Even though my “source” article has a similar title to my post – I SWEAR mine is original!

I didn’t know if I should be blaging about the passing of our beloved “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” dog, or the fact that said dog was actually a dog-ette, but in either case, the Harbinger of Death knocked yesterday.

Gidget, the 15 year old (in people years) chihuahua, who was the face of Taco Bells “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” campaign from 1997 to 2000, passed away yesterday of a stroke. Gidget, and the Taco Bell campaign, are credited as being largely responsible for the recent upsurge in chihuahua (read: rat deer) popularity.

There was actually a Taco Bell dog before Gidget named Dinky, but Dinky didn’t make the grade, and Gidget got the job. Dinky, and another dog named Taco, were still stand-ins for Gidget, though.

Taco Bell Dog also had 2 other catch-phrases over the years; “Drop the chalupa!” (which was often quoted on SportsCenter) and “Vivi [the inferior] gordita.”

After Taco Bell, Gidget did a Geiko commercial, and then was Bruiser’s mom in Legally Blond 2.

Finally, Gidget was featured in an episode of The Tonight Show where she was offered her choice of Taco Bell or KFC; she chose the latter.

Yo Quiero a new catch-phrase.

Source: Moon and Staci, Jeff, and then Ed – plus this article, and this wiki.