Shawn Mendes’ Unseen Heartbreak: The Profound Loss of Tarzan After Camila Cabello Split
The highly publicized breakup of global superstars Shawn Mendes, 23, and Camila Cabello, 24, sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. After more than two years as one of Hollywood’s most adored couples, their decision to part ways romantically left fans and media speculating about the emotional toll on both artists. However, exclusive insights obtained by HollywoodLife reveal a deeper, perhaps more poignant, source of distress for the “Stitches” singer: the separation from his beloved furry companion, Tarzan.
While the end of a high-profile romance is undoubtedly challenging, a source close to Shawn indicates that his current emotional focus isn’t primarily on the fizzled relationship itself. Instead, the profound sense of loss stems from being separated from Tarzan, the playful puppy they adopted together. “Shawn is trying to move on with his life and he is getting ready to drop a single and go on tour,” the insider shared. “Although he is in a good place in his head over the breakup with Camila, there is one aspect of it that he is not okay with, which is being separated from his dog Tarzan!” This revelation paints a vivid picture of the often-overlooked emotional complexities that arise when shared pets become central figures in a relationship, only to be caught in the crossfire of a separation.
Tarzan, a handsome male puppy, entered the lives of Shawn and Camila on November 3, 2020, a joyous occasion they proudly announced on Instagram. At the time, their social media channels were flooded with heartwarming videos and photos of the couple cuddling their new “bundle of joy.” Shawn himself posted a particularly endearing video where Camila, his “Señorita” collaborator and then-girlfriend, was seen showering Tarzan with affection. Their smiles in those posts were undeniable, reflecting the immense happiness and excitement that comes with welcoming a new pet into a family unit. For many pet owners, an animal companion quickly transcends the role of a mere pet, evolving into a cherished family member, often equated to a child. This was precisely the case for Shawn.
According to the source, “Shawn and Camila got Tarzan together and Tarzan had become like a child to Shawn. Now that him and Camila are broken up, she has Tarzan and he is really upset over the separation from him. He really misses Tarzan greatly.” This statement underscores the deep emotional bond Shawn forged with Tarzan, highlighting how the shared responsibility and affection for the dog created an inextricable link that, for Shawn, has proven to be more difficult to sever than the romantic ties to Camila. The void left by Tarzan’s absence in his daily life is a testament to the profound and often underestimated impact pets have on their owners’ well-being and happiness.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes)
The visual evidence from Shawn’s past Instagram posts, particularly the one embedded above, serves as a poignant reminder of the once-shared joy and familial bond centered around Tarzan. This public declaration of their new family member resonated deeply with fans, who delighted in seeing the usually private couple share such an intimate moment. It highlighted how integral Tarzan had become to their joint identity as a couple. Now, with the relationship fractured, these digital memories stand in stark contrast to the current reality, amplifying the sense of loss and longing for the simple, happy times with their beloved dog.
Adding to Shawn’s distress, Camila Cabello has continued to share various photos and videos of herself with Tarzan on her social media platforms. While these posts may simply be an expression of her affection for the dog, they inadvertently serve as painful reminders for Shawn, who is now separated from his furry friend. For instance, on November 25, Camila posted a video to Instagram featuring her petting Tarzan, accompanied by a reflective Thanksgiving caption. In it, she expressed gratitude, stating, “I have a lot to be thankful for, but I’m especially grateful that I gotta whole squad trying to hang w me while I meditate. Happy gratitude day everybody! I’m very thankful for all of you on here who send me love, listen to my music, and support me on this creative/ life journey! Even though I haven’t met a lot of you, you guys show me love, kindness, and support and I’m sending it to all of you right back.”
For someone like Shawn, who deeply misses Tarzan, seeing these frequent updates of Camila and the dog enjoying their time together can be agonizing. It’s a constant visual reminder of what he’s lost, not just in terms of a relationship, but in the daily companionship of an animal he considers his child. This dynamic highlights the unique challenges faced by public figures navigating personal breakups, where shared moments and lingering connections are often amplified and complicated by the pervasive nature of social media. The public lens, while offering fans a glimpse into their lives, can also inadvertently become a source of pain for those involved.
The initial announcement of their split came a week prior, on November 17, when both artists issued a joint statement via Instagram. The message read, “We’ve decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever. We started our relationship as best friends and will continue to be best friends. We so appreciate your support from the beginning and moving forward.” This carefully worded statement aimed to convey an amicable separation, emphasizing a continued friendship and mutual respect. However, the intricacies of a breakup, especially one involving shared commitments like a pet, often prove far more complex than a public statement can convey.
While the statement suggested an enduring friendship, subsequent observations, such as the fact that Shawn and Camila no longer follow each other on Instagram, indicate that the post-breakup reality might be less straightforward. This digital detachment suggests a deeper rift than initially implied, especially when considering the emotional weight of Tarzan’s presence. Shawn’s primary concern now, according to the insider, is not to rekindle the romance, but to reunite with his cherished dog. “Shawn just wants to see his dog and he would like to work out some sort of arrangement with Camila where they get to split custody of Tarzan. Shawn really feels that this would be best for the dog,” the insider shared.
The concept of “pet custody” in breakups has become increasingly prevalent, mirroring the emotional investment owners place in their animal companions. For many, pets are not property but family members, making their separation akin to navigating child custody battles. Shawn’s desire for a shared custody arrangement for Tarzan speaks volumes about his commitment and love for the dog. He believes that such an arrangement would not only fulfill his longing but also be in Tarzan’s best interest, allowing the dog to maintain a relationship with both of its primary caregivers. This perspective highlights a progressive understanding of animal welfare, acknowledging the deep bonds pets form with all members of a household.
Navigating pet custody can be challenging, requiring open communication and a willingness to compromise, especially between ex-partners who may still be healing from their romantic split. However, Shawn’s unwavering focus on Tarzan’s well-being and his heartfelt desire for a continued connection underscore the immense love he holds for his dog. As Shawn prepares for a new single and upcoming tour, the absence of Tarzan undoubtedly weighs heavily on him, potentially influencing his creative output and public persona. The hope remains that Shawn and Camila can reach an amicable agreement, ensuring that Tarzan, the innocent party in this celebrity breakup, continues to receive love and companionship from both of his devoted owners.
Ultimately, Shawn Mendes’ post-breakup journey serves as a powerful reminder that the end of a relationship often brings layered emotions, with losses sometimes extending far beyond the romantic connection. For many, including global stars, the separation from a beloved pet can be an incredibly painful and poignant experience, highlighting the irreplaceable role these furry friends play in our lives.