Cesar Millan’s Pitbull “Daddy” Dies, Dog Whisperer Mourns Loss

One of the most famous dog trainers in the country is mourning the loss of man’s best friend. Cesar Millan, host of “The Dog Whisperer” on the National Geographic Channel, is saying goodbye to his pitbull – “Daddy.”

Daddy the Pitbull, who appeared on the show frequently during the 6th season, passed away yesterday on February 19th. Daddy was 16-years-old.

From Cesar’s website, here are some words about the canine lover and his loyal companion:

Cesar Millan, all his family and friends, his staff and volunteers, and dog lovers all around the world today will mourn the passing of one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors the world has ever known. Daddy, Cesar’s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday the 19th of February. He was sixteen years old.

He lived each day of those sixteen years happy and fulfilled as Cesar’s right-hand-“man,” helping to shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance. He stood as champion for calm-submissive pit bulls everywhere, and was instrumental in helping to repair their image as violent, savage, uncontrollable beasts. He successfully battled cancer and weathered chemotherapy, and even got the opportunity to present at the 56th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards!

His name is now added to that honorable roster of dogs gone by whose influence is still felt today, and which includes some of Cesar’s beloved childhood heroes: “Rin-Tin-Tin.” “Lassie.” … “Daddy.”

He has been immortalized by Dog Whisperer fans in all mediums, from painting, to photographs, to charcoal drawings and papier-mâché sculpture. And, of course, he lives on in his work, reflected in the balance and calm-submission of his protégé Junior, the countless animals to whom he was a positive role model, and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him as a calm, sweet, and mellow example of a widely misunderstood breed.

In Loving Memory.

In honor of Daddy, you can make a donation to “Daddy’s Emergency Animal Rescue Fund,” which helps dogs who are victims of abuse or violence, man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophes).