A Famous Dog's Life: The Story of Gidget, America's Most Beloved Chihuahua [Paperback]

Sue Chipperton (Author), Rennie Dyball (Author), Reese Witherspoon (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: May 3, 2011

¡Yo quiero! The heartwarming true story of the camera-ready Chihuahua who became a pint-sized superstar.

Her name was Gidget. To the world, she was the Taco Bell dog. This is the extraordinary story of an irresistible pup's life, and that of her devoted trainer, Sue Chipperton. It is not only the story of an adorable television star, but also that of Sue's successful training techniques, and her fascinating stories of working with both human and animal stars, like Mooni, Gidget's Chihuahua roommate and the eventual star of Legally Blonde. Sue shares her delightful tales, investing humor, warmth, and rare insight into one of the freshest and most fun Hollywood success stories ever told.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sue Chipperton started her career in Florida working with dolphins, and has been a studio animal trainer for nearly two decades.

Rennie Dyball is a People magazine writer and co-author of Christian Siriano's Fierce Style. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade; 1 edition (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451233093
• ISBN-13: 978-0451233097
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #763,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My name is Sue Chipperton, I am the co-author of A Famous Dogs Life - which is due to be released in North America May 3rd 2011.

The book is primarily about Gidget - the little Chihuahua that went on to become The Taco Bell Dog - a pop culture icon in the United States in the late 90's.

Following her time line from the day I got her from a local breeder until the sad day when she passed away, it also features stories about my life as animal trainer working in Hollywood on commercial, television and film sets.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A really famous dog and much more May 19, 2011

By R. Thomas Berner

Format:Paperback

When I took my copy of A Famous Dog's Life into the exam room at my doctor's in New Mexico, her nurse looked at the cover and asked: Is that the Taco Bell dog? Chihuahuas are everywhere in my neighborhood and I can't tell one from the other.

I'm a little more in tune now, thanks to this book, by Sue Chipperton and Rennie Dyball, which was a good read and an education for me. Chipperton trains dogs--and other animals--for television commercials and movies and the Taco Bell dog, whose real name was Gidget, lived with Chipperton so the story is not only about Gidget's role in commercials and movies, but their life together. Thus, we learn how and where they traveled, how they lived on the road and how Gidget--and other animals trained by Chipperton and friends--met a long list of movie stars, including my favorite Clint Eastwood.

As a freelance photographer, I learned a couple of things that might come in handy should someone ever ask me to shoot a portrait of their dog or cat. It all comes down to associating a desired behavior with a desired sound--and then a treat. That works on me, too.

Chipperton thanks Dyball for "suffering through my edits," and I must commend Dyball, a former student of mine, for maintaining Chipperton's voice throughout. It's the mark of a good editor to let the right voice through, and in this book, the voice is true and consistent.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "I loved this Book!" May 4, 2011

By dogluver

Format:Paperback

It was so much fun to learn what goes on behind the scenes of working dogs. I loved hearing about Gidget's real life and all of the stories that went along with it!!! Anyone who loves dogs, the entertainment industry or the "Taco Bell Dog" will really appreciate this book.

Sometimes people think that working dogs don't have a good life but this book proves just the opposite.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful book for animal lovers of any age! May 6, 2011

By julie

Format:Paperback

Sue details her life as an animal trainer telling the wonderful story of Gidget, the Taco Bell dog, as well as many other animals she has trained for movies, tv and commercials. She has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Clint Eastwood, to name a few. Sue is respected for her work and talent and the ability to bring out the best in the animals she is training. Filled with amusing anecdotes, as well as training advise, it is a must read!