After comedian Jon Stewart broke the emotional news that his beloved Tripod Dipper had passed away, a flood of donations flooded the New York no-kill animal shelter where Stewart adopted the dog 12 years ago.
“Dipper died yesterday,” Stewart said through tears during a Monday episode of “The Daily Show.” “He was ready. He was tired. But I wasn’t,” Stewart added. “And the family, we were all together – thank God.” We were all with him. But boy, my wish for you is that one day you find that dog – that one dog that is just the best.” Stewart then shared a “moment of Zen” – a video clip in which Dipper, a brindle pit bull mix , frolicking around in the snow.
Following the segment, more than $35,000 in donations were sent to Animal Haven, where Stewart rescued Dipper, according to the shelter's executive director, Tiffany Lacey. Lacey also said many people have also purchased supplies from the shelter's wish list and inquired about adopting animals.
Lacey shared Stewart's announcement in a Facebook post. “Our hearts break with Jon and his entire family at the loss of Dipper,” the post reads, according to The Washington Post. “Dipper went through so much early in his life after being hit by a car and losing his leg, but Jon and his family gave him a brand new life, which unknowingly began on that fateful day at Animal Haven with his children Sold cupcakes.” The post continued: “It was truly magical and it quickly became clear that Jon wasn't leaving without Dipper. Dipper lives on in our hearts and minds today, a powerful reminder of the importance of adopting a pet and the love an animal can bring into your life.”