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Skidboot, the Australian Cattle Dog often billed as the "World's Smartest Dog," died on March 25, 2007 at the age of 14.

Skidboot was the winner of Animal Planet's Pet Stars Season 1, and appeared on numerous television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show (twice), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and Inside Edition among others.

Skidboot’s most popular performance was the stuffed-ball trick. [Human Guardian David] Hartwig would tell Skidboot, “Now, on the count of three I want you to go fetch that ball.” After Hartwig would throw the ball he’d count, “One, two, 11, 12, 13, 26...,” but Skidboot wouldn’t retrieve the ball until Hartwig said the number three.

The history behind Skidboot goes back to when he was just a pup. Hartwig, who was a horse shoer, was at a ranch and mentioned to the owner that he hadn’t bought his wife a Christmas present yet. So the owner gave him a puppy to take home.

When Hartwig started home, he got to thinking that that just wasn’t the right dog, so he took the puppy back and got another one. That’s the one that became Skidboot.

But Skidboot was uncontrollable at home and was tearing into things. Hartwig starting playing with the dog, teaching him to lie down. Every time Hartwig did something, Skidboot would imitate him.

As it turned out, Skidboot was highly trainable and thoughtful. He became famous on the County and State Fair circuits before moving on to television. Skidboot went blind after being kicked by a horse, and retired a short time later.

David and Barbara Hartwig ask that Skidboot be remembered by a donation to your local animal shelter in Skidboot’s name.

Skidboot's abilities have to be seen to be believed. He was truly remarkable.

More on Skidboot:

• Long-form video report on David and Skidboot
• Skidboot's Official Site
• More Skidboot Video Via Current.tv