Dog Names Meaning Shy

Gidget was a shy, bug-eyed little Chihuahua who had enormous ears and keen acting ability. The tiny pooch rose to stardom during the 1990s in the Taco Bell commercials. She represented the Mexican food company's brand and won the hearts of the audience. Even today, many still remember her. Gidget lived the life of a true Hollywood diva for 15 years, but she never lost her reserved nature. 

Many people mistakenly believed that Gidget had been born a star, but her beginnings were very humble. The tiny pooch found herself alone and homeless at a shelter when Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, first saw her. The poor Chihuahua was lonely and very fearful. She was not a show quality dog, but she had a certain appeal even with her undershot jaw and overly large ears. McElhatton immediately fell in love with her and decided to adopt the tiny pooch. 

There was something about Gidget that made her different from other dogs. According to McElhatton, "She was a prima donna. She knew when she was on camera." 

In 1997, Gidget was cast as the Taco Bell mascot for a commercial. Although Gidget was a female, they portrayed her as a male dog through special effects. They even gave her a male and heavily accented voice that said, "Yo quiero Taco Bell (Spanish for, I want Taco Bell." Initially, the advertisement was supposed to be a single ad but audiences fell head-over-heels in love with Gidget, and she was quickly cast for many campaigns that ran from 1997 to 2000. 

As a result of the Taco Bell ads, the shy Gidget quickly become a star. She often shared the spotlight with other Chihuahuas, but the close-ups and famous quips were always reserved for her. The fame was a bit daunting for such a reclusive canine star, but Gidget handled it well. She always traveled first class. She was even allowed to open up the New York Stock Exchange one morning. Gidget was also once at the famous Madison Square Garden. 

Later in Gidget's acting career, she appeared in a 2002 Geico commercial and starred in the 2003 movie Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde. Eventually, Gidget retired. She continued to love going on hikes and visiting the beach. Unfortunately, the shy little dog suffered a massive stroke at the age of 15 at her home. Her trainer/owner had to make the heartbreaking decision to have her euthanized.