Gabriel Iglesias, Who Paid $100K for His Dog’s Quinceañera, Welcomes New Pup After Losing Two Pets

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, also known as “Fluffy,” has always had a special place in his heart for his pets. He recently introduced a new addition to his furry family, a teacup Chihuahua named Roka. This tiny black dog came into Iglesias’s life at a poignant moment, following the passing of his two beloved Chihuahuas, Vinnie and Risa. Risa, who was famously treated to a lavish $100K quinceañera by Iglesias, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 16. The loss of both Risa and Vinnie in quick succession was a tough blow for the comedian, who considered them his “road dogs” for many years, accompanying him on tours across 40+ states.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Iglesias shared the emotional journey of caring for his ailing pets and the heart-wrenching experience of losing them. “While finding out that Risa had serious kidney issues, we discovered that Vinnie also had his health issues. It was months of going back and forth to the ER before they both unfortunately passed away. I was grateful to have them for as many years as I did,” he reflected. The entertainer’s deep bond with his late pets made their absence keenly felt, leading him to introduce Roka into his home to fill the void left by Vinnie and Risa.

Originally, Iglesias had planned to bring a new pup into his family before the passing of his two Chihuahuas, but the timing did not align. Despite the bittersweet circumstances surrounding Roka’s arrival, Iglesias is grateful for the positive energy and joy she brings into his life. Roka’s playful antics and youthful exuberance have been a source of comfort for Iglesias as he navigates the grief of losing his cherished companions. The comedian describes Roka as a bundle of energy, constantly on the move, and always eager to engage in playtime, which keeps him on his toes.

Roka hasn’t just brought light and happiness into Iglesias’s home; she has also become his loyal travel companion. The pair has already embarked on adventures across 15 states and two countries, with plans to visit all 50 states in the future. Iglesias fondly describes Roka as sweet, loving, energetic, curious, and playful, noting that she has quickly established herself as an indispensable part of his life. The bond between Iglesias and Roka serves as a testament to the profound connection that can exist between a pet parent and their furry friend.

As Iglesias continues to mourn the loss of Vinnie and Risa, Roka has emerged as a source of solace and companionship, providing him with a new focus and a reason to embrace each day with renewed vigour. His journey with Roka underscores the transformative power of pet companionship and the healing effect that animals can have on the human heart. In the midst of loss and sorrow, the arrival of a new furry friend has brought joy, laughter, and unconditional love into Iglesias’s life, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with precious memories and shared adventures.