Heartfelt Farewell from ‘The Walking Dead’ Cast as They Mourn the Loss of Beloved Canine Star, Seven

Farewell from 'The Walking Dead' Cast to Seven
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The Walking Dead community is mourning the loss of Seven, the dog who portrayed Dog, Daryl Dixon’s loyal companion, on the popular AMC series.

Seven’s passing was confirmed by the show’s official X account, which simply stated, “Rest in Peace, Seven. #TWD’s best boy,” alongside a photo gallery capturing moments from the set.

Norman Reedus, who played Daryl Dixon, led the heartfelt tributes. On Instagram, he shared photos with Seven and wrote, “Gonna miss u seven. Best TV buddy ever,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

Reedus, who had long wanted his character to have a dog, finally got his wish in Season 9 when Daryl adopted Dog after Leah, the original owner, left him behind.

Introduced in the Season 9 episode Stradivarius in 2018, Seven quickly became a fan favorite. Over 25 episodes, his portrayal of Dog provided Daryl with a loyal and courageous sidekick.

Director David Boyd praised Seven’s exceptional talent, calling him a dog with a “brain” and “acting spirit.” Boyd recalled his initial skepticism about working with an animal actor, which quickly turned to admiration as Seven consistently delivered flawless performances.

The Belgian Malinois, a breed known for its intelligence and relentless work ethic, was an ideal fit for the role. Developed in the Belgian city of Malines, the Malinois is one of four varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. Boyd highlighted the breed’s determination, noting that Malinois are so driven that they can exhaust themselves if not carefully managed.

The news of Seven’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from the Walking Dead family.

Angela Kang, the final showrunner of the series, reposted the announcement with the comment, “RIP Seven,” accompanied by a crying face emoji. Cast members Lynn Collins (Leah), Khary Payton (Ezekiel), Sabrina Gennarino (Tamiel), and Yvette Nicole Brown (host of the Talking Dead aftershow) also shared their condolences and memories.

Norman Reedus frequently spoke about his bond with Seven. In interviews, he recounted how the dog’s unpredictable yet endearing behavior often led to unexpectedly poignant scenes.

“We just did a scene the other day that ended up being the opposite of what it was supposed to be because the dog just wanted to do something else, and it came out so much better,” Reedus shared. “He’ll probably be running the show. It’s great! I love it. He loves me, too.”

Seven’s contribution to “The Walking Dead” went beyond acting; he symbolized loyalty and companionship in a world plagued by chaos. His portrayal of Dog will forever be remembered by the show’s community and its fans.

Norman Reedus, who continues to captivate audiences with roles in various projects, including the upcoming “John Wick” spin-off “Ballerina,” remains dedicated to his craft. Despite the physical demands and grueling fight scenes in his new role, Reedus’s commitment to delivering high-octane performances mirrors the dedication he showed in “The Walking Dead.”