In 2007, Tillman the Bulldog burst onto the scene with YouTube video of him skateboarding, and the world took notice. He became famous nearly overnight. Yesterday, his owner, tour manager, and friend Ron Davis announced the sad news on Tillman’s Facebook page: His beloved dog had died.
I’m sorry to announce the world lost a true legend… My best bud Tillman passed away last night. We shared so many memories skating, surfing and hanging out together. No words can truly describe how much he’ll be missed. Thanks for all the good times, Tilly.
Thousands are taking to the Facebook page, posting their condolences under the announcement. Davis said that Tillman experienced an irregular heartbeat over the summer and developed a heart muscle disease, according to the AP, and he died on the way to the hospital on Tuesday.
While Tillman was an avid skateboarder, he also surfed, skimboarded, snowboarded, and made countless public appearances, including one where he threw out a first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Miami Marlins game in 2013. He fended off the legions of skateboarding dogs who came on the scene after him, landing the Guinness World Record for World’s Fastest Skateboarding Dog in 2009.
When explaining Tillman’s skill to Vice back in 2014, Davis said, “Tillman’s a freak. He’s not normal. He was the runt of the litter and not the biggest guy, but he’s tough, and all he wants to do is ride.”
And Davis said that his dog loved riding for crowds.
“He’s a total ham,” he said. “The more people, the better. He’s been the star of a reality show, and he’s skated in Times Square, and nothing seems to faze him. I get more nervous than he does.”
Here are a few more photos of Tillman doing the things he loved best:
Watch the video that started it all:
For those who would like to leave condolences, head over to his Facebook page and post a comment.
Photos via Tillman’s Facebook page
Read more about the Rainbow Bridge:
- Meet Phoebe and Bandit, Two Reasons to Book a Pet Portrait Shoot Today!
- I Recently Said Goodbye to My First Rescue Dog — and Realized That He Actually Rescued Me
- 7 Caring Things the Vet Did to Make Putting Our Dog to Sleep Bearable
The post R.I.P., Tillman the Skateboarding Bulldog appeared first on Dogster.
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