Tributes to Piff the Magic Dragon’s canine companion

Piff the Magic Dragon’s canine companion Mr Piffles has died just shy of his 17th birthday.

The Flamingo in Las Vegas, where the British comedy-magician has been performing with the pedigree chihuahua for more than a decade, will today open a dog-friendly space in his honour, entitled Mr Piffles’ Magical Playground.

Piff – real name John van der Put – said: ‘For over 15 years I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of being upstaged and outshone night after night by Mr Piffles. 

‘He came into my life when I had nothing, and set me on the path to a career I could only dream of. In the beginning, I may have rescued him, but in the end, he rescued me.’

Mr Piffles racked up more than 5,000 performances, winning fans with appearances on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us as well as in Las Vegas, where he became the only animal to receive the key to the city’s famous Strip

Sam Donnelly, America’s Got Talent’s executive producer said: ‘Mr Piffles graced our stage with his unique charm and indifference, embodying one of the greatest canine talents to ever perform on AGT

‘He was loved by everyone who saw his act, and his partnership with Piff was a truly magical bond that will forever leave a lasting impact on our hearts.’

Mr Piffles – who would have turned 17 today – also performed with Piff at venues ranging from Radio City Music Hall to Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as opening for Mumford and Sons and sharing the stage with Shania Twain. Earlier this year, the pair were named The Magic Castle Magician of the Year.

However, part of Mr Piffles will live on as Piff has spent pent $60,000  (£47,000) creating a  genetically identical clone. His latest tour is called It Cost $60,000 To Clone My Dog And Now I Need to Make The Money Back tour.

Zack Byer

Published: 13 Nov 2024