I received the following press release regarding the death of Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan’s pit bull Daddy.
(LOS ANGELES, CA — February 22, 2010) Daddy, Cesar Millan’s inseparable partner and beloved pet died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 16. In honor of Daddy’s legacy, an Emergency Animal Rescue Fund has been established by the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation.
Daddy, often referred to as America’s pit bull ambassador because of his gentle disposition and intelligence, lived with the Millans from the age of four months. He stood as a champion for calm-submissive pit bulls everywhere, and was instrumental in helping to repair their image as violent and uncontrollable.
As fans of Millan’s hit National Geographic Channel television series Dog Whisperer know, Daddy was a key fixture in more than 50 episodes, often assisting Millan with his toughest cases, bravely interacting with and calming the most unmanageable dogs with his natural balanced energy. Daddy helped shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance.
Cesar states: “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.”
Daddy’s Emergency Animal Rescue Fund will 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 one 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.
If you would like to honor Daddy’s memory and the contributions he made to improving the lives of animals, you can make a donation by visiting www.millanfoundation.org/daddyfund.
In Daddy’s memory, National Geographic Channel has a photo gallery posted at natgeotv.com/dogwhisperer.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Cesar and his family.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
hi Cesar! it was just this year, 2012 that i’ve learned about the dog whisperer and i’ve got season 1 to 6 of the show. in one of the episodes at season 6(most aggresive breeds) that’s where i learned that you’ve been there for quite sometime now and that daddy passed away 2010! i love the show so much and daddy was really the perfect dog, able to help a lot of unbalanced dogs. i’m still looking for the other seasons that you have and looking forward to see how junior is doing. no doubt that junior will continue daddy’s legacy in helping you help other dogs and inform dog owners how to be a good pack leader. will always be looking forward to your shows!!!
this is moreno mira from the Philippines, a dog owner of a 14 year old japanese spitz
I still miss my shar pei.. it’s been 2 years, and i still think of her every day….
Sometimes I hope it will disappear .. but than again, I hope it will stay with me. It’s all the great times we have shared, that makes me miss her so much… that’s something I don’t want to forget… so the pain an missing will stay I guess.
In a way it’s strange, my dog was a very strong dog.. very dominant to others, not to us. My husband was the pack leader. In a lot of Daddy’s behavior I recognized my Large…. that’s wy I guess it makes me sad to hear Daddy passed away…
my thoughts are with the Milan family
Love Monique
I am so very sorry to hear about daddy. I loved him too even though I never met him. I feel as though he was part of my family. It will be hard to watch the show knowing that he will never be on again. No other dog can take his place . I have been there and know how it feels, I was angry at my dog getting old, I was angry for her getting sick, I was angry for her dying on me. It’s been years and I still cry. It’s best to let it out and yell and screen and cry. I can’t tell you how awful I feel. It wll be better. Let the staff and crew and your family know that I am thinking of them. Cesar, it will get better, over time , stay busy. I have a poem about dogs that I would like you and your readers to have. Give me your email and I will send it to you. Again, I grieve with you. Lynn Bailey.
I haved watched the show since it aired, I have never meet any of the members of the pack. I felt like I knew daddy and Cear I know how it feels to lose a member of the family. I have two pit/rottweiller and I use No touch,No eye contact,No talk all the time. I have loved Daddy as if he was my own . My family gives you the heart felt sympathy and our prayers go to all of the member of the pack. The Zizumbo and Olesnavage
To the Milan family–I have been a huge fan of all of you for some time. I’ve learned so much from the show, books and dvds. I was inspired to foster dogs for my local shelter, Menominee Animal Shelter ( I had to give them a plug!). I love what it’s done for me, I get more exercise and find, along with the dogs, I’ve become calmer. Seeing the transformation in a dog when they become balanced and happy is gratifying. I always wished I would someday get to meet Daddy because I thought if I touched him I would come away with something I didn’t have before. I would always say “Hi Daddy!” out loud when his sweet face came on the screen just to feel closer to him. I watched his walk get stiffer like my Lab’s did and knew he was feeling his years. I too lost my big guy and felt a great loss but somehow Daddy being gone will leave a huge hole for me. I believe he did so much to dispell the myth of all pit bulls being aggressive. His sweetness was apparent on the screen and can’t imagine what it was like live. My heart goes out to you. Now I’m going to go hug my Lab Midge and have good cry for Daddy!
Dear Caesar and Family
I was very saddened to learn abouti Daddy’s death. He seemed like a calm, loving dog and I always enjoyed seeing him walking around. Also, I have enjoyed watching your shows over many times and have marveled at your expertise in handling even the most difficult of dogs. Daddy will be sorely missed and I hope you can take comfort with the love expressed by your loyal fans, me included.
Elaine Pearl
Rockville, MD
Dear Cesar:
I’m heartsick to learn of the death of your beloved Daddy. I’ve watched the show for many years and grew to love him dearly and somehow he managed to reverse the feelings and fears I carried through my life about pit bulls. Often when I’d speak of Daddy, I’d refer to him as “the Perry Como of pit bulls.” To me, this expressed the calmness, peace and gentleness he projected. He was a true gem of the dog world and I’m sure doggie heaven is enjoying him and loving him as much as we your viewers did.
Sincerely,
Gail Sprong
A loyal viewer from New Jersey
I am truly sorry for your lost I know you will be getting alot of replies for your lost but I hope you know You have helped me be a better dog owner and pak leader by watching your shows. Daddy was a very warm hearted dog he warmed your soul by his look in his eyes alone. His color is close to my chinese sharpei I had to loose August 15,2009. God has truly blessed you with a wonderful gift to be able to share with the world continue to do his work through the animals you love and you and your family will continue to be blessed. May daddy rest in peace knowing he was truly loved by the world who knew him!!!!!
Sincerely,
Shimone Cobb
hi cesar i watch your show every time it comes on tv and i have seend a lot of dog whisperer and you are the best i am sorry to here abought daddys pas a way that is to bad i have 8 german shepherds and whend my frist gsd past way it heart i wish u could come to madisonvill texas is where i live well take care and all was rember my dogs and your dogs are in haven playing ball and eating and drinking water and never run out u can go see my shepherds i what i rase i love the breed good luck torri lancaster in texas
Dear Cesar and family, I loved daddy on all the shows he was on. He was such a great great dog. I always wanted to meet daddy and cesar and the pack of dogs you took care of. Daddy looks so much like my dog, Rocky the American Pit Bull Terrier who turned 14 on Jan. 3rd. Its hard for me to type right now cause I cant stop the tears. Its like I lost my own dog. I feel for you and your family cesar, I love your show and will always watch it. I even watch the reruns over and over. Good luck to you and your family cesar and I hope your show continues for a long long time!
With all our thoughts and condolences, Dave,Nancee and Rocky, From Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
My heart goes out to the Milan family. I know I will always remember Daddy. Even though I never met any of you just by watching the show so much I feel the loss as if he was my own. I also could see the love Cesar had for him & I could see Daddy trusted and loved him back.
I never even looked at this web site until I noticed the ad on last weeks shows regarding Daddys death. I know Cesar gave him a good life and that’s why he lived to such a ripe old age for a dog.
I know I will be visiting this web site often. You are doing Daddy proud by making the Emergency Animal Rescue Fund in his name. Just what I would of expected from Cesar. You’re a very special man with a very special blessing which I know you don’t take for granted. You’ve brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Daddy will be greatly missed. Love you and the show. Thank you for being you.
Debra