Remembering Daddy
February 22, 2010 by Paris and John
Filed under Celebrity Dog News, News
Daddy, the 16-year-old pit bull, co-star and family member of “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, surrounded by the Millan family. Through the years, Daddy (a cancer survivor) worked alongside Cesar Millan in over 50 episodes of National Geographic Channel’s “Dog Whisperer”, modeling calm, balanced behavior.
Most recently, Daddy served as a role model for Junior, the pit bull who joined Millan’s pack and took on some co-starring duties as Daddy moved into retirement.
When DogTipper interviewed Cesar Millan last fall, the Dog Whisperer spoke of Daddy’s role in choosing Junior among a litter of puppies and passing on his legacy to a younger generation. Millan said,
One thing that he can do is he can become the foster dad and pass his wisdom to the new generation, and he did an amazing job.
This week Millan noted, “I’ve always seen Daddy as my teacher of life. He brought my family and me so much joy over the years. Personally, he represented what my grandfather taught me, never work against Mother Nature. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit lives on.”
Last year Daddy was immortalized by artist Daniel Maltzman, who captured the pit bull’s spirit on canvas (photo, above) after Millan worked with the artist’s troubled Pekingese.
In memory of Daddy, an Emergency Animal Rescue Fund has been established by the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation to provide funding and assistance for dogs who are victims in large-scale disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophes), man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and animal victims of abuse or violence. An initial contribution by the Millans and the “Dog Whisperer” team has established the fund in Daddy’s honor. To donate, visit www.millanfoundation.org/daddyfund. In Daddy’s memory, National Geographic Channel’s website has also set up a photo gallery.
Daddy, often referred to as America’s pit bull ambassador because of his gentle disposition, was instrumental in helping to repair the image of the pit bull. He showed the world that the pit bull, rather than being seen as violent and uncontrollable, can be viewed as a calm, intelligent, loving member of the family.
Top Photo: Daniel Maltzman’s painting of Daddy. Photo © MPH-Emery/Sumner Joint Venture
Photos courtesy National Geographic Channel
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