While nearly every child of our generation has seen “Air Bud”, few know the true origins of this ever-talented Golden Retriever. And despite his cult following in pop culture, even fewer know the tale of his tragic end.

Born in 1988, Buddy was quickly hardened by his impersonal upbringing. With a drunken father and an unfaithful mother, the wide-eyed pup was raised in an environment that makes 50 Cent look like Carlton Banks. Gunshots and sirens orchestrated the nightly paw-verty.

Many nights Buddy went without Kibbles, water, or love. Being one of fifteen pups, the Golden Retriever found that in order to make a name for himself in this world, he would have to stand out from the crowd. After his father walked out on his family in favor of a young, swinging Shitzu and fresh fire hydrant, Buddy assumed the position as alpha male among the pack of strays.

By the summer of 1990, the family had moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of Buddy’s far-fetched dreams. He had fantasized being an actor, longing to save his mother and siblings from the unforgiving streets and determined dogcatchers.

He subconsciously strived to reconnect with his long, lost father to win his approval through the art of acting. However, the road was not paved with gold. It was paved with crushed dreams.

After months of unsuccessful auditions, Buddy finally landed a small role in a doggy training pad commercial.

Mere months after the promo’s premiere, Buddy received a call from an up-and-coming sitcom. The show was called “Full House”.

It seemed that Buddy could do no wrong. His acting career was red-hot and his performances would be televised from coast to coast.

However, Buddy’s fate would take a quick turn to turmoil after his first broadcast opposite John Stamos and the Olsen Twins. He received word that one of his brothers had succumbed to rabies and viciously attacked a mail man. While driving feverishly to the vet’s office, it was at a stoplight that Buddy learned he was also color blind. Needless to say, Buddy did not reach the office in time and his brother was put to sleep.

Tabloids leapt at the chance to expose Buddy’s gritty family history.

Following his brother’s death, Buddy learned to cope with acting. Citing influences such as Lassie and Beethoven, Buddy seized hold on “Full House” and captivated humans and canines alike with his riveting portrayal of Comet, the family’s dog. This role would take him to the primetime of all dog actors. He was even rumored to have been courting the 1995 Westminster Kennel Club’s overall winner, Dorothy the Schnauzer.

He was also seen sniffing tails on the red carpet with the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

Life was good for Buddy, but he forever marked his spot in history with the 1997 classic, “Air Bud”.

Tying in emotions from his troubled childhood, Buddy outshined everyone on the set, playing the part of a mistreated, basketball-playing Golden Retriever.

After grueling workouts with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Buddy really came into his own.

He sank jump shots, barked on cue, and even wore two pairs of shoes at the same time. As filming wrapped up, Buddy’s buzz engulfed media airways. With a budget of only three million dollars, “Air Bud” retrieved nearly 24 million dollars in the box office, all thanks to the brilliance of Buddy.

His performance was rival to that of Leonardo DiCaprio’s masterpiece in “Titanic” as well as Matt Damon’s portrayal of Will in “Good Will Hunting”.

The feud between the three celebrities climaxed on Oscar night when Buddy was informed that because of his species, he could not win an Oscar.

Despite the narrow-minded, anti-canine mindset of the Screen Actor’s Guild, Buddy went on to be nominated for a coveted blimp at Nickelodeon’s annual Kid’s Choice Awards. Unfortunately, he lost by a narrow margin to Salem, the talking cat from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

The loss hit Buddy harder than being neutered.

He had no will to further his career and turned to alcohol, just as his father had.

With many of his closest friends urging him to seek rehab, Buddy checked himself into a Los Angeles vet’s office in early January. It was there that he was told the most debilitating news of all: Buddy had cancer.

He passed away on February 11, 1998 at the age of 9 (or 63).

As the anniversary of Buddy’s death draws near and emotions grow higher, remember Buddy the way he always was: Glistening eyes, cold nose, golden coat, and Timberwolves jersey atop his back.

From rags to riches, Buddy was an actor and athlete, but most importantly, he was man’s best friend.