All-around funny man Jon Stewart broke character on the Feb. 26 episode of “The Daily Show” to share the news of his family dog’s passing. A longtime animal activist, Stewart and his family are heartbroken over the death of the three-legged dog they rescued “12 or 13 years ago,” according to Today. The brindle Pit Bull, named “Dipper,” was also a regular fixture on the set of Comedy Central’s noted late-night show.
Jon Stewart pays tribute to Dipper, his Pit Bull
Jon Stewart is known for his political commentary on-screen and activism for America’s veterans off-screen. Returning to host Monday-night episodes of “The Daily Show,” audiences expected more of the same from the seasoned comedian and pundit. However, the mood shifted as Stewart memorialized his late Pit Bull this week.
Explaining how the dog came into his life, Stewart shared how — more than a decade ago — his kids wanted to raise money for a local New York animal shelter. As such, his children sold cupcakes at a table outside the location.
Tearing up, Stewart recalled the day. He said, “As a little extra incentive, they brought out this 1-ish-year-old brindle pit bull who got hit by a car in Brooklyn and lost his right leg.”
After the Pit Bull pup was plopped on Stewart’s lap, it was game over. The family spent the day assisting the shelter and left after adopting a new pet.
“We called him Dipper,” Stewart said. Adding, “And in a world of good boys, he was the best.”
Pet dog Dipper was a regular on ‘Daily Show’ set
What’s more, Stewart recounted how the dog would join him every day on set. Calling him “part of the OG ‘Daily Show’ dog crew,” Stewart fondly remembered their time together.
Choking back tears, Stewart shared more memories of his late dog — highlighting Dipper’s spirit. Specifically, the rescue pup “met actors and authors and presidents and kings.” Stewart even made a joke, adding Dipper “did what the Taliban could not do, which is put a scare into Malala Yousafzai.”
Somberly, Stewart revealed, “Dipper passed away yesterday.” The host continued, saying, “He was ready. He was tired, but I wasn’t. And the family, we were all together. Thank goodness. We were all with him.” Emphatically, Stewart added, “But, boy, my wish for you is one day you find that dog, that one dog, that just is the best.”
Jon and Tracey Stewarts’ record of animal advocacy
According to People, along with his wife Tracey — a vegan and former veterinary technician — Jon Stewart established an animal sanctuary in New Jersey. The couple set up the farm after Stewart left his first hosting role on “The Daily Show” years ago. What’s more, in a 2015 interview with NPR, Tracey confirmed the family lives in a real-life animal house. At that time, she said the “household includes four dogs, four pigs, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, one parrot, one hamster and two fish (as well as three horses, though they live off-site).” While some things may have changed since then, the family’s love of animals has not.
In the same interview, Terry Gross asked Tracey for her advice when it comes to rescuing dogs. Tracey replied, “Look, this is going to be a transition. There’s going to be hiccups.” She added, “Especially when you first are bringing a dog home from a shelter, there’s going to be a week of adjustment.” Unfortunately, some people give up and return dogs to shelters before the animals have adequate time to adjust.
Notably, Tracey reminded those bringing home a rescue that “when you’re getting a dog … it’s going to be your responsibility.” So, you need “to be consistent, to find answers and to stick it out.” The interview ended after Tracey shared, “I do always feel like it’s never the dog, it’s always our not knowing enough.”
