Back in 2015, I wrote about why “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart is so doggone awesome. The No. 1 reason? He was the dog dad of rescued pets, including a 3-legged Pit Bull named Dipper.
The good news is that after a long absence, Stewart has returned to host “The Daily Show” on Mondays. The sad news is that Dipper won’t be around to watch his dog dad on TV.
Last night, Stewart tearfully announced that 14ish-year-old Dipper crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Feb. 26. “He was ready,” Stewart said, “…but I wasn’t.”
The Stewart family adopted Dipper from Animal Haven, a New York City animal shelter, about 13 years ago. They were there to sell cupcakes to raise money for the shelter. (Yet another reason why Stewart is awesome!)
To help boost sales, the shelter staff brought out a young Pit Bull who’d lost his back right leg after being hit by a car.
“They put the dog in my lap, and we left that day feeling really good we’d helped this great organization,” Stewart recalled. “And we also left with this 1-ish-year-old brindle Pit Bull. We called him Dipper. And in a world of good boys, he was the best.”
Dipper had the best life, too—he got to accompany Stewart to “The Daily Show” studio every weekday.
“He was part of the OG ‘Daily Show’ dog crew,” Stewart said. “He met actors and authors and presidents and kings.”
On Sunday, the Stewart family gathered together to say goodbye to Dipper.
“Thank goodness we were all with him,” Stewart said. “My wish for you is one day you find that one dog that just is the best.”
My heart goes out to Jon Stewart and his family. While Dipper is irreplaceable, my wish for them is one day they rescue another very good dog and their broken hearts are healed.
Grab a tissue box and watch Stewart’s tribute to Dipper. Rest in peace, you very good boy.
If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Dipper, visit the Animal Haven website.
Photo: The Daily Show/YouTube