Richard Simmons' 17-year-old Dalmatian died in January, just days before the fitness guru was seen out and about in public. Now, a source reportedly told TMZ that the death of Simmons' dog is the reason for his depression and disappearance of almost 11 months.

Like Us on Facebook

The dog was considered by Simmons as his own child, reported TMZ. Reports have emerged saying the fitness enthusiast has become a recluse in his Hollywood mansion .

The alleged trigger of Simmons shutting down professionally and socially was his knee replacement. The second and final trigger was his dog Hattie dying,

Each time Simmons went out in L.A., the 17-year-old canine was always with him, and he also reportedly often bragged of Hattie during his exercise classes.

Richard never had kids of his own, therefore Hattie was treated like Simmons' own child. Before Hattie died, the fitness instructor had several Dalmatians. Hattie was the last survivor.  

Richard reportedly had a deep bond with the dog. The knee replacement could reportedly result in Simmons never being able to exercise again if he continues to avoid the routine procedure. 

"Doctors told Richard he needs a left knee replacement and if he doesn't get it he will never be able to exercise again," a source told TMZ.

The 66-year-old is allegedly "paralyzed with fear and depression" as pressure is growing for him to have the operation which sparked his reclusive behavior in 2014, according to TMZ.

However, his housekeeper, who is living in his property, has reportedly denied reports that Simmons is suffering a "debilitating depression." She insists that he is "perfectly fine." She adds "He's home and he's fine."

As she spoke to MailOnline today, she added that there is no need for worry regarding Simmons' physical or mental health.

The housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, is currently assigned at turning friends or associates away when they come to visit him.

Meanwhile, Reveles' statement to Mail Online comes as Simmons took to social media to tell his supporters about his situation. In the post, he thanked fans for their "outpouring of love and concern" following the news about his well-being.

"I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern that I have received today," he said on his Facebook page.

"I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do and that is to teach classes around the world," he added.

"I think he's working on a new project, he's constantly recreating himself because the man has so much energy. He's a wonderful neighbor to have," said Reynold Gideon, e neighbour living directly opposite.

"He told me about a knee problem months ago but I've not seen him since so I don't know of any updates with it," said Gideon.

An unidentified person reportedly arrived at the Simmon's mansion to hand-deliver documents in an 8.5 by 11-inch brown envelope, received by Simmons' housekeeper, but refused to comment regarding the nature of his visit.

Simmons was last seen in public on January 11 at a charity event and has avoided his own famed studio "Slimmons" in Beverly Hills for several months.

In 2011, Simmons had "Dancing With the Stars" viewers talking about his significantly slimmed down build whist appearing on the show to coach celebrity contestant Chaz Bono, reports Mail Online.

The 63-year-old's smaller frame sparked speculation that something was awry, and perhaps he might even be ill - though this speculation was later quashed by his agent.

Simmons currently owns the Beverley Hills exercise studio, called Slimmons Studio, established in 1974.

Tagsrichard simmons, Richard Simmons injury, Richard Simmons depression, Richard Simmons injury and depression, Richard Simmons dog, Richard Simmons dog died, Richard Simmons dog’s death, Richard Simmons recluse, Richard Simmons disappeared