Career
Buddy was found by Kevin di Cicco as a stray dog in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the summer of 1989. Kevin di Cicco adopted the disheveled Golden Retriever and brought him home to San Diego, California, where he trained him in the sports of basketball, chess, baseball, football, soccer, and hockey. His first appearance was on America"s Funniest Home Videos.
He then gained further fame dunking baskets on David Letterman"s Stupid Pet Tricks segment of the Late Show with David Letterman.
Buddy made his acting debut in 1989 when he was cast as Comet on Full House. Buddy remained on Full House until the final episode Michelle Rides Again Participant 2.
After Full House ended in 1995, Buddy starred as a dog, that was reincarnated after a business man"s death, in the film Fluke. In 1997 he was cast as Buddy in the Disney movie "Air Bud", a Golden Retriever abandoned by his abusive owner.
In the movie, he moved in with a boy named Josh who was depressed due to the death of his father.
The film"s sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver, was made in his memory. Prior to his death Buddy sired nine puppies. Air Bud was Buddy"s final acting role.
In 1997, Buddy had his right hind leg amputated due to synovial cell sarcoma, a type of cancer that manifests near the joints.
Buddy died in his sleep due to complications from cancer on February 10, 1998 at his owner"s San Diego home. At the time of his death Buddy was 10 years old.
Buddy was cremated and his ashes were buried in an undisclosed location.
