When I was younger, Wishbone was my favorite show. I never stopped to consider the dog behind the elaborate recreations and costumes; I think I even assumed the dog talked(though curiously without moving his mouth). I was a happy book worm and thought I’d found my kindred canine spirit. My own dog hates it when I read and will squirm his way until he’s laying on my book, belly up, ready to free me from this silly collection of papers. Usually, I do give in, but today I am successfully ignoring him long enough to read what Wikipedia has to say about the brilliantly expressive jack russel terrier that played the part of Wishbone.

His name was Soccer, inspired by his affinity for soccer balls. He appeared in almost every episode of the show for the three years that it ran. Soccer had four stunt doubles that did the dirty work (he hated swimming). He also starred in commercials for Nike and Mighty Dog Dog Food. In 1999, he was nominated for a BIMP award. (Wonder if he was allowed to chew it?) The show won four Emmys and a Peabody, and Soccer appeared in People Magazine and The Tonight Show. He lived with his trainer in Texas until he died in 2001 at 13 years of age.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget him reciting Shakespeare in tights.

RIP Soccer.