write: "as animal lovers, we are struggling to make sense of anyone using their right to own guns to shoot pets of any kind."
"We have had pets come onto our property and always helped them get home safe," she added.
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The 38-year-old revealed that Conan, who was one of four dogs owned by her and her husband Jerramy Stevens, had been shot and was in a critical condition on Thursday.
"It's hard news to share, but harder to make sense of this heinous act. Jerramy and I are shocked and heartbroken, but we want to say thank you to Wilkes Veterinary Hospital and their staff for rushing Conan into emergency care, as well as their COVID-19 care practices," Solo wrote on social media.
She added: "We've heard that there are developments in canine prosthetics and would love any information about getting Conan a new front leg!"
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Conan's death comes just weeks after Solo and Stevens revealed that they had become parents to twins on March 4, who they named Vittorio Genghis Stevens and Lozen Orianna Judith Stevens. The pair married in 2012.