‘BUSTER’ the lovable boxer dog from John Lewis’ ‘best ever Christmas advert’ has sadly passed away.
The lovable pooch, whose real name is Biff, died yesterday (MON) – aged 12.
Biff became an instant hit after stealing hearts across the world when he appeared in John Lewis’ 2016 Christmas advert.
The famous clip saw the boisterous pooch surprise his owner by bouncing around on a little girl’s new trampoline on Christmas morning.
Wild animals were shown watching on as the bouncy boxer revelled in delight at getting a go on the toy.
Despite the retailer creating many great festive adverts since, many people still deem Buster’s appearance to be the best yet.
‘Buster the Dog’ was voted as the best John Lewis advert in a poll by Radio Times earlier this month – taking 24 percent of the overall vote.
Biff’s heartbroken owner, Jan Patten, posted a tribute to her beloved pet on social media yesterday (MON), writing: “Fly high our beautiful, special boy, we shall miss you forever.”
Speaking today (TUE), Jan, from Daventry, West Northamptonshire, said: “Biff was a very much loved family member, and everyone that met him loved him too.
“His fame gave us the opportunity to raise funds for animal charities.
“Biffy and I had a really special bond, and no matter what I asked of him, whether it would be new tricks, displays, meet and greets, or photos with children, adults, and animals, he would happily oblige, with the patience of a saint.
“At home, he was pure joy, making us smile every day. I don’t know if you are aware but boxers are known as the clowns of the canines, and even though Biff would be professional at the right time, he never ever lost the ability to make us laugh. We shall miss him so much.”
She added: “In the early hours of yesterday morning, he began to have seizures, which we couldn’t bring him back from, so we had to let him go.
“People are saying that he had a wonderful life with us, but our view on it is that we had a wonderful life with him.”
Busters fans have also posted tributes to the popular pooch on social media.
One said: “Oh Jan… noooo! I can’t believe what I’m reading.
“Oh Biffy, we wanted you to live forever, you have broken so many hearts today and your mummy’s heart will be completely shattered.
“Your special boy Jan, so sudden, I’m so very sorry and we are sending all our heartfelt love to you and Mick. I’m in complete shock.”
Another wrote: “So very sad. He did so much to help other boxers in need. A great ambassador for the boxer breed. Fly high sweetheart.”
A third added “We all loved biff and his advert was the best ever. We had a boxer who loved his trampoline, so the advert always brought a tear to our eye.
“This news has got the tears flowing, so sorry for your loss.
“It’s hard losing a boxer as they are so loving thank you for sharing biff with us all. You gave him such a great life. Rest in peace big lad.”
Biff found fame after Jan spotted an advert asking for a dog to partake in filming.
Jan sent images and videos of Biff across to the animal agency and was then asked to take Biff in for his big-break audition.
After wowing the judges, Jan signed a disclosure agreement to keep her lips sealed until the advert was finally aired shortly before Christmas.
Biff later made appearances on the Big Fat Quiz of the Decade in 2020 and also starred in Hollywood film Show Dogs at the iconic Pinewoods studios.
Biff had been retired since he turned 10 and spent the last couple of years enjoying walks with Jan and his other canine siblings.
His death comes just weeks after John Lewis released their 2022 Christmas advert in collaboration with Action for Children and Who Cares? Scotland.
Speaking today (TUE) a spokesman for John Lewis said: “We’re very sorry to hear of Buster’s passing, and will remember fondly how he brought to life the story of our 2016 Christmas campaign.”
