There’s sad news in the four-legged skater world. Tillman, a Bulldog famous for his skateboarding and snowboarding (as well as surfing) skills, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 10.
“I’m sorry to announce the world lost a true legend,” wrote Tillman’s dog dad, Ron Davis, on Tillman’s Facebook page yesterday.
“We spent 10 years making so many incredible memories skating, surfing and hanging out together. No words can truly describe how much he’ll be missed. Thanks for all the good times, Tilly.”
Tillman, who holds a 2009 Guinness World Records title for the fastest 100 meter run on a skateboard by a dog, started gaining fame eight years ago, thanks to videos posted by Davis on YouTube.
Over the years, Tillman appeared in an iPhone commercial and on floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade. In 2012, he starred in the short-lived reality TV show, “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
Tillman, who was named after former NFL player and U.S. Army ranger Pat Tillman, started skateboarding when he was only 10 weeks old, according to Natural Balance. Tillman was a mascot for the dog food company for eight years.
“He learned by watching a skateboarding Rottweiler named Stoli, also owned by Ron Davis. At 9 months old, Tillman was on all fours skating. By the time he was 15 months old, he learned how to turn.”
Tillman developed a heart muscle disease during the summer, Davis told the Ventura County Star. He died Tuesday on the way to an animal hospital.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tillman at an spcaLA pet adoption event in 2010 and made this video featuring his impressive skateboarding skills.
Rest in peace, Tillman. I hope you’re having fun up there, hanging 20 in the big skateboard park in the sky.
Photo via Facebook