Jon Stewart, the host of “The Daily Show,” shared a wonderful anecdote about his dog, Dipper. About 12 or 13 years ago, Jon’s children chose to help raise cash for Animal Haven, a no-kill animal shelter in New York City recognized for its excellent work with cats and dogs. To promote the cause, the Stewarts baked cupcakes and set up a small table outside the shelter, hoping to garner attention and help Animal Haven’s purpose.
As a special inducement to attract sponsors, the shelter displayed a one-year-old brindle pit bull who had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost his right leg. When they placed the puppy on Jon’s lap, something extraordinary happened. Despite attending the event to assist the shelter, the Stewarts left with a new addition to their family: Dipper, a resilient pit bull.
Dipper became a regular on “The Daily Show,” joining Parker, Quali, and Riot as members of the show’s original dog team. Every day, Dipper waited for Jon to finish taping the show, during which he met a diverse range of visitors, including actors, authors, presidents, and kings. In a funny twist, Jon described how Dipper was able to scare Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, something that even the Taliban could not do.
However, no matter how full of love and laughter a story is, it must end. Jon revealed with a sorrowful heart that Dipper died the day before he told this story. He admitted that, while Dipper was prepared and tired, he was not ready to say goodbye. The Stewart family was delighted to have been present with Dipper in his dying moments. Jon’s hope for everyone is to find their “Dipper” – that one unique dog who makes life genuinely wonderful.
Jon ended his story with a “moment of zen,” an homage to his show’s history, in which Dipper played with his ball, capturing the joy and love he brought into their lives.This story, told with Jon Stewart’s characteristic blend of humor and emotion, reminds us of the profound impact pets have on our lives, teaching us about resilience, joy, and the importance of cherishing every moment with our beloved companions.
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