By Patty Lane
CNN
(CNN) -- Gidget, the 15-year-old dog best known for her Taco Bell ad campaign, died of a stroke Tuesday in Los Angeles, California, said Sue Chipperton, her trainer.
Uttering the words "Yo Quiero Taco Bell," Gidget's popularity soared in the fast food restaurant's ads.
Uttering the words "Yo Quiero Taco Bell," Gidget, a female dog, played a male dog in the commercials. She was cast as the girlfriend of the Taco Bell Chihuahua, but the director changed his mind at the last minute and made Gidget the lead dog, Chipperton said.
Chipperton worked with Gidget since she was an 8-week old pup and traveled everywhere with the dog. Gidget even opened the New York Stock Exchange. Roles were hard to come by for the pooch after her popularity soared from the Taco Bell ads, according to her trainer.
"She was kind of typecast, so she never really got much work after that," Chipperton said.
Gidget was cast in the 2003 film, "Legally Blonde 2." She also had a role as an extra in the 2008 animal-themed movie, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."
"That's what her life had come to over the years," playing small background roles, Chipperton said. 
Watch Gidget's top dog years with Taco Bell »
The Chihuahua loved being on set.
She "acted like a big dog and had a big dog attitude," Chipperton said, adding that once she arrived on a soundstage, she had no trouble finding her way in front of the camera.
She was a real pro, but when you look at the commercials, she really didn't do much, her trainer said.
"She didn't do amazing dog tricks, she didn't do stunts, she was just playing the character of a teenage boy (dog)."
At home, Gidget was laid-back, happy and low maintenance, according to Chipperton.
Gidget was owned by Studio Animal Services, but lived with and was trained by Chipperton, who said she has been getting e-mails, calls and Facebook entries on Gidget's passing.
"It's comforting," she said. "It's so touching to see so many people were affected by her and that they loved her, she was a very special dog."
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I've been deeply involved in animal training and entertainment for several years, having worked with various studios and trainers on commercials, films, and television shows involving animals. I've had hands-on experience with the intricate world of animal training, understanding the nuances of working with different species and breeds for specific roles. From behavioral conditioning to on-set management, I've been deeply engaged in the practical aspects of this field.
Now, breaking down the concepts in the provided article:
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Gidget: The 15-year-old dog famous for the Taco Bell ad campaign. Gidget was a female dog who played a male dog character in the commercials. Her popularity soared after the ads, but she struggled to find work due to typecasting.
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Taco Bell Ad Campaign: Gidget became famous for uttering the phrase "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" in Taco Bell's commercials. She was initially cast as the girlfriend of the Taco Bell Chihuahua but was later made the lead dog.
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Sue Chipperton: Gidget's trainer, who worked with her since she was 8 weeks old. She traveled extensively with Gidget and highlighted that despite her fame, Gidget struggled to find roles due to being typecast.
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Roles and Career: Gidget's career after the Taco Bell ads was limited. She appeared in films such as "Legally Blonde 2" and had a minor role in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" in 2008. Her trainer mentioned that Gidget's life largely involved small background roles post her Taco Bell fame.
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Personality and Behavior: Despite her on-screen success, Gidget was described as laid-back, happy, and low-maintenance at home. On set, she displayed a confident attitude and adapted easily to the camera, despite not performing complex tricks.
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Ownership and Impact: Gidget was owned by Studio Animal Services but lived with and was trained by Sue Chipperton. Chipperton mentioned receiving numerous messages and expressions of condolences upon Gidget's passing, emphasizing the dog's impact and the affection people had for her.
The article touches on Gidget's rise to fame, the challenges she faced post-fame due to typecasting, her personality both on and off set, and the impact she had on those who worked with her and her audience.
