Cesar Millan, ‘Dog Whisperer’ Was an Illegal Immigrant

When the “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan was 13 years old, he told his mother he wanted to be a dog trainer. After he turned 21 years old, he went to his mother on December 23 and told his mother that he was leaving.

His mother shocked asked him where he was going being the next day was Christmas. Millan responded to his mother that he was going to the United States to follow his dream.

Millan said his father gave him $100 to help pay a man to illegally cross the border from Mazatlán, Mexico, into California. He said the journey was incredibly dangerous.

Millan said there is a considerable amount of crime along the Mexican border. Once an individual gets to the border, it is easy to be taken advantage of.

One can be kidnapped and sold, or be killed for their organs. He also said it is more likely to get killed trying to get to the border than by jumping over a border wall.

After getting into the USA, he lived in San Diego, under the freeway on the streets. Millan said he loved on hot dogs he bought from a convenience store. He remembered that he could buy for 99 cents two hot dogs. “That meant in America; you have to survive on $1.”

When Millan entered the United States, he was hired to clean dog kennels and started to walk dogs in Inglewood, California.

Later, he founded the Pacific Point Canine Academy. One of his first clients was the actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who provided him with a tutor to help him learn English.

The Los Angeles Times wrote an article about Millan in 2002, who said he wanted his own television show. MPH Entertainment heard about him and developed the pilot for “Dog Whisperer.”

The television show debuted on Sept. 13, 2004, on the National Geographic Channel, and lasted until 2012.

Milan became a Citizen of the USA in 2009.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

Fox News: Cesar Millan, the ‘Dog Whisperer’ illegally crossed the border with only $100 in his pocket
News Max: Cesar Millan, ‘Dog Whisperer,’ Entered US Illegally at Age 13
NPR: Cesar Millan’s Long Walk To Becoming The ‘Dog Whisperer’

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