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

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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

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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 on NBC Bay Area

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