Sad News

It is with much sadness that I have to share this news with you. Moose the dog, better known as Eddie in US sitcom Frasier, has died aged 16 in Los Angeles, his trainer has said.

The Jack Russell terrier passed away of old age last week at trainer Mathilde Halberg's home, she told People magazine and the Access Hollywood show.

"He just had an incredible charisma and was a such a free spirit," Ms Halberg said of Moose, who appeared in 192 Frasier episodes from 1993.

Moose shared the part of Eddie with his son, Enzo.

He made his first appearance on the long-running Cheers spin-off in the first episode on 16 September 1993, retiring 10 years later in 2003. The show finished in 2004.

His fictional owner, retired policeman Marty Crane (John Mahoney), announced the dog's full name was Eddie Spaghetti: "Because he has worms."

Moose's ability to stare at lead actor Kelsey Grammer for extended periods became a running joke on the programme.

Moose was renowned for being able to stare at Kelsey Grammer
When he had to lick his co-stars, however, liver pate was dabbed behind their ears to achieve the required response, Mahoney once revealed.

During the height of Frasier's popularity, Moose received more fan mail than any of his human counterparts.

"He's like a robot," Mahoney told Animal Press magazine in 1994. "A consummate professional who works hard learning his tricks."

Moose also played the title role in 2000 film My Dog Skip.

According to Ms Halberg, Moose was 16-and-a-half when he died on Thursday.