Yo Quiero Heaven for Taco Bell Dog

Gidget's trainer said the dog always knew where to find a camera

By LORI PREUITT
Updated 6:21 PM PDT, Wed, Jul 22, 2009

WireImage

The commercial that featured a Tex-Mex-loving chihuahua first aired in 1997, but a decade later the catchphrase "Yo quiero Taco Bell" is still part of the cultural lexicon.

The tiny dog who charmed the country and helped skyrocket Taco Bell's name recognition has died at the age of 15.

In the end, it was a stroke that took her life.

Gidget and her trainer, Sue Chipperton, met with People magazine back in February at a photo shoot where the famous old dame of a dog was said to delight the crew with her still playful nature. 

Taco Bell Chihuahua Kicks It

Taco Bell Chihuahua Kicks It
WATCH

Taco Bell Chihuahua Kicks It

"Gidget always knew where the camera was," Chipperton told People Magazine. 

The dog lived out her last days basking in the California sun.

She was one of at least two dogs used in the famous commercials.  The first and original was named Dinky.

The chihuahua breed is often associated with Mexico, as were the fast food items Taco Bell customers crave.  The company did get some kick back from some who said using a chihuahua was a stereotpe. 

First Published: Jul 22, 2009 1:39 PM PDT

  • 100% sad 1
  • 0% furious 0
  • 0% bored 0
  • 0% thrilled 0
  • 0% intrigued 0
  • 0% laughing 0
processing
      No comments have been posted yet.

      You have 2000 characters left

      processing
      So My City

      You are posting in (change)

      550/550 characters

      (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)

      (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)
      *Tip: You can also post moments via email or Twitter.

      processing

      View Your Moment in

      Posted by | 1 second ago

      Don't Miss

      celebrity

      Sep 5, 2010

      Lady GaGa Starved Self: New Book

      Journalist Maureen Callahan's new book, "Poker Face: The Rise and Rise of Lady Gaga" is slated to pop up in bookstores September 14, but its shocking claims have already caused buzz.

      Read It

      celebrity

      Sep 5, 2010

      Kim Kardashian Looking For Love: Sis

      The eldest Kardashian girl might have her eyes on something bigger than her current beau, sister Kourtney said.

      Read It

      celebrity

      5 hours ago

      'The American' Tops Labor Day Box Office

      George Clooney's thriller 'The American' overtook Roberto Rodriguez's gore-fest "Machete" to win the top spot at the box office for the long Labor Day weekend.

      Read It
      Loading...
      Birthdate:
      You must be at least 13 to sign up.
      Gender:
      invalid

      By clicking the button below, I accept the terms of use and privacy policy

      Already Signed Up? Login Below.

      processing

      Here's what we're posting:

      *Only used for verification. We do not store your password.
      processing