By MIKE LARKIN
Last updated at 3:57 AM on 4th July 2011
It has been a rough few of weeks for bodybuilder-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But the shamed star still has one friend he can rely on to stick with him - his dog.
The 63-year-old Terminator actor made his first public appearance since it was announced his wife Maria Shriver had filed for a divorce, two months after it was revealed he fathered a love child with their former housekeeper.
Walk of shame: Arnold Schwarzenegger took his dog a walk yesterday in his first public appearance since his wife Maria Shriver demanded a divorce
And he looked in remarkably high spirits as he padded down the street with his bodyguards and his four-legged friend.
Former California governor Arnold was accompanied by his burly bouncers as he enjoyed the afternoon sunshine in Brentwood yesterday.
The eco-campaigning True Lies star also went for a drive in his massive Hummer, which has been modified to run on environmentally friendly bio-fuels.
Leader of the gang: Arnold looked in good spirits as he went for a walk with his dog and bodyguards
It was the first time he has been spotted since the 55-year-old former California first lady cited irreconcilable differences in papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court.
She is also seeking shared custody of their minor children, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.
The legal documents that were posted on give details on the divorce.The date of separation is 'yet to be determined.'
Lead on: True Lies star Arnold takes his best friend back to the car
Good boy: At least someone still listens to what Arnold has to say
Maria cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the divorce. She asked for joint custody of the couple's minor children, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.
She also asked for spousal support and requested that Arnold be denied spousal support. Maria asked for Arnold to pay the attorneys fees for both parties.
Petition: Maria Shriver filed documents at the Los Angeles Superior Court
The couple also have two daughters, Katherine, 21 and Christina, 19.
Reportedly there is no prenuptial agreement between the pair, so all of Arnold and Maria's earnings over the past quarter century will be divided 50/50.
And, in the petition, filed by Maria's attorney Laura Wasser, Shriver is asking Arnold to pay the attorneys' fees of both parties.
The documents reveal that the property accumulated during the marriage will be divided at a later date.
Sombre: Arnold looked serious in suit jacket and blue shirt as he went for meetings in Santa Monica today
Sources close to the couple told TMZ that Arnold and Maria are on speaking terms and Arnold knew beforehand that she was filing divorce papers. Maria is telling friends she hopes this will be an easy and amicable divorce.
They announced their split back in May, saying in a statement: 'At this time, we are living apart, while we work on the future of our relationship.
'We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the centre of both of our lives.'
I'll be back: Arnold drives off after taking his dog for a walk
Both Arnold and Maria appear to be moving on, though Arnold has often looked sombre in recent weeks.
It was just weeks after the couple announced their separation in May that it was revealed that Arnold had fathered a child, Joseph, now 13, with Mildred.
Happier times: Maria Shriver filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger two months after it was revealed he had fathered a child with housekeeper Midred Baena
In an interview with Hello magazine, Mildred revealed that she and the actor had only a handful of encounters - not a lengthy affair - and that the former Californian Governor only learned that Joseph was his son recently.
She believes suspicions were raised when she brought the 13-year-old over to the Schwarzenegger's home last summer after a long absence.
Mildred had 'no comment,' to make about today's events, according to her lawyer.
Love child: Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a son Joseph, now 13, with former housekeeper Mildred Baena
Explore more:
- People:
- Maria Shriver,
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Organisations:
- Los Angeles Superior Court
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2010931/Arnold-Schwarzenegger-ventures-time-Maria-Shriver-filed-divorce-pet-pooch.html#ixzz1R7XKe56F
