"my name is papi. i am descended from an ancient line of proud warriors. my ancestors went into battle alongside aztec soldiers. today, we move within the inner circles of the wealthiest and most powerful people on the planet. who am i? what am i? i'm a chihuahua!"
just who is papi the famous chihuahua and how did this fabulous canine warrior come to steal the spotlight?
the star of disney’s beverly hills chihuahua didn’t always live the glamorous life. this part chihuahua, part mutt, whose off-screen name is rusco, was actually rescued from ‘doggy death row’ in a los angeles animal shelter only months before landing the role of papi in the disney film.
after countless unsuccessful auditions with canine breeders and veteran movie pet stars, hollywood animal trainer mike alexander discovered rusco’s picture on the internet while searching animal directories online.
rusco was scheduled to be put down after he was found wandering the streets of moreno valley and no one came to claim him, but alexander saw him and decided he was perfect for the role of papi in the film.
"we're mexi-can, not mexi-can't!" photo credit: daniel daza disney enterprises
alexander then raced to save little rusco from a lethal injection. he rushed down to the shelter, but it was so far away and he had traffic to deal with. when he got there, they were just closing the doors.
alexander returned the next day and was thrilled to discover rusco was still alive. after spending a little time with him, he knew that rusco was the perfect papi. it was rusco’s big ears, great expression and bouncy personality that made him stand out.
with no previous experience, rusco was given six months of training for his role as papi, the street-wise chihuahua of a gardener who falls head over heels for a pampered, diamond-clad beverly hills chihuahua named chloe.
the film has a cast of more than 200 dogs, including dobermans, poodles, german shepherds, pugs, a labrador and a dachshund, but papi is the real star.
papi the chihuahua. 50% warrior. 50% lover. 100% chihuahua.
“he’s a little bigger than most chihuahuas. when he runs, he hops. i don’t think i’ve seen a chihuahua hop like a bunny before. he’s a romantic dog, but he’s got a little bit of street in him,” says actor george lopez, who is the voice of Papi and who also has three chihuahuas of his own.
we are happy to report that rusco now has a permanent home with alexander at his ranch outside los angeles. the message is simple, if you love chihuahuas, adopt one.
sources: imdb.com
reuters.com – chihuahua’s rags-to-riches road to hollywood
Comments 37
May Papi rest in piece after finding out he died, I watch the movies and balled my eyes out after the third movie finished.
Our Chiweenie LOVES to watch Chloe and Papi!!! It’s the only movie that she will sit and watch!!! She loves the music. She is from a rescue also. I always shop at I love dogs.com because every time you buy something from them, they donate to shelter dogs. And they help the US gets too (military). They have unique items.
soon after papi’s page was posted up he died due to him being overly worked.
R.I.P. papi may u fly high and thank you for being in such a bad movie, may we meet again
Can you talk about Chloe from Beverley hills Chihuahua next please😁
I like this one.
I love corgis so much
Papi is cool but Delgado rules supreme! He should have his own movies.
i love the movie ive. Watch i dont know i love papi and chloe and the pups and all the dogs -chloe boyce
I adopted a rescue chihuahua. Papi is a huge inspiration for our little family. –Yes, my dog and I watch Beverly Hills Chihuahua together!
Papa looks just like my dog Jordan
Papi is so cute and crazy
I love papi lol